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Thursday Round-Up: How Will Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson Rank in 2021?

A daily link round of what's "out there" about the Seattle Seahawks.

Good afternoon, 12s.

Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Thursday, June 30 - about your Seattle Seahawks:

Best By 2021: Luck, Newton, or Wilson?

Andrew Luck inked a new six-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, meaning the NFL's young quarterback trio of Luck, the Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton, and Seahawks' Russell Wilson are locked up by their respective clubs for the next several years.

Among the eight football minds sharing thoughts on the subject, a case is made for each athlete. Here's what a few of them had to say about why Wilson will rank No. 1 in 2021:

Willie McGinest: Wilson's consistency, Newton's maturity should keep them on top

I would rank these three players as follows: Russell Wilson, Cam Newton and Andrew Luck. Wilson is the top dog because he is the most consistent one of the three and gives his team an opportunity to score every time he touches the ball. He has played in a pair of Super Bowls, winning one, so he can play well and win in big games. Newton has always had the talent, but he has continually improved his pocket awareness and controlling his accuracy. The 2015 MVP has matured as a quarterback and captain, which has elevated his game. Luck has a lot of upside and potential as a smart and talented quarterback. However, he hasn't shown consistency and has way too many turnovers -- throwing 12 picks in just seven games in 2015. Based on what I've seen from these three quarterbacks so far in their careers, I can't justify putting Luck above Wilson and Newton.

Bucky Brooks: Thanks to supporting cast, Luck will keep chasing Wilson, Newton

By 2021, I believe we will rank the Big Three in the following order: 1) Russell Wilson, 2) Cam Newton, 3) Andrew Luck. Since quarterbacks are ultimately judged by rings and wins, I believe Wilson and Newton will continue to rank ahead of Luck due to their superior supporting casts. Wilson has arguably the best defense in football behind him, which alleviates the pressure on him to play at an A-plus level each week. He can simply "manage" the game and rack up wins. Newton is in a similar situation in Carolina, with Luke Kuechly and a core of young defensive talent providing a strong support system. On offense, the Panthers have surrounded Newton with big-bodied pass catchers who can expand the strike zone, along with some speedsters who can enhance Newton's deep-ball ability. With a strong running game and solid offensive line also in place, Newton and the Panthers are positioned to be contenders for the foreseeable future. I don't believe Luck has enough around him to maximize his talents. Although he has pass catchers around him, the Colts' suspect offensive line and non-existent running game places too much responsibility on him to carry the offensive load. With a defense that lacks the firepower to get stops, the Colts' franchise quarterback will post big numbers but rarely achieve the team success needed to be considered the top guy in the class.

Elliot Harrison: Wilson's prowess as a passer gives him the slight edge

1) Russell Wilson, 2a) Andrew Luck, 2b) Cam Newton. That's how I see the ranking in 2021. Remember, quarterbacks are judged by winning, and particularly Super Bowls. Personally, I have always gone against that trend. Yet, I think the fact Wilson has already won one Super Bowl, started another and still has the opportunity to start more with that Seahawks nucleus puts him in a unique position. He is also a more efficient passer than Luck or Newton. After all, his career passer rating (101.8) is second only to Aaron Rodgers' (104.1) all time. Choosing between Luck and Newton ... yeesh. I believe Luck will run less, thus limiting his injury risk. Yes, Luck ranks up there with the NFL's elite in athleticism, but the backlash he's received from exposing his body unnecessarily and throwing picks will be the best thing for him. Rein it in more, press less. He still sees the field and has as much command of what's going on as anyone. Let's not forget how good Luck was out of the gate. Expectations are through the roof. We can't be victims of the moment with him, or Newton, for that matter. Newton earned that 2015 MVP. It wasn't close. But a big part of his game is still running, specifically in the red zone. QBs take off less as they age. While he was fantastic last year, I think we need to see more before saying he's a better passer than Wilson or Luck. Questions abound regarding his leadership post- Super Bowl, but I think Newton will move past that noise. The question for me is whether his passing effectiveness will bely the gradual decline in his running effectiveness.

Tweet Of The Day

Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from NFL Canada, which shares video of Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Ring of Honor member Jim Zorn tossing passes to tight end Luke Willson ... on a boat.

More From Around The Web

Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle catches up with Doug Baldwin one day after the wideout signed a four-year extension with the club.

Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and quarterback Russell Wilson were both unveiled in the Top 20 of NFL Network's countdown of the Top 100 Players of 2016 last night.

Dave Boling at the Tacoma News Tribune wonders if Doug Baldwin has what it takes to have a Steve-Largent type career with the Seahawks.

Brady Henderson at 710Sports.com continues to look at the 25 most intriguing Seahawks heading into training camp, highlighting receiver Paul Richardson at No. 23. 

A look back at some of the best moments from the Seahawks career of wide receiver Doug Baldwin.

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