It’s frustrating to read a post-win thread and watch it deteriorate because of a “Stafford missed a throw, therefore he sucks” comment. I think it’s underestimated how hard it is to actually acquire a competent quarterback who can perform at Stafford’s level for any length of time.
Here is every QB taken 4th round or earlier since Stafford was drafted. Not many move-the-needle guys, and a ton of hot garbage that I wouldn’t want if they played for free.
Point is, it’s not real easy to just “go draft a quarterback”.
2009
Mark Sanchez
Josh Freeman
Pat White
Stephen McGee
2010
Sam Bradford
Tim Tebow
Jimmy Clausen
Colt McCoy
Mike Kafka
2011
Cam Newton
Jake Locker
Blaine Gabbert
Christian Ponder
Andy Dalton
Colin Kaepernick
Ryan Mallet
2012
Andrew Luck
RGIII
Ryan Tannehill
Brandon Weeden
Brock Osweiler
Russell Wilson
Nick Foles
Kirk Cousins
2013
EJ Manuel
Geno Smith
Mike Glennon
Matt Barkley
Ryan Nassib
Tyler Wilson
Landry Jones
2014
Blake Bortles
Johnny Manziel
Teddy Bridgewater
Derrick Carr
Jimmy Garoppolo
Logan Thomas
Tom Savage
2015
Jameis Winston
Marcus Mariota
Garrett Grayson
Sean Manion
Bryce Petty
2016
Jared Goff
Carson Wentz
Paxton Lynch
Christian Hackenberg
Jacoby Brissett
Cody Kessler
Connor Cook
Dak Prescott
Cardale Jones
2017
Mitchell Trubisky
Patrick Mahomes
Deshaun Watson
Deshone Kizer
Davis Webb
CJ Beathard
Joshua Dobbs
2018
Baker Mayfield
Sam Darnold
Josh Rosen
Lamar Jackson
Mason Rudolph
Kyle Lauletta