2001 NFL Draft 1st Rd. (plus 1) QB Comps: Should Johnny Manziel Sit This Year?

October 7, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks to San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) after their game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook – USA TODAY Sports

2001 NFL Draft

Michael Vick

Vick played in 8 games as a rookie and was not highly productive. While the sense that he could be electric was there his turnovers and lack of accuracy severely limited him. Vick had 6 total fumbles and 3 INTs in his 8 games with only 3 total TDs. His first three season were not highly indicative of the player he was going to become, at least on the positive side. He only played in 5 games his 3rd season due to injury, a reoccurrence, but in his second season his 15 games showed some promise as he threw for 16 TDs, ran for 8 more while only throwing 8 INTs to go with his 9 fumbles. Ball security has been a long term issue.

Vick’s playing career is obviously marred by the dog fighting scandal in which he lost 2 years of his career. His first year back in the league he played in 12 games but only threw 13 total passes for the Eagles. He is now on his third team, the New York Jets, as a backup but he was the guy for 2 different teams. Being counted on by two quality franchises, lightening up the scoreboard when healthy and inspiring the current wave of dual threat QBs gives Vick a solid B grade for his career, that could have one more encore in NY.

Drew Brees

With Brees being selected with the top pick in the second round and having only 1 QB in the 2001 first round we decided to add him in here as a part of the information gathering process. Brees only played in 1 game his rookie season but competed well with 1 TD and no INTS throwing for over 200 yards with a completion percentage over 55%. It was a sign of things to come. Brees started all 16 games the next season and was solid but not the spectacular player we know today. Injuries in his 3rd season allowed the San Diego Chargers to acquire Philip Rivers in the 2004 NFL Draft. Brees fought him off for 2 years before getting hurt and signing with the New Orleans Saints where his career took off.

Brees is a unique case, much like Vick. Brees only played in the 1 game his rookie season and didn’t fully start to show his full potential until he moved on to the Saints. It questions whether he would be considered one of the best in the league if he hadn’t had the chance to play in Sean Payton’s offense. He most likely would of been good but as Browns fans can attest who you play for can greatly impact your career path. As it is Brees was a solid starter in SD and became a Franchise Guy in New Orleans.