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The Best Quarterback The Year You Were Born

The Best Quarterback The Year You Were Born

The 2021 NFL Draft, taking place on April 29, has football fans excited for the future, as there are an unusually high number of highly touted quarterback prospects projected to go early in the draft process. College QBs Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones all have unique skill sets that could propel each into becoming a top-10 pick.

Though the NFL is filled with young talent at the QB position, with players like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and more, there is optimism that many of the incoming QBs can play at an MVP level. Each season, there is one quarterback that stands out as the very best at his position, putting his team in a great position to win the Super Bowl. 

In order to determine the best quarterback from each year, 24/7 Wall St. used data from Pro Football Reference to review the statistics, honors, and postseason success of NFL and AFL quarterbacks each season dating back to 1945. 

Though nothing is official yet, Trevor Lawrence seems like a lock to be drafted first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, with scouts hailing the Clemson quarterback as one of the most promising prospects in recent memory. 

Jags fans will no doubt hope that Lawrence will follow in the tradition of Peyton Manning, John Elway, and Terry Bradshaw — can’t-miss prospects turned first overall picks who were as good as advertised, taking their teams from obscurity to Super Bowls. These are the most successful #1 overall draft picks in history.

Though draft picks are always cause for optimism, the sad reality is that highly touted amateur players do not always pan out in the pros. For every Peyton Manning, there are at least a few Jamarcus Russells — players who seem to have all the tools to be successful but can never put it together. These are the 40 most disappointing draft picks of all time.

 

Source: Tenschert Photo Co Washington, D C / Wikimedia Commons

1945. Sammy Baugh, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 109.9
> Passing yards: 1,669
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Lost in NFL Championship game
> Honors: n/a

Source: Fair use image / Wikimedia Commons

1946. Sid Luckman, Chicago Bears
> Quarterback rating: 71.0
> Passing yards: 1,826
> Passing touchdowns: 17
> Postseason success NFL Champions
> Honors: n/a

Source: redskins.com

1947. Sammy Baugh, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 92.0
> Passing yards: 2,938
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success None
> Honors: n/a

Source: Bowman / Wikimedia Commons

1948. Tommy Thompson, Philadelphia Eagles
> Quarterback rating: 98.4
> Passing yards: 1,965
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success NFL Champions
> Honors: n/a

Source: Bowman / Wikimedia Commons

1949. Johnny Lujack, Chicago Bears
> Quarterback rating: 76.0
> Passing yards: 2,658
> Passing touchdowns: 23
> Postseason success None
> Honors: n/a

Source: Bowman Gum / Wikimedia Commons

1950. Norm Van Brocklin, Los Angeles Rams
> Quarterback rating: 85.1
> Passing yards: 2,061
> Passing touchdowns: 18
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Bowman Gum / Wikimedia Commons

1951. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 79.2
> Passing yards: 2,205
> Passing touchdowns: 17
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: Pro Bowl, All-Pro, MVP

Source: Bowman Gum / Wikimedia Commons

1952. Bobby Layne, Detroit Lions
> Quarterback rating: 64.5
> Passing yards: 1,999
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: Pro Bowl, All-Pro

Source: United States Coast Guard / Wikimedia Commons

1953. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 99.7
> Passing yards: 2,722
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Erik Drost / Wikimedia Commons

1954. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 73.5
> Passing yards: 2,092
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Erik Drost / Flickr

1955. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 94.0
> Passing yards: 1,721
> Passing touchdowns: 15
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: All-Pro

Source: Bowman / Wikimedia Commons

1956. Ed Brown, Chicago Bears
> Quarterback rating: 83.1
> Passing yards: 1,667
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

1957. Y.A. Tittle, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 80.0
> Passing yards: 2,157
> Passing touchdowns: 13
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Malcolm W. Emmons / Wikimedia Commons

1958. Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 90.0
> Passing yards: 2,007
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Joe Haupt / Flickr

1959. Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 92.0
> Passing yards: 2,899
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: johnbooty / Flickr

