Evaluating NFL Draft Quarterback Mistakes
The NFL Draft has always revolved significantly around the quarterback position. It’s not just an occasional theme; it’s a defining aspect of the sport. Over the years, choosing the right quarterback has proven to be crucial, potentially transforming a team’s fortunes. Look at the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes, the Buffalo Bills with Josh Allen, and the Cincinnati Bengals with Joe Burrow. There’s a pattern, and it’s quite striking.
But what happens when a team misses the mark on a quarterback? The fallout can be quite severe. Wasting a season on an underperforming quarterback can hinder a team’s progress for years. Often, this leads to a cycle of attempts to remedy a desperate need for a franchise QB, leaving fans wondering about the “what ifs.”
Take the San Diego Chargers’ choice of Ryan Leaf—an infamous decision that still lingers in NFL discussions. However, if we concentrate on the last two decades, there are plenty of other notable blunders.
JaMarcus Russell, 2007 No. 1 Overall Pick — Oakland Raiders
The 2007 NFL Draft is often seen as a historic class, boasting several Hall of Famers, like Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, and Patrick Willis. Amid that talent, the Raiders opted for JaMarcus Russell as their first pick. Unfortunately for them, this decision has gone down in history as one of the franchise’s biggest flops.
From the get-go, Russell displayed a troubling lack of fundamental skills needed for a quarterback. He had an impressive arm, sure, but his mobility and decision-making left much to be desired. In just three seasons, he completed around 50% of his passes, throwing 18 touchdowns against 23 interceptions. His passer rating? A forgettable 65.1. Ultimately, he never even got a second chance in the NFL.
Jake Locker, 2011 8th Overall Pick — Tennessee Titans
Yet the Titans were convinced he was still their guy, which quickly backfired. He ended up plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, only starting 23 games in four years and finishing with 27 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. It wasn’t pretty.
EJ Manuel, 16th Overall Pick in 2013 — Buffalo Bills
In what could very well be regarded as one of the biggest blunders in NFL history, the Bills made the desperation choice to draft EJ Manuel in 2013. The QB class was generally weak that year, but Buffalo, faced with a lack of options, chose Manuel over others like Geno Smith.
While there might be a version of history where Manuel thrived, the reality was that he struggled under pressure and lacked the accuracy to make NFL caliber throws. Oddly, the comparisons to other quarterbacks were not flattering, leaving many to question the decision drastically.
Johnny Manziel, 22nd Overall Pick in 2014 — Cleveland Browns
“Johnny Football,” indeed. Selecting Manziel became a notable mistake for the Browns, as they ignored the numerous red flags surrounding him. Despite his college accolades, the lack of interest from other teams should have raised alarms.
He was, metaphorically speaking, a dish that looked good on the menu but proved to be unpalatable. His approach to learning the game was lackluster, and he failed to adapt to the demands of the NFL. Expectedly, the off-field issues that ensued were nothing short of a disaster.
Zach Wilson, 2021 No. 2 Overall Pick — New York Jets
Zach Wilson’s path is an interesting case. Observers could sense a potential bust leading up to the draft, and the expectations were comically unrealistic when compared to established quarterbacks. At BYU, his throw accuracy was questionable, exposing a worrying trend in his play.
Regrettably, since being let go by the Jets, Wilson has had a rough time continuing in the NFL, prompting offers from various teams to consider coaching. Yet, it’s hard to deny that he’s managed to profit from his time in the league.
Trey Lance, 2021 No. 3 Overall Pick — San Francisco 49ers
A fascinating decision, Lance’s selection saw the 49ers move up early in the process. There was a general anticipation around choosing a quarterback that fit Coach Kyle Shanahan’s vision. However, with hindsight, it’s apparent they might have overstepped their ambitions, especially given the success of others in the same draft.
Lance was always projected to require development, but the timing felt rushed. Ultimately, his struggles led the team to reconsider their choices, especially in light of missed opportunities for other talented players.
Kenny Pickett, 16th Overall Pick in 2022 — Pittsburgh Steelers
When the Steelers picked Pickett, it felt a bit like a last-resort move. Under pressure to secure a quarterback, they may have acted too hastily. Questions loomed as to whether he would truly excel or just fill a gap. In retrospect, there were better options the team could have explored instead, as passing on other talented players proved to be a bigger miss.
Anthony Richardson, 2023 4th Overall Pick — Indianapolis Colts
Richardson’s future is tricky to gauge at this point. Unless something shifts dramatically in his performance, he risks being seen as another misfire in a long line of quarterback selections. He was celebrated as an athletic prospect but still faces challenges in critical aspects of his game. There’s hope for a turnaround; still, the path forward is looking uncertain.
