Before the NFL fully embraced the idea of dual-threat quarterbacks, a handful of guys were already doing it, just without the system support, coaching patience, or Instagram hype that today’s stars get. These players made things happen with their legs before it was cool, only to be told to “stay in the pocket” like it was a timeout chair.
If they’d come along ten years later, we might be talking about some of these names in MVP conversations, not just as trivia night answers. From highlight-reel scramblers to guys who terrified defensive coordinators in the open field, these quarterbacks were built for the modern game—they just showed up too early.
15. Steve Grogan
Steve Grogan was surprisingly mobile for a quarterback in the 1970s and ’80s, rushing for over 500 yards in a season back when that was unheard of. His toughness and scrambling ability would’ve been perfect for today’s RPO-heavy offenses.
14. Seneca Wallace
Wallace had a cannon and wheels, but never really got an accurate shot to run a modern spread offense. In today’s game, he’s probably a dangerous starter in a Shanahan-style scheme or lighting it up as a gadget QB.
13. Vince Young
Young was a human highlight reel at Texas and briefly brought that magic to the NFL. He might’ve been an absolute star in today’s QB-friendly era, that’s all about mobility and creativity.
12. Kordell Stewart
Slash could do it all—pass, run, catch—just not consistently in the same game. The league didn’t know how to use a guy like him, but today’s NFL would build a whole playbook around him.
11. Jake Plummer
Plummer was a gunslinger with sneaky athleticism and the ability to create off-script. He’d be a fan favorite again in a world that now values escapability and backyard ball.
10. Tyrod Taylor
Taylor quietly had the tools to thrive in today’s league—mobility, deep ball accuracy, and good decision-making. Unfortunately, he played most of his career on teams that never leaned into his strengths.
9. Donovan McNabb
McNabb had size, speed, and a rocket arm, but was often boxed in as “just” a pocket passer. A modern coach would unleash him as a Josh Allen prototype, and we’d all be better for it.
8. Randall Cunningham
Cunningham was doing Lamar Jackson things before Lamar Jackson was even born. He made the impossible look routine, but coaches of his era weren’t quite ready to let him thoroughly cook.
7. Daunte Culpepper
Culpepper was a tank with legs, and when he took off, it looked like a freight train hitting top speed. Pair him with a modern offensive coordinator, and he’d be bullying defenses in both phases.
6. Jeff Garcia
Garcia was a gritty, efficient playmaker who could move the chains with his legs and improvise under pressure. He’d thrive in today’s tempo offenses and might even get a few more Pro Bowl nods.
5. Michael Vick
Yes, Vick still changed the game—but imagine what he could’ve done if he entered a league that wanted him to run. With today’s rules and offensive creativity, he might’ve been the most unstoppable player of his generation.
4. Steve Young
Young was ahead of his time in his accuracy and elite mobility. In today’s era, he’d be right at home with zone reads, rollout throws, and QB-designed runs galore.
3. Bobby Douglass
Douglass wasn’t much of a passer, but his running ability was bananas for the early ’70s. In a world where you can build around a mobile QB’s strengths, he wouldn’t just survive—he’d shine.
2. Fran Tarkenton
Tarkenton ran around like a madman before scrambling was even a term. If he played today, he invented off-platform passing and would be a TikTok legend.
Read More: The 10 Most Fragile Wide Receivers of All Time
1. Cam Newton
Cam dominated in his prime, but his style wasn’t fully appreciated in a league still clinging to traditional pocket ideals. Drop 2015 Cam into 2025’s offensive landscape, and he’s rewriting the MVP record book.
