There was a story recently that the new decision-makers for the New York Giants consider 2017 third-round quarterback Davis Webb "an afterthought." They're planning to start Eli Manning in 2018, at the very least, and maybe beyond that. They might also draft a quarterback at No. 2 overall.
Drafting a quarterback that early, of course, would mean Webb isn't even a lock to make the roster this season. It's not surprising New York would move on quickly, given the recent history of third-round quarterbacks. Most of those players never amount to anything in the NFL.
There are exceptions. The reigning Super Bowl MVP, of course, is a former third-rounder (though he had to bounce around the league for a few years before his remarkable January run). And Russell Wilson already has a Super Bowl win and a loss to his credit.
But the vast majority of those players are quickly forgotten, kicking around some as below-average backups or third-string quarterbacks. No one would feel good about Ryan Mallett or Cody Kessler coming onto the field for their teams this season.
In the table, success stories (of varying degrees) are in bold; unknowns are in italics.
THIRD-ROUND QUARTERBACKS, 1998-2017 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Pk | Player | Highlights |
2017 | 87 | Davis Webb, NYG | ? |
2017 | 104 | C.J. Beathard, S.F. | Played OK before Garoppolo trade |
2016 | 91 | Jacoby Brissett, N.E. | OK season for Indianapolis |
2016 | 93 | Cody Kessler, Clev. | |
2015 | 75 | Garrett Grayson, N.O. | |
2015 | 89 | Sean Mannion, St.L. | |
2013 | 73 | Mike Glennon, T.B. | Got paid by Bears |
2012 | 75 | Russell Wilson, Sea. | On Hall of Fame track |
2012 | 88 | Nick Foles, Phil. | Super Bowl LII MVP |
2011 | 74 | Ryan Mallett, N.E. | |
2010 | 85 | Colt McCoy, Clev. | |
2010 | 89 | Armanti Edwards, Car. | |
2008 | 94 | Kevin O'Connell, N.E. | |
2007 | 92 | Trent Edwards, Buff. | |
2006 | 81 | Charlie Whitehurst, S.D. | Great nickname |
2006 | 85 | Brodie Croyle, K.C. | |
2005 | 67 | Charlie Frye, Clev. | |
2005 | 69 | Andrew Walter, Oak. | |
2005 | 85 | David Greene, Sea. | |
2004 | 90 | Matt Schaub, Atl. | Several 4,000-yard seasons for Houston |
2003 | 88 | Dave Ragone, Hou. | |
2003 | 97 | Chris Simms, T.B. | |
2002 | 81 | Josh McCown, Ariz. | Successful in Chicago, with Jets |
2000 | 65 | Giovanni Carmazzi, S.F. | |
2000 | 75 | Chris Redman, Balt | |
1999 | 77 | Brock Huard, Sea. | |
1998 | 67 | Scott Frost, NYJ | |
1998 | 86 | Jonathan Quinn, Jac. | |
1998 | 91 | Brian Griese, Den. | Wife saw him in a Denver bagel place |
--Andy Richardson