Quarterback Controversy: A Look at the 10 Most Polarizing Drafts in NFL History
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As Carolina awaits the 2023 NFL draft and contemplates the quarterback selection that fans will hope leads the team to long-term, continued success, I started to think back on past drafts where experts and fans were as conflicted as they are between Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. The Young vs Stroud debate is one of the more controversial in recent years. It’s also not the first debate of who the #1 quarterback that will be decided by Carolina. Read along to see where that Cam Newton vs Blaine Gabbert ranks in the Top 10. Will Carolina get it right?
Here’s a list of the Top 10 most quarterback controversial drafts from the most to the least controversial. Did I miss one that should be on the list? Would you rank any differently? Let us know in the comments.
#10) David Carr vs. Joey Harrington vs. Patrick Ramsey
2002 NFL Draft featured the Houston Texans selecting David Carr with the first overall pick. Many experts had expected the Texans to select either Joey Harrington or Patrick Ramsey, both of whom were considered by many to be more NFL-ready than Carr. However, Carr's pick proved controversial, as he struggled mightily in his first few seasons in the league and was never able to live up to the expectations of being a number one overall pick.
Did they get it right? Yes, Carr was selected first.
David Carr had the most successful career out of the three quarterbacks you mentioned. While he didn't have a Hall of Fame career, he was able to play in the NFL for 11 seasons, primarily as a backup, and even won a Super Bowl as a member of the New York Giants in 2011.
Joey Harrington had a more underwhelming career, only playing in the league for six seasons with three different teams. He struggled to find consistent success and was never able to establish himself as a reliable starting quarterback.
Patrick Ramsey played in the NFL for seven seasons with four different teams, but like Harrington, he was never able to establish himself as a reliable starting quarterback. Overall, Carr had the best career of the three quarterbacks you mentioned.
#9) 2005 NFL Draft - Alex Smith vs. Aaron Rodgers
Did they get it right? No, Aaron Rodgers slipped to #24 and Alex Smith went #1 overall.
Rodgers has won two league MVP awards, led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory, and has consistently been one of the top quarterbacks in the league for over a decade. He holds several NFL records and has been selected to numerous Pro Bowls.
Alex Smith, on the other hand, had a solid career but was often criticized for not living up to the expectations of being the first overall pick in the 2005 draft. He did, however, lead the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship game in 2011 and has been recognized for his leadership and perseverance, overcoming a severe leg injury later in his career.
#8) 2018 NFL Draft - Baker Mayfield vs. Sam Darnold vs. Josh Allen vs. Josh Rosen vs. Lamar Jackson
The debate over which quarterback should be selected first overall was particularly contentious, with Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Josh Allen all in the mix. Ultimately, the Cleveland Browns made Mayfield the first overall pick, while the New York Jets selected Darnold third overall and the Buffalo Bills selected Allen seventh overall. Other quarterbacks selected in the draft included Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson.
Did they get it right? Not even close! Mayfield went #1, Darnold #3, Allen #7, and Jackson #32. They basically got it backwards!
While all of these quarterbacks have shown promise at times, the jury is still out on which one will ultimately be the most successful, but it’s definitely neither Mayfield or Darnold. Allen has probably assumed the #1 ranking of the bunch, given Jackson’s struggles with injuries and recent contractual dispute with the Ravens. That MVP, however, does carry a lot of weight in keeping Jackson in the conversation.
#7) 2010 NFL Draft - Sam Bradford vs. Tim Tebow
The 2010 NFL Draft featured a highly-debated quarterback controversy between Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow. Bradford, the Heisman Trophy winner and consensus number-one overall pick, was widely regarded as the most pro-ready quarterback in the draft. Meanwhile, Tebow, the polarizing quarterback from the University of Florida, had a decorated college career but many questioned whether his unorthodox throwing motion and limited experience in a traditional pro-style offense would translate to the NFL.
Despite Tebow's detractors, the Denver Broncos traded up to select him with the 25th overall pick in the first round, much to the surprise of many NFL analysts. Bradford, on the other hand, was selected first overall by the St. Louis Rams and was expected to be the franchise quarterback they had been searching for.
Did they get it right? Yes! Bradford was selected first!
In the end, Bradford had a more successful NFL career, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and leading the Rams to the playoffs in his second season. Tebow, on the other hand, struggled to develop as a passer and bounced around the league before eventually transitioning to professional baseball. However, the debate between Bradford and Tebow highlighted the differing opinions on what makes a successful NFL quarterback and the importance of intangibles such as leadership, work ethic, and character.
#6) 2015 NFL Draft - Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota
Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota: In 2015, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota were seen as the top two quarterback prospects in the draft. Both had impressive college careers and were projected to be successful NFL quarterbacks. Ultimately, Winston was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Mariota going second to the Tennessee Titans.
