The NFL Draft is a big gamble. Teams do their best to find fresh new talent that can help them achieve a better run in the season. Of all the roles, quarterbacks are the most important during the Draft. While some quarterbacks get picked early and shine bright immediately, others who get chosen late may surprise everyone.
From Patrick Mahomes to Tom Brady, every round has produced gems. Let’s dive into the best quarterback picks from each round.
1) First Round: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs, 2017)
The Chiefs traded up to snag Mahomes 10th overall in 2017. He sat out a year, then lit up the NFL. “I just try to make plays,” Mahomes said. His rocket arm and improvisation are unmatched. In 2020, he threw for 4,740 yards, 38 touchdowns, and six interceptions, earning Super Bowl LIV MVP. He’s won three Super Bowls, two NFL MVPs, and has 28,424+ passing yards by age 30. Mahomes’ 112.5 passer rating over his first 25 starts is among the best.
2) Second Round: Drew Brees (San Diego Chargers, 2001)
Drew Brees, picked 32nd in 2001, was doubted for his height. The Chargers took him anyway. His pinpoint accuracy reshaped offenses. With the Saints, he threw for 80,358 career yards, second all-time, and 571 touchdowns. In 2009, he led New Orleans to a Super Bowl win, earning MVP honors with 288 yards and two touchdowns. Brees set the single-season completion record (74.4%) in 2018. His 100.0 playoff passer rating is some of the best the sport has ever seen.
3) Third Round: Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks, 2012)
Russell Wilson, selected 75th in 2012, faced height concerns. The Seahawks saw his spark. He went 11-5 as a rookie, throwing for 3,118 yards and 26 touchdowns. He led Seattle to a Super Bowl XLVIII rout, posting a 123.1 passer rating. Wilson’s 47,135+ career passing yards and 32 fourth-quarter comebacks rank among active leaders. His 95.3 playoff passer rating has set a benchmark.
4) Fourth Round: Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys, 2016)
Dak Prescott was nabbed 135th in 2016, but he was a Cowboys afterthought. He started as a rookie, throwing for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns. Prescott is a three-time Pro Bowler; he’s led the NFL’s top-scoring offense. Prescott’s 29,459+ career passing yards and 202 touchdowns shine. In 2023, he threw for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns, though a hamstring injury cut his season short. His 67.7% completion rate and 357 rushing yards 2018 show his dual-threat grit.
5) Fifth Round: Sam Howell (Washington Commanders, 2022)
Sam Howell was picked 144th in 2022. The Commanders liked his arm strength. In 2023, he threw for 3,946 yards but struggled with 21 interceptions and 65 sacks. Still, he’s the only fifth-round QB since 1994 with a 2,000-yard season. Howell’s shown flashes, like a 397-yard game against Philly. He was traded to Seattle in 2024,
6) Sixth Round: Tom Brady (New England Patriots, 2000)
Brady was drafted 199th in 2000. He is considered the greatest steal ever. Brady’s 89,214 passing yards and 649 touchdowns are NFL records. He won seven Super Bowls, five Super Bowl MVPs, and has 35 playoff wins, more than most franchises. His 82.7 passer rating in 14 conference championships shows clutch mastery. Brady’s legacy is untouchable.
KEEP READING: How Many Wide Receivers Have Been Selected No. 1 Overall in NFL Draft History?
7) Seventh Round: Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers, 2022)
Brock Purdy, the 262nd pick in 2022, was “Mr. Irrelevant.” However, he became a star when he stepped in for the 49ers. He went 17-4 as a starter, reaching the Super Bowl. In 2023, he led the NFL with a 113.0 passer rating, throwing for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns. His 112.6 rating over his first 25 starts tops NFL history. Purdy’s quick reads and potential fit Shanahan’s system ideally.
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