Photo: Dan Marino led the top QB class in NFL history
Ranking The Top 5 Greatest Quarterback Draft Classes in NFL History
Quarterback is the no-brainer most important position in football. Throughout NFL history, there have been some truly elite quarterbacks who have left a lasting impact on the league. We'll check out the top 5 greatest quarterback draft classes in the modern age, paying particular attention to the longevity and overall production.
1. The Golden Age: The 1983 Quarterbacks Class
The 1983 NFL Draft class produced a group of quarterbacks who helped define the position and set the standard for future generations. Here are some of the most notable quarterbacks from the 1983 class:
- John Elway - Drafted 1st overall by the Denver Broncos, Elway played 16 seasons in the NFL, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and leading the Broncos to two Super Bowl victories. Elway is also known for his legendary comeback in Super Bowl XXXII, leading the Broncos to victory despite being underdogs against the Green Bay Packers.
- Dan Marino - Selected 27th overall by the Miami Dolphins, Marino played 17 seasons in the NFL, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and setting numerous passing records. Marino is known for his quick release and strong arm, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
- Jim Kelly - Chosen 14th overall by the Buffalo Bills, Kelly played 11 seasons in the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections and leading the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Kelly is known for his toughness and leadership, and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in Bills history.
2. Top of the round: The 2004 Quarterbacks Class
The 2004 NFL Draft class produced a group of quarterbacks who have already cemented their place in football history. Here are some of the most prominent quarterbacks from the 2004 class:
- Eli Manning - Drafted 1st overall by the San Diego Chargers and traded to the New York Giants, Manning played 16 seasons in the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl selections and leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories over the New England Patriots. Manning is known for his clutch performances in big games and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Giants quarterbacks of all time.
- Ben Roethlisberger - Selected 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Roethlisberger has played 17 seasons in the NFL, earning two Super Bowl victories and six Pro Bowl selections. Roethlisberger is known for his toughness and ability to extend plays, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Steelers quarterbacks of all time.
- Philip Rivers - Chosen 4th overall by the New York Giants and traded to the San Diego Chargers, Rivers played 17 seasons in the NFL, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and finishing his career with over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. Rivers is known for his fiery competitiveness and leadership, and is considered one of the greatest Chargers quarterbacks of all time.
4. The Super Bowl Winners: The 1999 Quarterbacks Class
The 1999 NFL Draft class produced a group of quarterbacks who led their teams to Super Bowl victories and left a lasting impact on the league. Here are some of the most notable quarterbacks from the 1999 class:
- Kurt Warner - Undrafted out of Northern Iowa, Warner became the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams in 1999 and led the team to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. Warner also won two NFL MVP awards and is known for his accuracy and clutch performances in big games.
- Donovan McNabb - Drafted 2nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, McNabb played 13 seasons in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections and leading the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance. McNabb is known for his mobility and ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs.
- Draft pick number 3 - TBD
5. The Record Breakers: The 2012 Quarterbacks Class
The 2012 NFL Draft class produced a group of quarterbacks who have shattered records and changed the way the position is played. Here are some of the most notable quarterbacks from the 2012 class:
- Andrew Luck - Drafted 1st overall by the Indianapolis Colts, Luck played six seasons in the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl selections and leading the Colts to three playoff appearances. Luck is known for his intelligence and athleticism, as well as his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions.
- Robert Griffin III - Chosen 2nd overall by the Washington Redskins, Griffin played seven seasons in the NFL, earning one Pro Bowl selection and setting numerous rookie records. Griffin is known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs.
- Russell Wilson - Selected 75th overall by the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson has played nine seasons in the NFL, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and leading the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances and one victory. Wilson is known for his mobility and ability to extend plays, as well as his leadership and poise under pressure.