Every Current Starting NFL QB Drafted Outside the First Round: Could Shedeur Sanders Join the List?

Not every NFL star starts out with the buzz of a first-round pick. Some of the best quarterbacks in the league were overlooked early but proved themselves with hard work and talent. They made the most of every opportunity they got. This could be the case for Shedeur Sanders, the 14th overall pick by the Browns in this year’s draft.

Sanders might not have had the smoothest draft experience, but the ups and downs only helped bring him into the spotlight. His path has been full of challenges, but it’s clear that he’s set up for a bright future. Looking at the stories of current NFL stars, there are several who slipped past the first round. Could Sanders become the next late-round success story?

NFL Starters Who Slipped Past Round 1: QBs Drafted Outside the First Round

Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders (Rd. 2, Pk. 39)

Geno Smith was picked 39th overall in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Today, he’s the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, a team he joined earlier this year after a trade from the Seattle Seahawks—a big change for both sides.

Smith’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been inspiring. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and won the AP Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022. His story proves that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to rise again and succeed no matter the obstacles.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (Rd. 4, Pk. 135)

Dak Prescott wasn’t even a top draft pick. In 2016, the Dallas Cowboys selected him 135th overall in the fourth round. But that didn’t stop him from becoming a star.

Prescott stepped up as a rookie and never looked back. He quickly became the Cowboys’ starting quarterback and has led the team ever since. With several Pro Bowl nods and playoff runs, he’s proved himself on the field.

In 2021, he signed a massive four-year deal with a $60 million annual salary, becoming the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history at the time. His journey shows that draft position doesn’t define success. Talent, heart, and hard work do.

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (Rd. 2, Pk. 53)

Jalen Hurts was selected 53rd overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite being a second-round pick, Hurts made a huge impact.

In 2023, he signed a groundbreaking five-year, $255 million extension with the Eagles. This shows just how valuable he has become to the team in just a few short years.

His defining moment came in the 2022 season when he led the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. That performance firmly established him as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His outstanding play earned him a Pro Bowl selection and recognition as one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (Rd. 7, Pk. 262)

Brock Purdy was selected as the last overall pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, earning the title of “Mr. Irrelevant.” But since joining the 49ers, Purdy’s rise from the last pick to a key player has been marvelous.

Purdy stepped in as a rookie when other quarterbacks got injured and quickly showed his skills. He led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in his first season. Now, he’s considered one of the most dependable quarterbacks in the league.

Currently Purdy’s camp is working on a contract that could make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks, with predictions ranging from $50 million to $60 million per year.

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Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders has the potential to become another late-round success story. Known for his precise passing and clutch moments at Colorado, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and led the FBS with a 74% completion rate during his senior season.

Some might question why he wasn’t picked earlier. But draft position doesn’t always tell the full story. Want proof?

Browns training camp is still 10 days away, but Shedeur is already in the town, working hard and getting a head start. That kind of dedication shows he’s serious about earning his place.