Strategies NFL Teams Use to Draft a Franchise Quarterback

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NOTE:  AI-generated article

Strategies NFL Teams Use to Draft a Franchise Quarterback
NFL teams use various draft strategies to acquire a franchise quarterback. The right approach depends on factors such as team needs, draft position, and available talent in the draft class. Below are the key strategies teams use:


1. Securing a High Draft Pick (Top 5-10 Selections)
Many teams target their franchise quarterback by selecting one early in the first round.
How Teams Get a High Pick:

• Natural Selection: If a team performs poorly during the season, they receive a high draft pick.
  
  • Example: The Cincinnati Bengals (2-14) earned the No. 1 overall pick and selected Joe Burrow (2020).
• Tanking (Intentional Roster Rebuild): Some teams strategically weaken their roster to secure a top pick.
  
  • Example: The Indianapolis Colts in 2011, leading to the selection of Andrew Luck (2012).
• Trading Up: If a team doesn't naturally have a high pick, they can trade multiple draft picks (or players) to move up.
  
  • Example: The Kansas City Chiefs traded up from No. 27 to No. 10 to draft Patrick Mahomes (2017).

Pros & Cons:
✔️ Access to elite QB prospects
✔️ Instant face of the franchise
❌ Costly if the QB doesn't develop
❌ Pressure for early success


2. Mid-to-Late Round QB Selection (Finding a Hidden Gem)
Some teams find franchise quarterbacks outside of the first round by selecting talented but overlooked players.
Examples of Mid/Late Round QBs Who Became Stars:

• Russell Wilson (3rd round, 2012) – Seahawks
• Dak Prescott (4th round, 2016) – Cowboys
• Tom Brady (6th round, 2000) – Patriots

Why It Works:

• Some quarterbacks fall in the draft due to size concerns, system fit, or lack of elite college stats.
• Development behind a veteran QB allows for growth without immediate pressure.

Pros & Cons:
✔️ Low-risk, high-reward potential
✔️ No major draft capital investment
❌ Lower chance of finding a true star


3. Trading Up to Draft a Quarterback
When a team identifies a can't-miss prospect, they may trade future assets (draft picks/players) to move up and draft their QB.
Notable Trade-Ups for QBs:

• Buffalo Bills (2018) → Traded up to No. 7 for Josh Allen.
• San Francisco 49ers (2021) → Traded up to No. 3 for Trey Lance.
• Philadelphia Eagles (2016) → Traded up to No. 2 for Carson Wentz.

Factors in a Successful Trade-Up:

• Must target the right QB prospect (high upside, NFL-ready skills).
• Team must have a good roster around the rookie QB.
• Cost-benefit analysis: Giving up too much can hurt roster depth.

Pros & Cons:
✔️ Allows teams outside the top 5 to get a top-tier QB
✔️ Control over which QB they land
❌ Expensive (multiple picks lost)
❌ High-pressure decision


4. Drafting a QB and Developing Behind a Veteran ("Sit and Learn" Approach)
Some teams draft a QB but let them sit behind a veteran starter before taking over.
Examples of QBs Who Benefited from Sitting Behind a Veteran:

• Aaron Rodgers (2005) – Sat behind Brett Favre (3 years) before becoming a Hall of Famer.
• Patrick Mahomes (2017) – Learned behind Alex Smith for a year before exploding in 2018.
• Jordan Love (2020) – Sat behind Aaron Rodgers before starting in 2023.

Why It Works:

• Reduces rookie pressure and allows QBs to develop mentally.
• Helps young QBs learn from experienced players and coaching staff.
• Best when a team already has a solid veteran QB to mentor the rookie.

Pros & Cons:
✔️ Allows proper QB development
✔️ Lower risk of early failure
❌ Requires patience
❌ Can create tension (e.g., Aaron Rodgers vs. Brett Favre)


5. Drafting a Dual-Threat or System-Fit Quarterback
Some teams specifically target QBs who fit modern offensive trends, such as dual-threat playmakers.
Examples of System-Fit Draft Picks:

• Baltimore Ravens (2018) – Drafted Lamar Jackson and built a run-heavy offense around him.
• Philadelphia Eagles (2020) – Drafted Jalen Hurts, then tailored their system to his strengths.
• Houston Texans (2017) – Drafted Deshaun Watson, utilizing his mobility and quick decision-making.

Why It Works:

• Maximizes a QB's natural strengths instead of forcing them into a rigid system.
• Allows teams to innovate offensively with unique play designs.
• Helps a QB produce immediate results.

Pros & Cons:
✔️ Immediate impact if system fits
✔️ Maximizes a QB's strengths
❌ Risk of injury for mobile QBs
❌ Can be ineffective if system changes (e.g., Lamar Jackson if forced into a pocket-passing offense)


6. Using Analytics & Advanced Scouting
Some teams rely on advanced data, analytics, and scouting techniques to make draft decisions.
Key Data Points Used in QB Drafting:

• College production vs. elite competition (e.g., SEC, Big Ten games).
• Throwing velocity, release time, and accuracy metrics.
• Wonderlic & cognitive tests (processing speed, decision-making).
• Completion percentage under pressure.

Teams Known for Strong Analytical QB Drafting:

• Baltimore Ravens – Identified Lamar Jackson's efficiency despite college doubts.
• Buffalo Bills – Used deep scouting to identify Josh Allen's upside despite accuracy concerns.

Pros & Cons:
✔️ Helps find undervalued QBs
✔️ Reduces draft bust risk
❌ Data doesn't always predict NFL success


7. Drafting Multiple QBs Until One Hits (The Shotgun Approach)
Some teams draft multiple QBs over several years until they find the right one.
Examples:

• Washington (2012-2019) → Drafted Robert Griffin III (2012), Kirk Cousins (2012), Dwayne Haskins (2019).
• Arizona Cardinals (2018-2019) → Drafted Josh Rosen (2018), then replaced him with Kyler Murray (2019).

Why It Works:

• No QB pick is guaranteed to succeed.
• Some teams hedge their bets by taking multiple swings at the position.

Pros & Cons:
✔️ Increases the chance of finding a franchise QB
✔️ Encourages competition in the QB room
❌ Can waste draft capital if picks don't work out
❌ Instability can create a negative locker room environment


Final Thoughts
No single strategy guarantees success, but the best teams combine multiple approaches:

• Draft high when necessary.
• Develop QBs with patience.
• Trade up when the right prospect is available.
• Tailor the offensive system to fit the QB's strengths.
• Use analytics to make informed decisions.