7.) Heisman Quality QB Doesn’t Mean NFL Success
While he didn’t technically win a Heisman, Watson finished third in the voting last year and second place this year. With that in mind let’s look at the names of Heisman winning QBs over the years, Marcus Mariota (2014), Jameis Winston (2013), Johnny Manziel (2012), Robert Griffin III (2011), Sam Bradford (2008), Tim Tebow (2007), Troy Smith (2006), Matt Leinart (2004), Jason White (2003), Carson Palmer (2002), Eric Crouch (2001), and Chris Weinke (2000).
Of those 12, 8 were first round selections. Jason White was not drafted and never played in the NFL. Eric Crouch never played in the NFL after being selected in the third round aa a receiver, Chris Weinke was a fourth round pick who spent six years as mostly a backup QB, and Troy Smith was a fifth round pick who spent five years as mostly a backup QB.
With those four out of the way let’s look at the remaining eight in more detail. The success of this group is mostly divided. Of the known busts so to speak, Johnny Manziel let his off the field antics get the best of him and he was out of the NFL after two seasons.
While being in the NFL for seven years, Matt Leinart spent the rest of his career following his rookie season as a backup QB after he lost out on the starting job to Kurt Warner. Tim Tebow had a three year stint in the NFL before his inability as a passer cost him any more chances. The remaining five were all picked in the top two so outside of being a top two pick no Heisman QB has had consistent NFL success since 2000.
At the top it gets better but there is still some mixed results. After being a Pro Bowl QB his rookie season, Robert Griffin III has dealt with his injuries and regressions including being delegated to the scout team in favor of a QB drafted 100 picks after him. He is now fighting for a spot to stay in the NFL before being just a one season wonder. The other number two pick, Marcus Mariota had a really good sophomore season leading the Titans to a winning record before injuring his leg and despite not having a consistent number one receiver.
Of the four number one overall picks, Carson Palmer has the longest track record. A three time Pro Bowl QB, Palmer has also won some other awards including Comeback Player and Second-team All-Pro. He has one appearance in the NFC Championship game and has had a solid career for himself but was never able to go over the top. Sam Bradford was the next QB taken #1 but injuries have plagued his career. In seven seasons in the league, Bradford has missed a total of 34 games and is now on his third NFL team.
He has yet to reach a Pro Bowl or earn any significant awards but 2016 was his best season thus far and has a chance if he can stay healthy. Following Bradford, Cam Newton went number one in 2011. Since then he has been selected to three Pro Bowls, was a First-team All-Pro and won MVP in 2015 in his trip to a Super Bowl.
A big physically gifted QB, Newton is one of the few college players that had the size to allow him to continue being a dual threat QB in the NFL. Newton is building up a resume that can certainly see his number being retired. The last one, like Mariota is Jameis Winston. Winston did get a Pro Bowl his rookie season despite his numbers not being overwhelming, but he stayed consistent on that this past season. He led the Bucs to the brink of being in the playoffs and has a potential bright future ahead.
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