Of the first twelve picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, six of them were quarterbacks. It was no surprise that there was a record tying six quarterbacks taken in the first round, but nobody saw it happening in the first twelve picks with shattered the record of quickly six quarterbacks got picked up.
After the first six quarterbacks taken, the next question became, when would another quarterback be taken? Yesterday, I wrote about the possibility of a QB not being taken in the second or third of the draft, and sure enough, none were.
But now what? Surely another QB will get picked up today, right?
NFL Record For Most Picks Will Not Happen
Prior to the NFL Draft beginning there was a question whether perhaps the NFL record of 16 QB’s being taken overall would be broken. With a strong QB class, a record number of injuries in 2023, and not a ton of strong prospects going into next year’s draft, some felt there was a real chance that 17 or even 18 QB’s may be taken in 2024 NFL Draft.
Through the first 12 picks, that possibility seemed very high, but considering that there hasn’t been a single QB taken since then, the possibility of breaking the record can be put to bed. In fact, we may be looking at an entirely different record now.
After a record-tying 6 QBs went in round 1, this was 3rd time in common draft era that no QBs were picked in rounds 2 and 3. Also:
1994 (2 in round 1)
1983 (6 in round 1)— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) April 27, 2024
Could the NFL Draft Tie the Least Amount of Picks Since 1955?
In 1955 and 2015, there were only seven quarterbacks taken in the entire NFL Draft. Every other draft since then has had at least eight quarterbacks. While it is technically still possible that only six get taken, realistically, Spencer Rattler will get picked up sometime in the 4th round, but after that, it is a complete mystery.
There are plenty of teams looking for a QB, but most are looking for a starter, not a backup or future QB. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints need a QB, but it may not be worth trying to get a QB this late in the draft because it is very unlikely they will find anyone who will be ready to contribute this upcoming season.
Players including Michael Pratt, Kedon Slovis, and Joe Milton III could very well hear their name called in the late rounds, but if they do it will be more of a scheme fit opposed to being highly rated. In all likelihood, at least one of these players will hear their name called, but it certainly is possible that none do.
Imagine that: breaking the record for most QB’s picked up in the top 20 and then tying the record for least QB’s picked up overall.
Conclusion
If we’ve learned one thing from the 2024 NFL Draft, it is that a QB is only as valuable as his talent. Some believed that teams would be more willing to take a risk on a player, if nothing else to just get another QB option of the roster, but as the picks continue to come in without QB’s hearing their name, perhaps teams aren’t as desperate to get a QB as what most thought.