The Quarterback Hype Train Needs a New Conductor

In today's competitive sports media landscape, the race to break stories has turned the hype surrounding NFL quarterbacks into a runaway train. This frenzy starts early, often during high school, when coaches and local media elevate athletes to near-mythical status. The narrative can feel more legendary than factual, as urgency and social media influence collide, pushing journalists to act more like hype machines than objective analysts.

As the college football season heats up, a single touchdown pass from a projected NFL prospect sends social media into a frenzy, proclaiming his superhuman abilities. But let’s be honest: while these plays can be impressive, they’re often just routine for a competent quarterback. The media, eager to be the first to crown the next big star, seem convinced that their early praise will catapult these young players into stardom.

The NFL Draft season only intensifies this hype. Players showcase their skills at pro days and the NFL Combine, where a fast 40-yard dash can overshadow more important metrics like drop rates and route-running abilities. This singular focus on one standout trait often leads to inflated expectations. Year after year, we see teams buy into the hype, only to watch these so-called can't-miss prospects struggle to meet their potential—often finding themselves on different rosters by year five.

Let’s take a look at some high-profile quarterbacks drafted in the top 10 in recent years and see how the hype has shaped their careers.

Trevor Lawrence was hailed as a generational talent during his time at Clemson, where he posted stellar numbers—10,098 passing yards, 66.6% completion rate, and 90 touchdowns against just 17 interceptions over three years. Yet, since joining the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has thrown for over 13,774 yards but holds a disappointing 22-37 record. The Jaguars managed just one winning season (9-8 in 2022), raising questions about whether the hype was deserved.

Zach Wilson faced a rollercoaster at BYU, with a stellar junior season (3,692 yards, 73.5% completion) overshadowing a lackluster sophomore year (2,382 yards, 62.4% completion). The media latched onto his potential, and the Jets picked him second overall in the 2021 Draft. However, after three seasons of struggles—6,293 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions—he was traded to the Broncos, where he now serves as a backup.

Trey Lance, selected third overall in 2021, came with immense hype after the 49ers traded multiple future first-round picks to get him. Yet, in his two seasons, he managed only 797 passing yards and a 54.9% completion rate in just four starts. Now he's backing up Dak Prescott in Dallas, raising eyebrows about the price San Francisco paid for him.

Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft, was billed as a franchise savior for the Carolina Panthers alongside fellow top pick CJ Stroud who went second overall to Houston. Unfortunately, Young's debut season was rocky, with a 3-17 record as a starter and disappointing stats—3,571 passing yards, 59.8% completion, 14 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. In contrast, Stroud shined as the Offensive Rookie of the Year, highlighting the disparity between hype and performance.

Lastly, Anthony Richardson entered the league with accolades for his athleticism and dual-threat capability. However, injuries and inconsistency have limited him to just 10 starts, with a 2024 completion rate of 44.4% and a troubling 4-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Now, he finds himself benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.

As we look at these examples, it's clear that the hype surrounding quarterbacks can lead to disastrous outcomes for franchises. Teams would be wise to focus on game film rather than media narratives. The hype train can derail a franchise for years, especially at the quarterback position. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider the draft rules—no QBs in the first round. The odds of finding a franchise quarterback in the early rounds have often been disappointing. Organizations bet their future on these players, and when they miss, the consequences can be catastrophic. It’s time for a change.