The NFL Draft is one big gamble, especially regarding quarterbacks. For every can’t-miss prospect who flames out, there’s a late-round flyer who turns into a franchise legend and leaves everyone wondering how every other team missed the boat.
These are the 20 most genius quarterback draft picks in NFL history, where the value, timing, or pure gut instinct turned out to be pure gold. From late-round steals to perfect franchise fits, these picks changed everything.
20. Lamar Jackson – Ravens, 2018 (Round 1, Pick 32)
The Ravens traded back into the first round and grabbed Lamar with the final pick—talk about dramatic timing. Now he’s an MVP and the face of the franchise, all while proving many doubters wrong.
19. Josh Allen – Bills, 2018 (Round 1, Pick 7)
People laughed at the pick and doubted the accuracy, but the Bills saw the ceiling and bet big. Turns out they were right—he’s now one of the most dangerous weapons in the league.
18. Drew Bledsoe – Patriots, 1993 (Round 1, Pick 1)
Before a certain sixth-rounder took over, Bledsoe gave the Patriots legitimacy at quarterback. He helped turn the team into a contender and paved the way for what came next.
17. Cam Newton – Panthers, 2011 (Round 1, Pick 1)
Carolina went all-in on Cam, and he delivered with an MVP and a Super Bowl run. The swagger, the production, the game-changing style—it was everything they hoped for.
16. Daunte Culpepper – Vikings, 1999 (Round 1, Pick 11)
The Vikings rolled the dice on Culpepper’s size and athleticism, and for a while, it was magic. Pairing him with Randy Moss created fireworks and a ton of scoreboard damage.
15. Michael Vick – Falcons, 2001 (Round 1, Pick 1)
Vick redefined what a quarterback could be, and Atlanta became must-watch TV overnight. His impact on the game—and the culture—was instant and massive.
14. Troy Aikman – Cowboys, 1989 (Round 1, Pick 1)
Dallas needed a star to turn things around, and Aikman became the steady hand of a dynasty. He delivered three Super Bowl wins and a Hall of Fame career.
13. Matt Ryan – Falcons, 2008 (Round 1, Pick 3)
The Falcons were ending a chaotic year, and Ryan gave them instant stability. He was consistent, productive, and one play away from a Super Bowl ring.
12. Aaron Rodgers – Packers, 2005 (Round 1, Pick 24)
It was initially awkward with Brett Favre still in town, but the Packers knew what they were doing. Rodgers sat, learned, and eventually became one of the most talented QBs the league has ever seen.
11. Ben Roethlisberger – Steelers, 2004 (Round 1, Pick 11)
The Steelers didn’t hesitate when Big Ben was still on the board, and it paid off immediately. Two Super Bowl wins and nearly two decades of stability later, it’s hard to argue with the pick.
10. Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs, 2017 (Round 1, Pick 10)
Kansas City traded up, took a kid with a rocket arm, and got the face of the league. Mahomes has already delivered MVPs, Super Bowl rings, and a highlight reel that feels unfair.
9. Dan Marino – Dolphins, 1983 (Round 1, Pick 27)
Somehow, as the last quarterback taken in the legendary 1983 class, Marino made every team that passed on him look foolish. He launched bombs before it was trendy and rewrote record books.
8. Russell Wilson – Seahawks, 2012 (Round 3, Pick 75)
Seattle paid Matt Flynn, started the rookie instead, and never looked back. Wilson won a Super Bowl, made another, and turned the Seahawks into perennial contenders.
7. Steve Young – Buccaneers (1984 Supplemental Draft), then 49ers
Okay, so Tampa Bay didn’t quite figure it out, but the 49ers certainly did. They traded for him, waited patiently, and then watched him become a Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Famer.
6. Jim Kelly – Bills, 1983 (Round 1, Pick 14)
Buffalo got their guy, even if it took a USFL detour first. Once he arrived, the Bills went to four Super Bowls, turning the city into a football hotspot.
5. Terry Bradshaw – Steelers, 1970 (Round 1, Pick 1)
It took some time, but Pittsburgh’s patience was rewarded with four Super Bowls and a Hall of Fame career. Bradshaw became the heartbeat of one of the greatest dynasties ever.
4. Peyton Manning – Colts, 1998 (Round 1, Pick 1)
The Colts chose Manning over Leaf and never looked back. Peyton, one of the smartest, most prepared quarterbacks ever, forever changed the position and franchise.
3. John Elway – Colts, 1983 (Round 1, Pick 1), then Broncos
Drafted by the Colts but engineered a trade to Denver, where he became a legend. Elway went to five Super Bowls, won two, and walked away on top.
Read More: Ranking the Most Confusing NFL First-Round Picks Ever
2. Joe Montana – 49ers, 1979 (Round 3, Pick 82)
Bill Walsh saw something in Montana that 81 other picks missed. Four Super Bowls and a legacy as one of the coolest customers in NFL history later, it’s safe to say he was onto something.
Read More: 20 Late-Round NFL Draft Picks Who Became Stars
1. Tom Brady – Patriots, 2000 (Round 6, Pick 199)
The pick that every team wishes they could redo. Brady became the ultimate draft steal—seven rings, countless records, and a career that redefined greatness.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Biggest Steals of the 2025 NFL Draft
