Every year, a number of quarterbacks go off the board early in the NFL Draft. But not everyone finds themselves in what could be called suitable situations. Many teams that use first-round picks at the position, after all, do so not because they’re only thinking about the future — like, say, the Atlanta Falcons with Michael Penix Jr. — but because that they desperately need immediate help. under the center.
So which of the best quarterback investments in recent memory has been most successful? And which ones might face uphill battles to succeed in the NFL? Here’s how we’d rank all quarterback draft picks from rounds 1-3 from the last three years by situationkeeping in mind that some – like CJ Stroud with the Houston Texans in 2023 – will prove talented enough to far exceed expectations in their respective setups:
Note: Teams listed for quarterbacks are current, not necessarily the player’s original club.
Draft: 2022 | Take: 3rd round, 94th overall | Team: Panthers
Two years after his draft, Corral has yet to take an official NFL snap, and he may not take one anytime soon. After briefly trying out with the New England Patriots in 2023, he is now part of the revived UFL.
Draft: 2022 | Take: 3rd round, 86th overall | Team: Titans
Once touted as a potential opening day pick, the mobile but erratic Willis now sits third on Tennessee’s depth chart, behind promising Will Levis and new veteran backup Mason Rudolph.
Draft: 2022 | Take: 3rd round, 74th overall | Team: Cardinals
The former Atlanta Falcons prospect might have a path to spot starts given Kyler Murray’s injury history, but he was dynamic with a top roster before his trade; Arizona is squarely in rebuilding mode.
Draft: 2023 | Take: 3rd round, 68th overall | Team: the Lions
The Tennessee product spent virtually his entire rookie year recovering from a college knee injury, and Nate Sudfeld is probably a safer bet to be Jared Goff’s top backup in 2024. But Hooker at least has the advantage of playing for one of the most balanced and talented players. contenders for the league, if requested. With Goff also not signing beyond this year, who’s to say he won’t be able to compete for playing time later?
Draft: 2022 | Take: 1st round, 22nd overall | Team: Eagles
Pickett is obviously without a starting job after his exile from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he’s arguably in a much better position as Jalen Hurts’ No. 2 in Philadelphia, where he’ll benefit from one of the most gifted supporting casts that he can ask. in case he is needed for relief. Its long-term outlook could well serve as a backup.
Draft: 2024 | Take: 1st round, 3rd overall | Team: Patriots
On the one hand, his physical tools — size, mobility, arm talent — suggest he could have an instant, CJ Stroud-style impact on those around him. The opportunity to sit and learn behind Jacoby Brissett is also promising. But the Patriots still lack a proven offensive infrastructure under a first-time defensive head coach. If he lives up to his draft bill sooner rather than later, it will likely require MVP-level production.
Draft: 2023 | Take: 1st round, 1st overall | Team: Panthers
New coach Dave Canales has a promising track record of mentoring quarterbacks, and Young’s interior protection and exterior weapons are certainly better with guys like Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette on board. But are the improvements substantial enough to properly speed up your own treatment? Carolina still appears to be a work in progress, which means more patience may be required.
Draft: 2024 | Take: 1st round, 12th overall | Team: Broncos
Denver spending a top-15 pick on an older, more conservative rookie quarterback has already drawn criticism, but in reality, the Nix setup isn’t as scary as you might think. Yes, he’ll be under immediate pressure to justify the Sean Payton-led overhaul, but with a decent front, decent pass catchers, an offense suited to his strengths, and a consistently tough defense, he could fare well out of the gate .
Draft: 2023 | Take: 1st round, 4th overall | Team: Colts
Richardson remains something of an enigma entering year two: extremely gifted with superhuman size and athleticism, albeit with a thin resume and concerning injury history. Still, he has a coach in Shane Steichen who knows how to use his talents, as well as tempting weapons in Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. and new wideout Adonai Mitchell.
6. Does Lévis
Draft: 2023 | Take: 2nd round, 33rd overall | Team: Titans
The rugged gunslinger has been bruised and battered just like Ryan Tannehill before him in 2023, but Tennessee addressed its front with key additions like JC Latham, and now the weaponry is also much improved, with Calvin Ridley joining DeAndre Hopkins in the distance. You always worry about how he’ll hold up in the long run, but Levis is at least ready for a stellar sophomore campaign.
5. Michael Penix Jr.
Draft: 2024 | Take: 1st round, 8th overall | Team: Falcons
It’s difficult to give Penix a good place. Like, say, Kenny Pickett, he’s clearly established as the No. 2. But the team around him is promising, from new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to young guns Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts. And unlike Pickett, he’s clearly seen by team executives as the future, with an aging and rehabbing Kirk Cousins suddenly under even more pressure to live up to the big contract he just signed. sign. The whole dynamic is tricky, but we’ve seen other surprise quarterback pairs — like Jordan Love with the Green Bay Packers and Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles — pay off later.
Draft: 2024 | Take: 1st round, 2nd overall | Team: Commanders
Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury hasn’t necessarily meshed well with his latest dual-threat investment, Kyler Murray. But he’s familiar with mobile guys, and Daniels will also have the benefit of learning from new assistant Brian Johnson, who helped lead Jalen Hurts’ growth in Philadelphia. More importantly, he’ll have proven safety valves like Terry McLaurin and Austin Ekeler as part of his opening day roster.
Draft: 2024 | Take: 1st round, 1st overall | Team: Bear
As a top pick in his class and a celebrated “generational” talent, Williams clearly has the advantage to transcend any configuration. But unlike his predecessor, Justin Fields, he will also arrive in the NFL with a strong supporting cast. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze joining DJ Moore gives Chicago a legitimate 1-2-3 punch, and D’Andre Swift is also an underrated outlet in the backfield. If new coordinator Shane Waldron has his way, Williams could have Windy City in the playoff mix right away.
Draft: 2024 | Take: 1st round, 10th overall | Team: Vikings
There’s a reason McCarthy admitted before the draft that it would be a “dream come true” to land in Minnesota. Not only does his play balance fit perfectly with coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense, but the Vikings have some of the best talent in the NFL: Aaron Jones at running back, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at outside and TJ Hockenson at tight end. END. That’s not to mention Brian Flores’ stingy defense, which could help the young signal-caller make an immediate playoff bid to replace the departed Kirk Cousins.
1. CJ Stroud
Draft: 2023 | Take: 1st round, 2nd overall | Team: Texans
Easily call here. Stroud actually entered his NFL career in what seemed like a less than desirable situation, with questions about Houston’s forward and pass catchers. But he single-handedly elevated everyone on his side of the ball as a rookie, and the Texans responded by improving his setup this offseason, adding Stefon Diggs and defensive starters to the roster. If Houston doesn’t make the playoffs under Stroud in 2024, it will be a slight disappointment.
