ESPN NFL

Who are the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL?

Joe Theismann's Top Five
1. Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers: Batch never makes waves when he's sitting on the sideline, but when he's on the field you can see how well he knows the Steelers' offense. There is only a very small drop-off from Ben Roethlisberger to Batch when it comes to on-field production.

David Garrard

Quarterback Jacksonville Jaguars Profile

2006 SEASON STATISTICS Cmp Att Yds Pct TD Int 145 241 1735 60.2 10 9

2. David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars: This kid is going to be a starter somewhere eventually because he's just too good to be a backup for long. He showed last season that he can handle a team for a long stretch of time and he got better every week. I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't on this list next season because he's starting.

3. Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals: Who wouldn't want their backup quarterback to be a former MVP who has a Super Bowl ring from when he was a starter? Warner's greatest gift, though, is his ability to mentor and lead a younger quarterback through the fire. You can see him on the sidelines talking to the starting quarterback, encouraging him and keeping his head in the game.

4. Brian Griese, Chicago Bears: There are some who believe Griese should've started in the playoffs over the wildly inconsistent Rex Grossman. Griese has proved his mettle over the years and could have a shot at beating Grossman out for the starting job this season.

5. Brad Johnson, Dallas Cowboys: He should bring a solid, veteran feel to the Cowboys. I see him being a great mentor to Tony Romo, but if push comes to shove Johnson can get out on the field and make it happen.