Thread: History tells us the NFL is terrible at evaluating quarterbacks. Here's what it means for 2018

Note: This is the second of a two-part series on the NFL's issues evaluating quarterbacks, and how we can use those issues to better assess the top 2018 prospects. Go here to see Part 1.

We could come close to an NFL record this year before any players take a snap. There are five quarterbacks who could come off the board on Day 1 of the draft, which would tie the 1999 draft for the second most since the merger. The only draft to post six first-rounders is the legendary Class of 1983, which delivered a trio of Hall of Famers: John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino.

As much as the league seems to be struggling to pick between the prospects in this year's class, though, the coaches and executives of 1983 weren't able to separate the wheat from the chaff until well after the fact. Elway was the No. 1 pick, but the Chiefs still managed to draft Todd Blackledge seven picks before Kelly. Blackledge threw 29 career touchdowns. Kelly topped 29 in 1991 alone. Tony Eason was taken one pick after Kelly and 12 picks before Marino, who would post the greatest passing season in league history to that point during his second campaign.

rest - http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/2...raft-prospects

Originally Posted by Denver Native (Carol)

rest - http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/2...raft-prospects

Did that guy get paid by the word? That's not an article, it's longer than a James Clavell novel!

Good stuff, however.

Originally Posted by Denver Native (Carol)

rest - http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/2...raft-prospects

Somebody show this to John Elway. Maybe he can be persuaded to forget QB and take Bradley
Chubb or whatever other stud is available. Forget the QB carousel and strengthen the team.
We had a 1960s-type season last year. I don't want a 1960s-type decade . . .

Originally Posted by Tned

Did that guy get paid by the word? That's not an article, it's longer than a James Clavell novel!

Good stuff, however.

lol - Maybe Joel or Cugel ghost-wrote it . . .

Originally Posted by topscribe

lol - Maybe Joel or Cugel ghost-wrote it . . .

They aren't that smart

Originally Posted by CoachChaz

They aren't that smart

Well, that leaves me, and I didn't write it . . .

Originally Posted by topscribe

lol - Maybe Joel or Cugel ghost-wrote it . . .

No that article is full of meaningful insight.

Part of the reason is that the teams who suck are the ones consistently taking the QB's early. It's a great article.

Originally Posted by Von Kinger

Part of the reason is that the teams who suck are the ones consistently taking the QB's early. It's a great article.

So, you're on board with NOT taking a QB early now?

Originally Posted by BroncoJoe

So, you're on board with NOT taking a QB early now?

No, if a legitimate QB that we like is there, we should take him. Taking someone like Nelson on a declining defense and limited offense just makes us a very average team. It then will cost us that much more to get a real QB.

I'm of the opinion that Denver isn't going to be consistently taking QB's early because we aren't the Browns. We should be able to get a real talent and develop him.

I could live with Chubb.

Great read... but i wish i had the time to read it all. Thats like a book.

Originally Posted by Von Kinger

No, if a legitimate QB that we like is there, we should take him. Taking someone like Nelson on a declining defense and limited offense just makes us a very average team. It then will cost us that much more to get a real QB.

I'm of the opinion that Denver isn't going to be consistently taking QB's early because we aren't the Browns. We should be able to get a real talent and develop him.

I could live with Chubb.

Or...it significantly improves the run game and gives the QB a little extra time. Both of which pay immediate dividends to the offense.

Good article. At least the rookie scale doesn't bury a team that picks the wrong QB like it used to.

Originally Posted by CoachChaz

Or...it significantly improves the run game and gives the QB a little extra time. Both of which pay immediate dividends to the offense.

Games are won at the line. What a concept!

Originally Posted by CoachChaz

Or...it significantly improves the run game and gives the QB a little extra time. Both of which pay immediate dividends to the offense.

And the defense.