Rookies Winston and Mariota to Face Off in NFL Season Opener

Strategic Insights -

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookie quarterback Jameis Winston and Tennessee Titans' rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota will make their NFL debuts on Sunday, sparking renewed debate over which Heisman winner should have been drafted first. History suggests that the outcome may be difficult to predict, as quarterbacks previously drafted 1-2 overall have had mixed results in their inaugural NFL starts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Of the 13 quarterbacks drafted 1-2 overall since 1967, only 2 (Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning) have started their careers with a winning record.
  • Jim Plunkett, drafted 1st overall in 1971, was sacked 36 times and had 19 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in his rookie season.
  • Archie Manning, drafted 2nd overall in 1971, had 9 interceptions and 6 touchdowns in his rookie season and was sacked 40 times.
  • Drew Bledsoe, drafted 1st overall in 1993, had 15 TDs and 15 interceptions in his rookie season and started 16 games for the Seattle Seahawks.
  • Peyton Manning, drafted 1st overall in 1998, went 3-13 with 28 interceptions and 26 touchdowns in his rookie season.
  • Ryan Leaf, drafted 2nd overall in 1998, won his first two games but struggled in his remaining starts and was sacked 15 times in his rookie season.
  • Tim Couch, drafted 1st overall in 1999, lasted only five seasons after being drafted by Cleveland.
  • Donovan McNabb, drafted 2nd overall in 1999, started only 14 games in his rookie season and went 2-12.
  • Andrew Luck, drafted 1st overall in 2012, lost his opener and was sacked 45 times in his rookie season.
  • Robert Griffin III, drafted 2nd overall in 2012, went 3-13 in his rookie season and was benched heading into his fourth season.

Statistics:

  • 13 quarterbacks drafted 1-2 overall since 1967 (Source: AP).
  • 2 (Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning) of the 13 quarterbacks started their careers with a winning record (Source: AP).
  • 36 sacks for Jim Plunkett in his rookie season (Source: AP).
  • 28 interceptions for Peyton Manning in his rookie season (Source: AP).
  • 40 sacks for Archie Manning in his rookie season (Source: AP).
  • 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for Drew Bledsoe in his rookie season (Source: AP).

Sources:

  • The Associated Press