Schultz: One scout's midseason breakdown of five key quarterbacks

We're over halfway through the season, and the quarterback play league-wide has been surprisingly varied. I caught up with a long-time NFL scout to break down five notable quarterbacks - both good and bad. His insights might surprise you.

Russell Wilson

"Russell Wilson hasn't played well, but I don't put all of it on him. I don't think he's been healthy. I'd want to see him throwing down the field too, but his shorter stuff isn't there either. He's been throwing to twos and threes most of the year. Losing (Javonte) Williams really hurt - he's a dynamic guy. They need him on third down.

"(Head coach Nathaniel) Hackett's a nice guy. Players like him. I just don't think he was ready to be a head coach. It's easier to look back, however many months later, but they probably needed to have hired someone with NFL head coaching experience."

Daniel Jones

"I wasn't his biggest fan at Duke, but I don't know how you watch him now and don't like him. I think, unlike in Denver, coaching has helped him. (Brian) Daboll was a great hire because he was the right hire. His temperament and feel for people (have) made all the difference inside that building.

"I don't think I realized how good an athlete Jones is back there. I thought he was stiff. He's not as fast as (Justin) Fields, but he can run. He's smart. He's more confident and more aware of holding onto the football this season. They've gotta pay him this offseason."

(The Giants declined Jones' fifth-year option, so he's a free agent at the end of the campaign.)

Geno Smith

"Geno is the surprise. He's what, 32, 33, and he's not just improved, he's like a different player. He's winning games for (Seattle). He's making how many clutch throws?

"I don't know what was going on with Wilson those last few years, but this feels like a different vibe. Again, it's the checks he's making before the play. You can't do that unless you're confident, and you're not confident unless you've prepared. Geno's both. It's a fascinating luxury, or dilemma maybe, for Pete (Carroll) and John (Schneider) because they really don't have to go quarterback in the draft. But also, the rest of the team doesn't have many holes. That's the path to them getting better over the next few years with Geno, assuming they give him the extension."

(Smith has been playing on one-year contracts since 2017.)

Matt Ryan

"I'd be surprised if Matt Ryan comes back next year. They owe him a ton of money, so I guess it wouldn't be like a total shock, but I don't know how much is left for him. His arm is shot, he can't move, and they can't block. I like Jeff (Saturday, the new head coach). I don't know if he'll succeed, but I like him personally. It does sound like Matt's gonna be the guy the rest of the season."

(Ryan is owed $12 million in cash for 2023 but carries a cap hit of $35.2 million, according to OverTheCap. He'll count for $18 million against the cap if he's cut before June 1.)

Patrick Mahomes

"Mahomes might be the best I've ever seen. Full package. His arm talent is off the charts. He's very smart, but his feel is a separator. But also, his feet and accuracy are separators. He's the MVP.

"(With Mecole Hardman going on injured reserve), that (Kadarius) Toney trade was key to me, not only for right now but for the future. We liked him coming out of school. He's such a natural once he touches it - he's elusive for even good tackling corners. Andy (Reid) must have been salivating to get him."

Jordan Schultz is theScore's NFL insider and senior NBA reporter. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.