Top QB Draft Classes In NFL History

The NFL Draft is always a highly anticipated event, especially when it's loaded with quarterback prospects. The success of a franchise often hinges on finding that franchise quarterback, and some draft classes have been particularly rich in QB talent. So, let's dive into some of the best QB draft classes in NFL history, examining what made them special and the impact these quarterbacks had on the league. — Colorado Football Recruiting: 247's Inside Look

1. The Legendary 1983 NFL Draft

When you talk about quarterback draft classes, the 1983 NFL Draft immediately comes to mind. Seriously, guys, this class is legendary! Why? Because it produced not one, not two, but three Hall of Fame quarterbacks. That's right, three! Let’s break it down. First up, we have John Elway, who was selected first overall by the Baltimore Colts but famously refused to play for them, leading to a trade to the Denver Broncos. Elway went on to lead the Broncos to multiple Super Bowl appearances, finally securing two championships before retiring. His clutch performances and incredible arm talent made him a household name and a Broncos legend. Then there's Jim Kelly, who initially opted to play in the USFL before joining the Buffalo Bills. Kelly led the Bills to an unprecedented four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Though they didn't win any, Kelly's toughness, leadership, and no-huddle offense revolutionized the game and made the Bills a dominant force in the early 1990s. Last but not least, we have Dan Marino, who was surprisingly the sixth quarterback taken in the draft. Marino landed with the Miami Dolphins and immediately lit up the league with his quick release and incredible accuracy. He set numerous passing records and led the Dolphins to a Super Bowl appearance in his second season. Although he never won a Super Bowl, Marino's impact on the game is undeniable, and he remains one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play. Besides these three Hall of Famers, the 1983 draft also included quarterbacks like Tony Eason and Ken O'Brien, who had respectable NFL careers. The sheer depth and quality of quarterbacks from this draft class make it the gold standard by which all others are measured. It's a class that provided decades of memorable moments and shaped the landscape of the NFL for years to come.

2. The Quarterback Bonanza of 2004

The 2004 NFL Draft was another quarterback bonanza, producing several players who would become household names. This class is notable for its high hit rate and the longevity of its top quarterbacks. Leading the pack is Eli Manning, selected first overall by the San Diego Chargers but traded to the New York Giants. Manning led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories, both against the New England Patriots, earning him two Super Bowl MVP awards. While he was often criticized for his inconsistency, Manning's Super Bowl heroics cemented his place in Giants' history and the NFL record books. Right behind him was Philip Rivers, taken fourth overall by the Giants and then traded to the San Diego Chargers (as part of the Eli Manning deal). Rivers was a consistent performer for the Chargers, known for his toughness, fiery competitiveness, and prolific passing numbers. He never reached a Super Bowl, but he was a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the most productive quarterbacks of his era. Ben Roethlisberger**, drafted 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers, completes the trio of stars from this class. Roethlisberger led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories and was known for his size, strength, and ability to extend plays. He was a mainstay in Pittsburgh for 18 seasons and retired as one of the franchise's all-time greats. While these three quarterbacks are the headliners, the 2004 draft also included other quarterbacks like J.P. Losman and Matt Schaub, who had varying degrees of success in the league. However, the sustained success and impact of Manning, Rivers, and Roethlisberger make this class one of the best in NFL history. Their combined accolades, longevity, and contributions to their respective teams solidify the 2004 draft as a truly special one.

3. The Dual-Threat Dynamo of 2012

The 2012 NFL Draft brought a new breed of quarterbacks to the forefront, characterized by their athleticism and dual-threat capabilities. This class featured quarterbacks who could not only throw the ball effectively but also make plays with their legs. Leading the way is Andrew Luck, selected first overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Luck was touted as a generational talent, and he lived up to the hype early in his career, leading the Colts to playoff appearances and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to injuries, but his potential and impact during his time in the league were undeniable. Russell Wilson, drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks, quickly emerged as the star of this class. Wilson led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in his second season and established himself as one of the league's premier quarterbacks. Known for his mobility, accuracy, and leadership, Wilson has been a consistent performer throughout his career. Robert Griffin III, drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins, had a promising rookie season, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, injuries derailed his career, and he was never able to recapture his early success. Despite the varying career trajectories of these quarterbacks, the 2012 draft class is notable for its impact on the game. Luck and Wilson, in particular, have redefined what it means to be a successful quarterback in the modern NFL, showcasing the importance of mobility and athleticism. This class also included quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill, who has had a solid career with the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans, further adding to the depth of talent from 2012. — Lakota OneLogin: Student Guide & Secure Access

4. The Modern Marvels of 2017

The 2017 NFL Draft is another class that is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best in recent memory, thanks to the emergence of several young stars. This class is defined by its potential and the high ceilings of its top quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes, selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, has already established himself as one of the league's most electrifying players. Mahomes has won multiple MVP awards and led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl victories, showcasing his incredible arm talent and improvisational skills. He is revolutionizing the quarterback position with his no-look passes and ability to make plays from any angle. Deshaun Watson, drafted 12th overall by the Houston Texans, also showed immense promise early in his career, demonstrating his dual-threat abilities and leading the Texans to playoff appearances. However, his career has been marred by off-field issues. Mitchell Trubisky, drafted second overall by the Chicago Bears, has had a more up-and-down career but has shown flashes of potential. While it's still early to fully assess the 2017 class, the impact of Mahomes alone makes it a standout group. His record-breaking performances and Super Bowl victories have already cemented his place among the league's elite quarterbacks. If Watson can return to his previous form and Trubisky can continue to develop, this class has the potential to be remembered as one of the greatest of all time. The modern NFL is increasingly reliant on quarterback play, and the 2017 draft class is at the forefront of this trend, showcasing the future of the position. — India Vs Pakistan: Asia Cup Showdown!

These are just a few of the best QB draft classes in NFL history. Each class has its unique characteristics and impact on the game. Whether it's the Hall of Fame trio of 1983, the consistent performers of 2004, the dual-threat dynamos of 2012, or the modern marvels of 2017, these draft classes have provided fans with countless memorable moments and shaped the landscape of the NFL for years to come. So next time you're discussing the greatest quarterback classes, remember these names and the legacies they've created!