NFL Quarterbacks Drafted by Round Since 2020: Trends, Starters & Surprises
The quarterback (QB) position has always been the most scrutinized in football. In today’s NFL, the draft continues to serve as the launchpad for future stars—and some notable disappointments. Since 2020, dozens of quarterbacks have been drafted across all seven rounds, with varying levels of success. Some are now franchise leaders, while others are fighting just to remain on a roster.
Let’s dive into the quarterback draft history from 2020 to 2025, examining which players are starting today, which rounds yield the most talent, and how the NFL has evolved its approach to evaluating QBs.
Round 1 QBs: The Franchise Hopefuls
As expected, Round 1 remains the hotspot for quarterback selections. Teams looking to secure their future often gamble with high picks on players who demonstrate elite college production, arm talent, and leadership.
Notable Round 1 QBs Since 2020:
Joe Burrow (2020)
A franchise-changing talent for the Bengals, Burrow took his team to the Super Bowl just two years into his career.
Justin Herbert (2020)
Quickly became one of the league’s most productive passers for the Chargers.
Trevor Lawrence (2021)
Seen as a generational prospect, he has stabilized Jacksonville's offense.
CJ Stroud (2023
Arguably one of the best rookie QB seasons in NFL history.
Caleb Williams (2024) & Jayden Daniels (2024)
The latest top-tier talents, with huge expectations placed on their shoulders.
While Round 1 QBs often become starters, not all have succeeded. Zach Wilson and Trey Lance have struggled to meet expectations, showing that the first round guarantees opportunity, not success.
Round 2 QBs: The Hidden Gems
Round 2 has produced fewer quarterbacks, but those selected here often have high upside with perceived flaws.
Best Example:
- Jalen Hurts (2020) – Drafted by the Eagles despite already having Carson Wentz. Fast forward, he’s now a top-5 QB in the league, an MVP candidate, and a Super Bowl participant.
Others like Will Levis (2023) are still proving themselves, while Kyle Trask (2021) remains a backup with limited starting potential.
The takeaway? Round 2 is less about polish and more about potential. When the fit is right—like Hurts in Philly—it can pay off massively.
Round 3: Boom or Bust Territory
The third round has become something of a boom-or-bust zone for quarterback selections. Teams are willing to invest here, but the margin for error shrinks.
Mixed Results:
- Desmond Ridder (2022) started games for Atlanta but showed inconsistency.
- Matt Corral (2022) and Kellen Mond (2021) have mostly been relegated to backup or practice squads.
- Stetson Bennett (2023) – After winning national titles at Georgia, he's still a question mark in the NFL.
In most cases, Round 3 QBs need to show growth quickly or risk being lost in the shuffle.
Rounds 4-7: The Longshots
By Round 4 and beyond, quarterbacks become developmental projects or backups. Yet history has shown that late-round QBs can blossom under the right circumstances.
Best Late-Round Stories:
- Brock Purdy (2022, Round 7) – Mr. Irrelevant has defied the odds, becoming the 49ers' starter and an NFC Championship contender.
- Bailey Zappe (2022) and Sam Howell (2022) have also seen starting reps despite late-round draft status.
- Jake Haener (2023) and Aidan O’Connell (2023) are among the recent draftees getting early playing time.
However, most others—like Jake Fromm, Ben DiNucci, and Cole McDonald—have bounced around practice squads or exited the league.
Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs): The Ultimate Underdogs
While not many QBs go undrafted and become starters, there are always a few hopefuls each year. As of now, none of the UDFA QBs from this list have emerged as stars, but future surprises can’t be ruled out.
2025 QB Draft Class: Early Outlook
The 2025 class is already making waves. Among the names listed:
- Cam Ward (Round 1) – Drafted by the Titans, Ward combines mobility with an NFL-caliber arm. He’ll be competing for the starting job early.
- Jaxon Dart (Round 1) – Picked by the Giants, he could be the heir to Russell Wilson, depending on his early performance.
- Tyler Shough (Round 1) – Landed with the Saints. He’s got physical tools but must prove he can stay healthy and develop consistency.
- Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers, and Will Howard –Drafted later in the Draft and should be considered a starting option at this time, but expected to be key names in future draft classes.
This class blends upside with polish. It will be interesting to see who can transition to an NFL offense and secure long-term success.
Draft Trends & Key Takeaways
1. First-Round Investments Are Common—But Not Always Safe
Every year, teams prioritize QBs early. But for every Herbert, there’s a Trey Lance. Franchise situations, coaching, and development matter as much as talent.
2. Second-Rounders Can Be Franchise Players
Jalen Hurts is the poster child for this. Expect more teams to take calculated second-round swings on high-upside prospects.
3. Late Rounds Produce Starters—Rarely
While Brock Purdy is an outlier, teams shouldn’t overlook Day 3 QBs. In the right scheme with good coaching, these players can thrive.
4. There’s No Exact Science
Quarterback development is a complex mix of talent, opportunity, and mental fortitude. A player like CJ Stroud can thrive from Day 1, while others take years or never make it.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL continues to evolve into a pass-heavy league, quarterbacks will always be at the center of draft conversations. With 2025’s class bringing another set of intriguing prospects and future classes already creating buzz, one thing is clear—there’s no offseason when it comes to finding “the guy” under center.
Final Thoughts
From top-10 picks to seventh-round steals, every quarterback’s path to the NFL is unique. Some will thrive, others will fade, but all will have their shot. And for NFL teams and fans alike, that shot is often worth the gamble.
Whether you’re a fantasy player, a scout, or just a fan of the game, tracking QB draft history offers fascinating insights into how teams build for the future—and how success isn’t always where you expect it.
