For the first time since 1983, six quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the NFL draft. In 1983 there were only 28 teams involved, while 2024 had 32 selections. Unlike the aforementioned “Elway to Marino” class, the 2024 selections all came in the first 12 picks of the draft.
It was also a historic night with the first 14 picks coming on the offensive side of the ball, and 23 of the first 32 picks overall.
Our focus remains on the quarterbacks with those NFL-record six selections. It remains to be seen if this year’s class will have the same level of success. Three of the six selected in 1983 went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Only John Elway would achieve the pinnacle of the NFL with back-to-back Super Bowl championships. Dan Marino and Jim Kelly combined for five Super Bowl appearances but never earned the right to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Here is a look at each class:
| 1983 | Team | 2024 | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Elway | Baltimore Colts | Caleb Williams | Chicago Bears |
| Todd Blackledge | Kansas City Chiefs | Jayden Daniels | Washington Commanders |
| Jim Kelly | Buffalo Bills | Drake Maye | New England Patriots |
| Tony Eason | New England Patriots | Michael Penix Jr. | Atlanta Falcons |
| Ken O’Brien | New York Jets | J.J. McCarthy | Minnesota Vikings |
| Dan Marino | Miami Dolphins | Bo Nix | Denver Broncos |
Regardless of team alliances, it will be interesting to watch the six careers over the next decade-plus to see if they come close to the 1983 group of gunslingers.