NFL Playoffs Feature Seven First-Round QBs and One Second-Round Pick
The NFL playoffs showcase a strong lineup of quarterbacks, highlighting the importance of early draft picks in building a successful team
NFL, Playoffs, Quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff, Jayden Daniels, C.J. Stroud, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts
Los Angeles: The NFL playoffs are heating up, and it’s clear that having a solid quarterback is key. All eight teams left in the hunt have starting QBs who were top draft picks. Seven of them were first-round selections, and one was picked in the second round.
It’s interesting to note that two of these quarterbacks were traded for each other. Matthew Stafford of the Rams and Jared Goff of the Lions were both first overall picks. Stafford was taken by the Lions in 2009, while Goff was picked by the Rams in 2016. They swapped teams in 2021, and both franchises have seen success since then. The Rams even won the Super Bowl in Stafford’s first year!
Other teams are also reaping the benefits of their quarterback choices. Washington’s Jayden Daniels was the second overall pick in 2024, and Houston’s C.J. Stroud was the second overall pick in 2023. Buffalo’s Josh Allen came in at seventh overall in 2018, while Patrick Mahomes was the 10th pick in 2017. Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson was a bit of a steal at 32nd overall in 2018, and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, the only second-round pick, was taken 53rd overall in 2020.
There are many ways to build a winning team in the NFL, but nailing the right quarterback is the most crucial move. It’s all about making the right call when it comes to that position!