Backup Quarterback Rankings Show How Far Drew Lock Has Come

Drew Lock is one of the most reliable backups in the game.

by Bryce Lazenby

Sep 24, 2026

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock is Sam Darnold's backup

Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks saw their star quarterback go down in Week 1, which is pretty much the worst-case scenario for a contending team.

Luckily, the Seahawks seem like they’re going to come away scot-free. It turns out, Sam Darnold’s injury isn’t as serious as thought, and Drew Lock has been playing out of his mind as the backup.

Lock led the Seahawks to a win over the New England Patriots in Week 1, and then easily dismantled the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. In two games, Lock has completed 72.9% of his passes for 422 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.

It’s hard to expect any more out of a backup. It shows just how good the Seahawks are, but it also shows just how good Lock is. Recent backup quarterback rankings also prove just how improve Lock is proving to be.

Backup QB Rankings Feature Lock Among League’s Best

Steve Roberts - Imagn Images

Gilberto Manzano of SI recently ranked all 32 backup passers in the league.

Predictably, Lock found himself near the top, behind only Mac Jones of the 49ers and Joe Flacco of the Bengals. Notably, Lock was No. 17 in Manzano’s previous rankings.

“Lock shot up in these rankings, going from No. 17 to third, because he knows how to make his life easier. When in doubt, Lock has turned to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the results have been sensational since taking over for the injured Darnold,” Manzano explained. “Lock connected with Smith-Njigba on a 45-yard touchdown during a critical fourth down in the victory over the Patriots in Week 1. Then Lock opened the win against the Cardinals last week with an 82-yard touchdown to the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.

As Manzano mentioned, Lock is excelling because he’s not trying to do too much. The quarterback is simply going through his progressions, taking what the defense gives him, and not turning the ball over.

“The best backups make the most of their surroundings, and Lock has done just that since Darnold exited with a glute injury early in the season opener,” Manzano added.

It hasn’t always been this way for Lock, either. The quarterback was a second-round pick of the Broncos and it was hoped that he’d be the future. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out there, and they didn’t work out when Lock played for the Giants, either.

Now, Lock has found a home in Seattle and rebuilt his value. The ironic thing is that Darnold followed a very similar trajectory. Now, we’ll have to see if Lock can be the next surprise star quarterback.