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Ranking the 15 Smartest NFL Quarterback Draft Picks of All Time

The NFL Draft is a high-stakes guessing game. For every franchise quarterback who turns into a legend, there’s a JaMarcus Russell lurking in the shadows. But when teams get it right, the rewards can be franchise-altering. Some picks look brilliant in hindsight, while others were pure genius from the jump.

We’re ranking the 15 smartest quarterback draft picks in NFL history—not just based on talent, but also on value, impact, and the sheer brilliance of the selection. Let’s get into it.

15. Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert
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6th overall, 2020 – Los Angeles Chargers

Some doubted Herbert’s leadership, but the Chargers saw a future star. They nailed it. He’s got the arm, the poise, and the numbers to back it up.

14. Joe Montana

Joe Montana Super Bowl 50
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82nd overall, 1979 – San Francisco 49ers

Third-round quarterbacks aren’t supposed to win four Super Bowls. Bill Walsh knew what he was doing.

13. Dan Marino

Dan Marino quarterbacks the Pitt Panthers of the University of Pittsburgh in a football game at Pitt Stadium against the Cincinnati Bearcats on October 13, 1979. Pitt won the game 35-0.
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27th overall, 1983 – Miami Dolphins

Five quarterbacks went before Marino. None of them had his arm. Miami made sure the 1983 QB class was remembered for him.

12. Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts
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53rd overall, 2020 – Philadelphia Eagles

Philly already had Carson Wentz, but they still drafted Hurts. That decision aged beautifully.

11. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson
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75th overall, 2012 – Seattle Seahawks

Undersized? Who cares. Seattle built a dynasty around a guy who lasted until the third round.

10. Drew Brees

Drew Brees passes at 2009 Pro Bowl
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32nd overall, 2001 – San Diego Chargers

The first pick of the second round turned into one of the most accurate passers ever. San Diego moved on too soon, but the Saints reaped the benefits.

9. Josh Allen

Josh Allen (29350721987)
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7th overall, 2018 – Buffalo Bills

A big, raw project turned into a superstar. Buffalo took a risk and hit the jackpot.

8. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers (51630824502)
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24th overall, 2005 – Green Bay Packers

Rodgers sat in the draft room forever, and Green Bay finally ended his misery. He repaid them with a Hall of Fame career.

7. Johnny Unitas

1967 Johnny Unitas
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102nd overall, 1955 – Pittsburgh Steelers/Baltimore Colts

Pittsburgh cut him, but Baltimore scooped him up, and he became an all-time great. The ultimate second chance success story.

6. Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes
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10th overall, 2017 – Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs traded up for Mahomes when they already had Alex Smith. Turns out, they were playing 4D chess.

5. Brett Favre

Favre during the 2010 season with the Vikings
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33rd overall, 1991 – Atlanta Falcons/Green Bay Packers

Atlanta drafted him, then immediately traded him. Green Bay won the lottery.

4. Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson
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32nd overall, 2018 – Baltimore Ravens

The last pick of the first round? MVP by Year 2. The Ravens got an absolute steal.

3. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning practicing his passing on the sidelines.
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1st overall, 1998 – Indianapolis Colts

The Colts had to choose between Manning and Ryan Leaf. They made the easiest hard decision ever.

2. Tom Brady

Tom Brady
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199th overall, 2000 – New England Patriots

Sixth-round quarterbacks aren’t supposed to become the GOAT. Somehow, Bill Belichick saw what nobody else did.

Read More: 10 Tips to Get Started Playing Fantasy Football

1. Joe Burrow

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1st overall, 2020 – Cincinnati Bengals

It was an obvious pick, but the smartest moves are sometimes the simplest. Burrow transformed the Bengals from bottom-feeders to Super Bowl contenders overnight.

Read More: 10 Reasons People Can’t Stand the Kansas City Chiefs

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