The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events in the world of professional football. Every year, teams from across the league gather to select the best college players to join their ranks. One of the most important positions in football is the quarterback, and teams are always on the lookout for the next great signal-caller. In this article, we will take a statistical look at the number of quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Over the years, there have been many great quarterbacks who have been drafted in the first round. Names like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Joe Montana are just a few examples of players who were selected early in the draft and went on to have successful careers. But how many quarterbacks are typically drafted in the first round?
According to data from Pro Football Reference, the average number of quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft is 4.5. This means that, on average, about four or five quarterbacks are selected in the first round each year.
Of course, this number can vary from year to year. In some years, there may be a particularly strong class of quarterbacks, which could lead to more players being selected in the first round. In other years, there may not be as many top-tier quarterbacks available, which could lead to fewer players being drafted early.
Looking at the data over time, we can see that there have been some years where a large number of quarterbacks were drafted in the first round. For example, in 1983, six quarterbacks were selected in the first round, including Hall of Famers John Elway and Dan Marino. Similarly, in 2018, five quarterbacks were selected in the first round, including Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson.
On the other hand, there have also been years where very few quarterbacks were drafted in the first round. In 1996, for example, only one quarterback (Tony Banks) was selected in the first round. In 2013, only one quarterback (EJ Manuel) was selected in the first round as well.
So why does the number of quarterbacks drafted in the first round vary so much from year to year? There are a few factors that can come into play. For one, the quality of the quarterback class can have a big impact. If there are several highly-rated quarterbacks available, teams may be more likely to take a chance on one early in the draft. Additionally, team needs can also play a role. If there are several teams in need of a quarterback, there may be more competition to draft one early.
In conclusion, the average number of quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft is 4.5. While this number can vary from year to year, it provides a good baseline for understanding how many quarterbacks teams typically select early in the draft. Whether there are four or five quarterbacks selected in the first round, or even more or less, it’s clear that this position is always a top priority for teams looking to build a winning franchise.
