1999 1st Rd. QB Comparisons: Should Johnny Manziel Sit This Year?
Jul 29, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Donovan McNabbaddresses the media during a press conference announcing his retirement at the Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
1999 NFL Draft
| Started as Rookie? | \\\ | Year One | First 3 Years | Career |
| Yes | Grade | C | C | D |
Couch started 15 games as a rookie but only lasted 5 years in the league, all with the Browns. Couch only had 1 season over 3,000 yards passing. For his career Couch threw 3 more interceptions then touchdowns. The Browns were looking for Couch to be the long term starter for their new franchise instead they got a replacement level player who was out of the league in 5 years.
Donovan McNabb
| Started as Rookie? | \\ | Year One | First 3 Years | Career |
| Yes | Grade | C | B | A |
McNabb, taken one slot after Couch was the Franchise QB for the Eagles for years. He played 12 games as a rookie and was obviously the QB of the future during his second season. His A grade for his career is fitting as he led his team to the Super Bowl and, until late in his career, was not at risk of getting replaced.
| Started as Rookie? | \\ | Year One | First 3 Years | Career |
| Yes | Grade | D | C | F |
Smith last only 4 seasons in the league for the Bengals only playing in 3 games in his final 2 seasons. Smith played in 7 games his first year, 12 his second, 2 in his third and 1 in the fourth. He never threw more then 3 touchdowns but threw 13 total interceptions for his career. The Bengals were quickly looking for a new Franchise Guy following Smith’s first 2 seasons.
| Started as Rookie? | \\ | Year One | First 3 Years | Career |
| No | Grade | N/A | B | B |
Culpepper is a unique quarterback in that he didn’t start his rookie season but came on quickly at the Vikings franchise QB. Then after 5 solid seasons of high level play, a knee injury derailed his career. He played 4 more seasons with 3 teams never becoming more then a backup and spot starter. With his huge seasons with the Vikings Culpepper’s career is still successful.
| Started as Rookie? | \\ | Year One | First 3 Years | Career |
| Yes | Grade | D | F | F |
McNown is another interesting case as he played in games as a rookie and 10 games the following season and then didn’t play another game in the league. He played just above failure his rookie season then showed no improvement that is expected in a QBs second season leading to his F grade.