It sure feels like the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns have committed a lot of draft picks to quarterbacks in recent years. And yes, the numbers back that up.
With the 2016 NFL Draft out of the way, here’s a look at which teams have used the most and fewest picks on pivots since the turn of the century.
CLEVELAND – NOVEMBER 04: Brady Quinn #10 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 4, 2007 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Seahawks 33-30 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
First-round picks used on quarterbacks since 2000
Most: Browns, Broncos, Jaguars, Titans, Redskins (3)
Cleveland has taken Brady Quinn (2007), Brandon Weeden (2012) and Cody Kessler (2016). Denver has taken Jay Cutler (2006), Tim Tebow (2010) and Paxton Lynch (2016). Jacksonville has taken Byron Leftwich (2003), Blaine Gabbert (2011) and Blake Bortles (2014). Tennessee has taken Vince Young (2006), Jake Locker (2011) and Marcus Mariota (2015). Washington has taken Patrick Ramsey (2002), Jason Campbell (2005) and Robert Griffin III (2012).
Fewest: Cowboys, Chiefs, Saints, Patriots, Seahawks (0)
Rather surprising to see Seattle here, considering the gap between Matt Hasselbeck and Russell Wilson. Meanwhile, 14 teams have drafted just a single quarterback in the first round over the past 17 years. Philadelphia just joined that list by taking Carson Wentz.
Dallas hasn’t drafted a quarterback in Round 1 since taking Troy Aikman with the top pick in 1989, Kansas City hasn’t done so since taking Todd Blackledge No. 7 overall in 1983 and New Orleans hasn’t done so since taking Archie Manning second overall in 1971. New England and Seattle picked Drew Bledsoe and Rick Mirer 1-2 in 1993, but neither has drafted a signal-caller in the first round since.
Quarterbacks chosen in Rounds 1-3 since 2000 (NFL average: 2.7)
Most: Browns (6), Jets (5); Broncos, Dolphins, Patriots, Raiders, Buccaneers (4)
Hard to believe only two teams have drafted quarterbacks in the top half of the draft more frequently than the mighty Patriots, who have selected Kevin O’Connell (2008), Ryan Mallett (2011), Jimmy Garoppolo (2014) and Jacoby Brissett (2016).
Fewest: Bears, Cowboys, Colts, Chiefs, Saints, Giants, Steelers (1)
Rex Grossman, Quincy Carter, Andrew Luck, Brodie Croyle, Garrett Grayson, Philip Rivers (Eli Manning) and Ben Roethlisberger are the quarterbacks those teams drafted, respectively.
Total draft picks used on quarterbacks since 2000 (NFL average: 6.7)
Most: Jets (11); Broncos, 49ers, Redskins (10); Ravens, Patriots (9)
Surprisingly, the Browns and Rams have drafted fewer quarterbacks (eight apiece) than the Ravens and Patriots.
Fewest: Cowboys, Colts (4); Bills, Jaguars, Chiefs, Vikings, Saints, Giants, Titans (5)
Dallas, of course, didn’t draft its long-time franchise quarterback. Same with Kansas City and New Orleans.