1960. Norm Van Brocklin, Philadelphia Eagles
> Quarterback rating: 86.5
> Passing yards: 2,471
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Keith Allison / Wikimedia Commons

1961. Sonny Jurgensen, Philadelphia Eagles
> Quarterback rating: 88.1
> Passing yards: 3,723
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success No
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Topps / Wikimedia Commons

1962. Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants
> Quarterback rating: 89.5
> Passing yards: 3,224
> Passing touchdowns: 33
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: MORRIS BERMAN / PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETT

1963. Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants
> Quarterback rating: 104.8
> Passing yards: 3,145
> Passing touchdowns: 36
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

1964. Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 96.4
> Passing yards: 2,824
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Frank Rippon / Wikimedia Commons

1965. John Brodie, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 95.3
> Passing yards: 3,112
> Passing touchdowns: 30
> Postseason success No
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: 97453745@N02 / Flickr

1966. Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 105.0
> Passing yards: 2,257
> Passing touchdowns: 14
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: bantam10 / Flickr

1967. Sonny Jurgensen, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 87.3
> Passing yards: 3,747
> Passing touchdowns: 31
> Postseason success No
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: National Football League

1968. Earl Morrall, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 93.2
> Passing yards: 2,909
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Topps / Amazon

1969. Roman Gabriel, Los Angeles Rams
> Quarterback rating: 86.8
> Passing yards: 2,549
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Topps / eBay

1970. John Brodie, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 93.8
> Passing yards: 2,941
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship Game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons

1971. Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
> Quarterback rating: 104.8
> Passing yards: 1,882
> Passing touchdowns: 15
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons

1972. Earl Morrall, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 91.0
> Passing yards: 1,360
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: All-Pro

Source: Topps / Amazon

1973. John Hadl, Los Angeles Rams
> Quarterback rating: 88.8
> Passing yards: 2,008
> Passing touchdowns: 22
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Allsport / Getty Images

1974. Ken Stabler, Oakland Raiders
> Quarterback rating: 94.9
> Passing yards: 2,468
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Lost AFC Championship game
> Honors:

Source: tcdb / Wikimedia Commons

1975. Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings
> Quarterback rating: 91.8
> Passing yards: 2,994
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Courtesy of Topps

1976. Bert Jones, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 102.5
> Passing yards: 3,104
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Cindy Ord / Getty Images

1977. Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
> Quarterback rating: 87.0
> Passing yards: 2,620
> Passing touchdowns: 18
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Rick Stewart / Getty Images

1978. Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers
> Quarterback rating: 84.7
> Passing yards: 2,915
> Passing touchdowns: 28
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1979. Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers
> Quarterback rating: 82.6
> Passing yards: 4,082
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1980. Brian Sipe, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 91.4
> Passing yards: 4,132
> Passing touchdowns: 30
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Allsport / Getty Images

1981. Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals
> Quarterback rating: 98.4
> Passing yards: 3,754
> Passing touchdowns: 29
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1982. Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers
> Quarterback rating: 93.3
> Passing yards: 2,883
> Passing touchdowns: 17
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Allsport / Allsport / Getty Images

1983. Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 97.0
> Passing yards: 3,167
> Passing touchdowns: 29
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

1984. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 108.9
> Passing yards: 5,084
> Passing touchdowns: 48
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

1985. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 84.1
> Passing yards: 4,137
> Passing touchdowns: 30
> Postseason success Lost AFC Championship game
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: webefex / Flickr

1986. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 92.5
> Passing yards: 4,746
> Passing touchdowns: 44
> Postseason success None
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

1987. Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 102.1
> Passing yards: 3,054
> Passing touchdowns: 31
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Allspo / Getty Images

1988. Boomer Esiason, Cincinnati Bengals
> Quarterback rating: 97.4
> Passing yards: 3,572
> Passing touchdowns: 28
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1989. Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 112.4
> Passing yards: 3,521
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Rick Stewart / Allsport / Getty Images

