Quick Answer
On average, 10-15 quarterbacks are drafted each year in the modern NFL Draft. About 3-5 QBs typically go in the first round during QB-heavy years.
How Many Quarterbacks Are Drafted Each Year?
On average, 10-15 quarterbacks are drafted each year in the modern NFL Draft (since 1994).
QB Draft Trends
- First Round: 1-6 QBs (average: 2-3)
- Day 2 (Rounds 2-3): 3-6 QBs
- Day 3 (Rounds 4-7): 4-8 QBs
Historic QB Draft Years
- 1983: 6 QBs in first round (Elway, Marino, Kelly, Eason, Todd, Blackledge)
- 2018: 5 QBs in first round (Mayfield, Darnold, Allen, Rosen, Jackson)
- 2021: 5 QBs in first round (Lawrence, Wilson, Lance, Fields, Jones)
Why the Variation?
The number of QBs drafted varies based on the strength of the QB class and team needs. In weak QB years, only 1-2 QBs go in Round 1. In loaded years, 5-6 can go early.