The NFL Draft 2026 is just around the corner, and teams are already digging deep into quarterback prospects like Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Garrett Nussmeier. With the class considered relatively thin at the top, many franchises will once again look for value beyond the first round, hoping to uncover the next hidden star who can lead them to contention.
Throughout history, there have been successful first-round picks, but also mistakes. There have also been players selected in later rounds who surprised everyone, such as Tom Brady, who was chosen with the 199th pick in the first draft of the century and went on to become the greatest draft steal in history.
Best Quarterbacks Drafted in Each Round Since 2000: Gems, Legends, and Surprises
Here are the standout quarterbacks by draft round since 2000 some of which were obvious choices, while others turned out to be all-time legends.
- Round 1Patrick Mahomes (10th overall, 2017): Stands as the clear superstar. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback owns a dominant regular-season mark and has already secured three Super Bowl rings (appearing in five), with multiple MVP honors. His ability to elevate any roster makes him the gold standard for first-round success in the modern era. Honorable mention: Aaron Rodgers (24th overall, 2005).
- Round 2Drew Brees (32nd overall, 2001): Transformed the New Orleans Saints into contenders with precise passing and leadership. He posted a strong career win-loss record (172-114) and led the franchise to its only Super Bowl victory (XLIV, earning Super Bowl MVP). Honorable mention: Andy Dalton (35th overall, 2011).
- Round 3Russell Wilson (75th overall, 2012): Delivered immediate impact with the Seattle Seahawks thanks to his dual-threat ability. He helped win one Super Bowl and appeared in a second, while maintaining a winning regular-season record across most of his prime. Honorable mention: Geno Smith (39th overall, 2013).
- Round 4Dak Prescott (135th overall, 2016): Has been remarkably steady for the Dallas Cowboys. With a solid career win-loss record (83-55-1) and multiple Pro Bowl nods, he has guided the team to several division titles, though a Super Bowl appearance still eludes him despite strong individual stats. Honorable mention: Kirk Cousins (102nd overall, 2012).
- Round 5Shedeur Sanders (144th overall, 2025): It is still very early to judge his long-term trajectory after a limited rookie season with the Cleveland Browns (1,400 passing yards, 7 TDs, 10 INTs in 2025). Fifth-round quarterbacks rarely become franchise cornerstones, and there simply aren’t many strong historical competitors in this range. Sustained success would make him a rare outlier.
- Round 6Tom Brady (199th overall, 2000): Remains the greatest draft steal in NFL history. The seven-time Super Bowl champion built an unmatched legacy, turning late-round doubt into total dominance with the Patriots and Buccaneers. No other sixth-round pick comes close. Honorable mention: Gardner Minshew (178th overall, 2019).
Round 7Brock Purdy (262nd overall, 2022): Famously known as “Mr. Irrelevant,” he has already exceeded expectations with the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy earned a starting role quickly, posted an impressive early win-loss record, and reached one Super Bowl (0-1), continuing to show poise in a tough system. Honorable mention: Ryan Fitzpatrick (250th overall, 2005).
Undrafted Tony Romo (2003): Climbed from undrafted free agent to longtime Dallas Cowboys starter. He compiled a strong regular-season win-loss record (92-64) and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections with exciting performances, though he never reached the Super Bowl as a player. Honorable mention: Case Keenum (undrafted, 2012).
These selections prove that draft position doesn’t define a quarterback’s ceiling. Development, scheme fit, and opportunity often matter more. As teams prepare for the 2026 draft, the real question remains: which late-round prospect will become the next big success story?
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