The top five NFL teams with the most quarterback drafting success ranked by an expert – and the Packers rank #1 

The top five NFL teams with the most quarterback drafting success ranked by an expert – and the Packers rank #1 

Experts at sports gaming site SportsMillions have ranked all NFL teams based on each first-round quarterback they have drafted since 2002. They took into consideration different factors surrounding the careers of the quarterbacks they picked in the first round, such as longevity, accolades, approximate value, impact on their team, and Hall of Fame potential, as well as the number of long-term starters drafted and busts.  

#1 – Green Bay Packers 

Since 2002, Green Bay have selected two first-round quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers (2005) and Jordan Love (2020).

The team struck gold when they selected Aaron Rodgers 24th overall. He became the starter in 2008 and led the Packers for 15 seasons, earning four MVP awards, a Super Bowl championship with MVP honors, and 10 Pro Bowl selections. Rodgers set numerous franchise records and was a first-team All-Pro four times. His longevity and impact on the league are unmatched. Jordan Love only became a starter in 2023 and is showing himself to be a great replacement.  

#2 – Kansas City Chiefs 

Since 2002, the Chiefs have only used a first-round pick on a quarterback once, and that was Patrick Mahomes.  

Drafted 10th overall in 2017, Mahomes became the starter in 2018, and went on to win the 2018 NFL MVP in his first year. Widely considered as the NFL’s premier quarterback of this era, Mahomes is a two-time league MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, having been named Super Bowl MVP in all of the Chiefs’ recent title wins. He has also made the Pro Bowl every season as a starter and earned All-Pro honors twice. 

#3 – Pittsburgh Steelers 

The Steelers have drafted two first-round quarterbacks since 2002: Ben Roethlisberger (2004) and Kenny Pickett (2022). 

Pittsburgh selected Roethlisberger 11th overall in 2004. He became the starter as a rookie and led the team for 18 seasons, winning two Super Bowls and earning six Pro Bowl selections. He retired as the franchise’s all-time passing leader with over 64,000 yards and ranks 5th in NFL history in passing yards. The Steelers added Pickett in 2022, but it’s too early to judge his impact, however, with Roethlisberger’s success and no first-round busts, Pittsburgh has a near-perfect quarterback draft record. 

#4 – Los Angeles Chargers  

Since 2002, the Chargers have drafted two first-round quarterbacks: Philip Rivers (2004) and Justin Herbert (2020). 

Philip Rivers was drafted by the New York Giants in 2004 and joined the Los Angeles Chargers via a draft-day trade. He became the full-time starter in 2006, leading the team for 14 seasons without missing a game. An eight-time Pro Bowler, he retired as the franchise leader in every major passing category and will likely be a Hall of Famer despite never winning a Super Bowl. In 2020, the Chargers selected Herbert 6th overall, and he quickly became a star, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and setting multiple team records.  

#5 – Baltimore Ravens 

Baltimore has taken three first-round quarterbacks since 2002: Kyle Boller (2003), Joe Flacco (2008), and Lamar Jackson (2018). 

Boller, picked 19th overall in 2003, struggled as a starter and never lived up to expectations. The Ravens rebounded in 2008 by drafting Flacco 18th overall, and he became an immediate starter, leading Baltimore to six playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in 2012, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. In 2018, they found another star in Jackson, who won NFL MVP in his second season. With a Super Bowl MVP (Flacco) and a two-time league MVP (Jackson), the Baltimore Ravens have more than made up for their early misfire.