We're midway through July, and the NFL preseason is approaching. Every NFL season brings immense pressure to the starting quarterbacks. Quarterbacks are expected to lead, they get paid more than any other position, and they are overprotected by the league.

Every quarterback listed below was a first round draft pick.

Excuse time is over. These five quarterbacks will be under the most pressure this season.

5. Alex Smith

The Kansas City Chiefs may have their best opportunity to win the AFC West in the Andy Reid era this season. The Chiefs have a good defense, and arguably the best running back in Jamaal Charles, but Alex Smith has yet show he can make the clutch throws. Since arriving in Kansas City, Smith is 0-4 against the Denver Broncos. Now he will have Jeremy Maclin as a target, and it's time for him to improve his deep throws. Smith is scheduled to make over $14 million next season.

4. Johnny Manziel

This is a tough one because there's no telling how much playing time Johnny Manziel will get. At the moment, Manziel is far more known for his money sign, off the field controversies, and even giving the middle finger to the opposing team during a game. Time to start acting like a professional Manziel. Brian Hoyer is now with the Houston Texans, so an open quarterback competition would seem appropriate. Manziel will have the chance to prove himself in the preseason if he wants that starting job for the Cleveland Browns this year.

3. Robert Griffin III

This is an easy one. It is time for Robert Griffin to stop blaming everyone else and start living up to the Heisman Trophy winner and Rookie of the Year he once was. Daniel Snyder already fired Mike Shanahan, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach, to satisfy "RG3" and his father. This Redskins team has the best deep threat in the league in DeSean Jackson, and a great running back in Alfred Morris. Griffin threw four touchdowns and six interceptions last year, and incredibly he has just one total rushing touchdown the last two seasons with 20 fumbles.

2. Geno Smith

There's always more pressure on a starting quarterback when he plays in New York City, or in this case East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Jets have added Brandon Marshall to the roster, and they have probably the most underrated defense in the league. Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie could create the best secondary in the NFL. Now it's time to score some points. Geno Smith has thrown 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in his first two seasons, and his accuracy hasn't shown any improvement whatsoever. Smith still has two years left on his rookie contract where he will earn just over $1.1 million in base salary combined. Time to play big on the field if you want that big future contract.

1. E.J. Manuel

It's kind of unfortunate for E.J. Manuel because he should have never been a first round draft pick. But he was. The Buffalo Bills have an elite defense, a good offensive line, one of the best young wide receivers in Sammy Watkins, and Tom Brady will miss a quarter of the season. The Bills also acquired LeSean McCoy from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason via trade. Manuel was benched last season for Kyle Orton, but he retired. This Bills team is just a quarterback away from making a playoff splash. Time for Manuel to perform like a No. 16 overall pick.

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