Best QB Draft Classes of the Last 20 Years

Due to the hype about the current QB draft class, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the best QB draft classes over the last two decades. I am determining the value of each draft class based on Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, years started, overall play and potential. Here are my top 4 QB draft classes of the past 20 years:

1) 2004:
Notable QBs: Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Phillip Rivers and Matt Schaub

Combined Awards: 4 Super Bowls, 2 Super Bowl MVPs (both Eli), and 9 Pro Bowls

After eight full seasons of play, the success on the field for this draft class speaks for itself. They have accounted for half of the Super Bowl victories since coming into the league eight years ago (2 for Big Ben and 2 for Eli). Although people may question how talented these QBs truly are, they can not question what they have accomplished so far in their careers. This year Eli Manning and Schaub are both poised to make deep runs into the playoffs and, perhaps, bolster the legend of the 2004 QB draft class. These 4 QBs are arguably entering the prime of their careers and looking to compete at a high level for years to come.

2) 1998:
Notable QBs: Peyton Manning and Matt Hasselbeck

Although Hasselbeck has been successful in the NFL, warranting 3 Pro Bowl selections, Peyton Manning is the reason why this QB draft class is one of the greatest of the past two decades.

Peyton's Awards: 1 Super Bowl, 1 Super Bowl MVP, 4 MVPs and 11 Pro Bowls.

Although Peyton has faltered in the playoffs many times, only reaching the Super Bowl twice, he is often mentioned in conversations as the greatest of all time. Any QB draft class that brings Peyton Manning to the NFL has to be immediately considered one of the best of all time. Peyton Manning flat out changed the way the QB position is played in the NFL with his up tempo no-huddle offense and utter dissection of defenses before the ball is ever snapped.

3) 2000:
Notable QBs: Tom Brady, Chad Pennington, Marc Bulger

Much like the 1998 QB draft class the 2000 QB draft class is highlighted and relevant due to one player: Tom Brady (taken in the 6th freaking round!). Pennington and Bulger were decently successful in the NFL, however only combining for a mere 2 Pro Bowls and 2 Comeback Player of the Year Awards. Tom Brady burst onto the scene in 2001 after Drew Bledsoe was injured in the second game of the year; from that point, Brady never relinquished the starting job. Brady, Peyton Manning's perennial rival, is considered one of the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) and, perhaps, had he beaten the Giants in his last two Super Bowl appearances he may have been unanimously considered the G.O.A.T.

Brady's Awards: 3 Super Bowls (5 appearances), 2 Super Bowl MVPs, 2 MVPs and 7 Pro Bowl.

4) 2012:
Notable QBs: Andrew Luck, RG III, Russell Wilson, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden and Nick Foles.

I rank this QB draft class 4th not only for what they have accomplished thus far in their first season, but also for what they could potentially accomplish in the years to come. Andrew Luck took over for a Colts team whose franchise was left in the wake of the Peyton Manning era. Since being drafted last spring, Luck has been compared to Peyton in every respect. So far, he has preformed marvelously, leading the Colts to a 9-4 record and, most likely, the playoffs (compared to Peyton Manning's rookie record of 3-13).

The Redskins' Robert Griffin III has dazzled crowds and football fans around the nation since day 1. He is one of the most thrilling and dynamic QBs in the NFL as a rookie. After beating the Saints in week 1, the NFL knew that RG III was legit. The Redskins have suffered some tough losses due to their porous defense, but still remain in a position to win the NFC East so long as the Giants' signature collapse comes in time. RG III has incredible athleticism, but more importantly is incredibly patient, not forcing the stupid throws that are so dear to young QBs.

Russell Wilson is the surprise of this QB draft class. Wilson was drafted by the Seahawks in the third round out of Wisconsin and was often considered too small to play in the NFL. After the Seahawks scooped up Matt Flynn in free agency, nobody expected Wilson would serve as anything more than a situational QB on offense (much like Tebow for the Jets). Wilson won the starting job in preseason and led the Seahawks to an 8-5 record, putting them in a good position to control a wild card spot.

This 2012 QB draft class produced 6 starting QBs with a combined record of 35-34 (and two quarterbacks are starting for the hapless Browns and Eagles). If this QB draft class is sporting a winning record in their first year, imagine how great they can become with a few years of experience.

Honorable Mentions:

2007 QB Draft Class: For being the worst draft class of the past two decades

Notable QBs: JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Kevin Kolb, John Beck and Drew Stanton.

This draft class was highlighted by 5 quarterbacks who were taken in the first two rounds of the draft. Today, none of these QBs are starters on their respective teams. All 5 QBs ended up being huge busts and utter disappointments.

1993 QB Draft Class: For all winning a Super Bowl! ... kind of

Notable QBs: Drew Bledsoe, Mark Brunell, Elvis Grbac and Trent Green

Together this QB draft class boasts 10 Pro Bowl appearances and 4 Super Bowl victories; however, each of these QBs earned their ring while sitting on the bench. All 4 of the quarterbacks won a Super Bowl as the backup QB... or as they will tell their kids one day, "as the starting place holder."