Rachel Wold
Since 2000, there have not been very many successful trades in the NFL draft that have landed a team with a first-round quality quarterback. Sadly, the list of teams who have traded up for quarterback busts far outnumber those who have found franchise signal callers.
Between 2000 and 2014, 15 trades have occurred with one team moving up for a quarterback.
However, there have only been two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, Eli Manning and Joe Flacco, involved in these deals.
Now let’s examine the list of quarterbacks who were involved in trades during the first day of the draft. It’s pretty ugly.
Kyle Boller, Baltimore Ravens (2003)
J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills (2004)
Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins (2005)
Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns (2007)
Mark Sanchez, New York Jets (2009)
Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009)
Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos, 2010)
Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars (2011)
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins (2012)
Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns (2014)
Teddy Bridgewater, who the Minnesota Vikings traded up for at 32 last year, makes for No. 15. Since he did show signs of promise in his rookie campaign, the jury remains out on the Louisville product.
However, looking back at Boller through Manziel, are any of these quarterbacks worth what was traded to acquire them in the first round? They have all either switched teams multiple times, or are warming benches with their current team. That is if they are fortunate enough to still be playing.
In the upcoming 2015 NFL draft, there are two quarterbacks, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, who could be the target of other teams trading up to to acquire them. As for Winston, he is likely going to be selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, nothing is solid until after Winston’s name is actually called this Thursday.
Between the two prospects, it is Mariota who could certainly be the target of a potential trade. Teams currently rumored to be interested in him are the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s important that teams know this history. If nothing else, it could be used as part of the analysis process.
Photo: USA Today Sports
