The NFL Draft is one of the most highly anticipated events every year for fans, coaches, and general managers alike. Some teams hit the jackpot by selecting a quarterback in the first round who goes on to become a franchise savior, while others find hidden gems later in the draft who exceed expectations and become legendary figures in the league. This article highlights the best quarterbacks selected in each draft round since the turn of the century, showcasing how both early-round success and late-round surprises have shaped the NFL.
Round 1: Patrick Mahomes (10th Overall, 2017)
Honorable mention: Aaron Rodgers (24th overall, 2005). While not as decorated as Mahomes in terms of Super Bowl victories, Rodgers’ elite arm strength and skillful play have made him one of the most successful quarterbacks of all time.
Round 2: Drew Brees (32nd Overall, 2001)
The second round has produced its share of stars, but Drew Brees stands above the rest. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001, Brees would go on to become the cornerstone of the New Orleans Saints, leading the team to its only Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XLIV) and winning the Super Bowl MVP. Brees’ precision passing and leadership qualities were the heart and soul of the Saints’ success over the years. With over 80,000 career passing yards and 571 touchdown passes, Brees remains one of the most prolific quarterbacks to ever play the game. His career win-loss record of 172-114 further solidifies his legacy.
Honorable mention: Andy Dalton (35th overall, 2011). Dalton was a steady starter for the Cincinnati Bengals, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and establishing a career that spans over a decade.
Round 3: Russell Wilson (75th Overall, 2012)
Russell Wilson was a revelation when the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round of the 2012 draft. Wilson quickly made his mark with his dual-threat ability, using both his arm and legs to dominate on the field. His leadership helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII and return to the big game the following year. Wilson’s ability to extend plays and perform in clutch moments made him one of the most successful quarterbacks of his era. Over his career, he has consistently posted a winning record and reached the playoffs year after year.
Honorable mention: Geno Smith (39th overall, 2013). After a rocky start to his career with the New York Jets, Smith revived his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, leading them to the playoffs and earning a Pro Bowl nod.
Round 4: Dak Prescott (135th Overall, 2016)
Selected in the fourth round, Dak Prescott has been the steady presence for the Dallas Cowboys since 2016. Prescott’s ascension from a fourth-round pick to a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback is a testament to his work ethic, leadership, and skill. Prescott has guided the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances and consistently posted impressive numbers, including 5,000 passing yards in a season. Although he has yet to win a Super Bowl, Prescott remains one of the most reliable and respected quarterbacks in the league.
Honorable mention: Kirk Cousins (102nd overall, 2012). Cousins has been a steady starter for the Washington Football Team (now Commanders) and the Minnesota Vikings, known for his accuracy and consistency. Although he has never reached the Super Bowl, Cousins has put together a solid career.
Round 5: Shedeur Sanders (144th Overall, 2025)
It’s still early in Shedeur Sanders’ career, but his potential is undeniable. After a solid rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, Sanders is already showing the qualities that make him a quarterback to watch. With 1,400 passing yards and 7 touchdowns in his first year, Sanders has the tools to develop into a top-tier starter. As a fifth-round pick, he is already an outlier, as quarterbacks selected in this round rarely become franchise cornerstones.
Sustained success will make Sanders a rarity in this draft range, but his early performance shows promise. If he continues to develop, Sanders could one day be regarded as one of the best players ever drafted in the fifth round.
Round 6: Tom Brady (199th Overall, 2000)
Undoubtedly the most famous late-round draft pick of all time, Tom Brady was selected in the sixth round by the New England Patriots in 2000. At the time, few could have predicted that Brady would go on to become the greatest quarterback in NFL history. With seven Super Bowl titles, five Super Bowl MVPs, and numerous passing records, Brady’s career is the gold standard for late-round success. He proved that being drafted in the sixth round didn’t define his ceiling, and instead, his work ethic and competitive drive led him to a career unlike any other in the NFL.
Honorable mention: Gardner Minshew (178th overall, 2019). While not in Brady’s league, Minshew’s quick rise and success as a backup and starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars made him one of the more notable sixth-round quarterbacks in recent years.
Round 7: Brock Purdy (262nd Overall, 2022)
Known as “Mr. Irrelevant”, Brock Purdy was the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, yet he has already exceeded expectations. After being thrust into a starting role with the San Francisco 49ers due to injuries, Purdy helped lead the team to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie year, showcasing poise, accuracy, and a calm demeanor in big moments. While it remains to be seen if Purdy can sustain his success, his early performances have already earned him respect as one of the biggest late-round surprises in recent NFL history.
Honorable mention: Ryan Fitzpatrick (250th overall, 2005). Fitzpatrick, while never a Super Bowl winner, was a journeyman quarterback who had a long career as a starter and backup. His fiery personality and strong playmaking ability made him a fan favorite wherever he played.
Undrafted: Tony Romo (2003)
No discussion of late-round quarterbacks would be complete without mentioning Tony Romo, who went undrafted in 2003. After a rocky start to his career as a backup, Romo emerged as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, where he had a long and productive career. With a career win-loss record of 92-64 and multiple Pro Bowl selections, Romo became one of the most successful undrafted quarterbacks in NFL history.
Honorable mention: Case Keenum (undrafted, 2012). Keenum had a strong career as a backup quarterback, with brief stints as a starter, most notably with the Minnesota Vikings, where he led the team to the NFC Championship Game.
Conclusion: Draft Position Doesn’t Define Ceiling
As the NFL prepares for the 2026 Draft, one key takeaway from the quarterbacks listed above is that draft position doesn’t always determine a player’s ceiling. While being selected in the first or second round certainly gives quarterbacks a better shot at success, history has shown that diamonds can be found in every round — and sometimes even after the draft.
With the 2026 Draft on the horizon, teams will undoubtedly be looking for the next late-round gem to emerge as a superstar. Whether it’s a player like Shedeur Sanders continuing to surprise or another unheralded prospect like Brock Purdy stepping into the spotlight, the search for the next franchise quarterback is always on.
