Finding a franchise quarterback is the ultimate quest for NFL general managers. It's akin to searching for the Holy Grail in the world of football-a task that Buffalo Bills fans know all too well is easier said than done. The elusive goal of securing a quarterback who can lead a team for a decade or more is a dream that drives many front offices.
Albert Breer’s recent report sheds light on the challenges of this pursuit. Between 2010 and 2019, 29 quarterbacks were picked in the first round of the NFL Draft.
This is where general managers often gamble big, hoping to land their cornerstone player. Yet, with the recent release of Kyler Murray by the Arizona Cardinals, only three quarterbacks from that era remain with the teams that drafted them.
Among these three, Patrick Mahomes stands out with multiple Super Bowl wins, steadily climbing the ranks towards being one of the greatest of all time. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, Mahomes’ fierce rivals, are still chasing their first championship rings. These three quarterbacks have become legends for their respective fan bases, each with an MVP to their name.
What’s remarkable is the unwavering faith their teams showed in them, despite external doubts. Mahomes wasn’t the consensus top pick coming out of college.
Skeptics doubted Jackson’s ability to play quarterback in the NFL, and Allen faced criticism over his accuracy. Yet, their teams believed in their potential and let them prove the naysayers wrong.
It's not as if there was a shortage of hyped prospects during their draft years. In Mahomes’ draft class, Mitch Trubisky was the first quarterback selected, only to later be ousted by the Chicago Bears. Similarly, Allen and Jackson had to wait their turn as Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold were chosen ahead of them.
This saga of quarterback selections is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft and the profound impact that belief and patience can have on a player’s career. The stories of Mahomes, Jackson, and Allen remind us that sometimes, the most valuable players are those who rise above the doubts and exceed expectations.