Did they get it right? Yes, but with some debate. Neither has been overly successful, but Winston did go #1 and has been more prolific of the two.
Winston has thrown for more yards and touchdowns than Mariota, but he has also thrown more interceptions and has struggled with consistency. Mariota has a slightly higher career passer rating than Winston and has been known for his mobility as well as his passing ability. Ultimately, both quarterbacks have had their ups and downs in the NFL and it's difficult to say which one had the better career at this point in time.
#5) 2011 NFL Draft - Cam Newton vs. Blaine Gabbert vs. Jake Locker
Cam Newton had an incredible college career at Auburn, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Tigers to a national championship. However, there were questions about his accuracy and decision-making.
Blaine Gabbert had a strong arm and was seen as a prototypical pocket passer, but he struggled with consistency and decision-making during his college career at Missouri.
Jake Locker was viewed as a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm, but also had issues with accuracy and decision-making during his time at Washington.
Did they get it right? Yes! Cam Newton was selected first!
Ultimately, the Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton with the first pick, while Blaine Gabbert went 10th overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jake Locker went 8th overall to the Tennessee Titans. Out of all three, Cam Newton has the best career-winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011 and MVP in 2015. Oddly, Blaine Gabbert is still in the league and Newton isn’t.
#4) Tim Couch vs. Donovan McNabb vs. Akili Smith vs. Daunte Culpepper vs. Cade McNown
The Cleveland Browns held the number one overall pick and ultimately selected Tim Couch, but he was not the only QB taken early in the draft. Other notable quarterbacks selected included Donovan McNabb, Akili Smith, Daunte Culpepper, and Cade McNown. Each of these quarterbacks had their supporters and detractors, and the debate over who was the best of the group raged on for years. Ultimately, McNabb had the most successful career of the group, but the debate over who should have been selected first overall continues to this day.
Did they get it right? Not even close! Couch went #1 while both McNabb and Culpepper had more successful careers.
McNabb was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Philadelphia Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance, and finished his career with over 37,000 passing yards and 234 touchdowns. Couch, on the other hand, struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout his career and was out of the NFL after just five seasons. While Couch showed promise early on in his career, he ultimately failed to live up to the expectations of being a first-overall draft pick.
#3) 1998 NFL Draft - Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf
Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf were both highly rated-quarterback prospects. Manning was seen as the safer choice, while Leaf was viewed as a more high-risk, high-reward option. The Indianapolis Colts selected Manning with the first overall pick, while Leaf went second overall to the San Diego Chargers.
Did they get it right? Yes! Peyton Manning was selected first!
Manning went on to win two Super Bowls, five MVP awards, and holds several NFL records for passing yards and touchdowns. On the other hand, Leaf had a brief and tumultuous career in the NFL, marked by poor performance on the field and off-field issues. While Leaf was highly regarded coming out of college, he struggled to adjust to the NFL game and ultimately retired after just four seasons.
#2) 1971 NFL Draft - Jim Plunkett vs. Archie Manning
Jim Plunkett and Archie Manning were both highly rated-quarterback prospects. Plunkett was seen as a more traditional pocket passer, while Manning was known for his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs. The New England Patriots selected Plunkett with the first overall pick, while Manning went second overall to the New Orleans Saints.
Did they get it right? Yes! Plunkett was selected first!
Plunkett won two Super Bowls with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XV. Manning, on the other hand, played for several losing teams throughout his career and never won a Super Bowl. However, Manning was known for his exceptional talent as a quarterback and his ability to make plays despite playing on less talented teams. Ultimately, while Plunkett's Super Bowl victories give him a slight edge in terms of career accomplishments, both quarterbacks made significant contributions to the game and are well-regarded by fans and analysts.
#1) 1983 NFL Draft - John Elway vs. Jim Kelly
John Elway and Jim Kelly were both highly touted quarterback prospects. Elway was seen as a more traditional pocket passer, while Kelly was known for his ability to make plays with his legs. The Baltimore Colts selected Elway with the first overall pick, but he refused to play for the team and was eventually traded to the Denver Broncos. Kelly was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round.
Did they get it right? Yes! John Elway was selected first!
Both Jim Kelly and John Elway had impressive careers and are considered to be two of the best quarterbacks of their era. Kelly led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, although they never won a title. Elway won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and was known for his ability to lead comeback victories. In terms of individual statistics, Elway finished with more passing yards and touchdowns than Kelly.
The Carolina Panthers will once again headline the controversy that they last held sway of in 2011 when the selected Cam Newton. Twelve years later, they are faced with another quarterback dilemma. Should they pick Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, or think outside of the box with Anthony Richardson?
By Tony Dunn aka @Cat_Chronicles
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