1990. Jim Kelly, Buffalo Bills
> Quarterback rating: 101.2
> Passing yards: 2,829
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Mike Powell / Allsport/ Getty Images

1991. Mark Rypien, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 97.9
> Passing yards: 3,564
> Passing touchdowns: 28
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Mike Powell / Allsport / Getty Images

1992. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 107.0
> Passing yards: 3,465
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Ken Levine / Allsport / Getty Images

1993. Troy Aikman, Dallas Cowboys
> Quarterback rating: 99.0
> Passing yards: 3,100
> Passing touchdowns: 15
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

1994. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 112.8
> Passing yards: 3,969
> Passing touchdowns: 35
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Allsport / Getty Images

1995. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 99.5
> Passing yards: 4,413
> Passing touchdowns: 38
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Stephen Dunn / Allsport / Getty Images

1996. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 95.8
> Passing yards: 3,899
> Passing touchdowns: 39
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Stephen Dunn / Allsport / Getty Images

1997. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 104.7
> Passing yards: 3,029
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Brian Bahr / Getty Images

1998. Randall Cunningham, Minnesota Vikings
> Quarterback rating: 106.0
> Passing yards: 3,704
> Passing touchdowns: 34
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Elsa Hasch / Allsport / Getty Images

1999. Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
> Quarterback rating: 109.2
> Passing yards: 4,353
> Passing touchdowns: 41
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

2000. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 94.7
> Passing yards: 4,413
> Passing touchdowns: 33
> Postseason success Lost Wildcard round
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Craig Jones / Getty Images

2001. Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
> Quarterback rating: 101.4
> Passing yards: 4,830
> Passing touchdowns: 36
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

2002. Rich Gannon, Oakland Raiders
> Quarterback rating: 97.3
> Passing yards: 4,689
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

2003. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 99.0
> Passing yards: 4,267
> Passing touchdowns: 29
> Postseason success Lost AFC Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

2004. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 121.1
> Passing yards: 4,557
> Passing touchdowns: 49
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

2005. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals
> Quarterback rating: 101.1
> Passing yards: 3,836
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success Lost Wildcard round
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

2006. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 101.0
> Passing yards: 4,397
> Passing touchdowns: 31
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Jim Rogash / Getty Images

2007. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
> Quarterback rating: 117.2
> Passing yards: 4,806
> Passing touchdowns: 50
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Chris McGrath / Getty Images

2008. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
> Quarterback rating: 96.2
> Passing yards: 5,069
> Passing touchdowns: 34
> Postseason success None
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

2009. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
> Quarterback rating: 109.6
> Passing yards: 4,388
> Passing touchdowns: 34
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

2010. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
> Quarterback rating: 111.0
> Passing yards: 3,900
> Passing touchdowns: 36
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

2011. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 122.5
> Passing yards: 4,643
> Passing touchdowns: 45
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

2012. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
> Quarterback rating: 105.8
> Passing yards: 4,659
> Passing touchdowns: 37
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images

2013. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
> Quarterback rating: 115.1
> Passing yards: 5,477
> Passing touchdowns: 55
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

2014. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 112.2
> Passing yards: 4,381
> Passing touchdowns: 38
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship Game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

2015. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
> Quarterback rating: 99.4
> Passing yards: 3,837
> Passing touchdowns: 35
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Scott Cunningham / Getty Images

2016. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
> Quarterback rating: 117.1
> Passing yards: 4,944
> Passing touchdowns: 38
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Elsa / Getty Images

2017. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
> Quarterback rating: 102.8
> Passing yards: 4,577
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: David Eulitt / Getty Images

2018. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
> Quarterback rating: 113.8
> Passing yards: 5,097
> Passing touchdowns: 50
> Postseason success Lost AFC Championship Game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Patrick Smith / Getty Images

2019. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
> Quarterback rating: 113.3
> Passing yards: 3,127
> Passing touchdowns: 36
> Postseason success Lost Divisional Round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Grant Halverson / Getty Images

2020. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 121.5
> Passing yards: 4,299
> Passing touchdowns: 48
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship Game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

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