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QBs Chosen In The 2014 NFL Draft: A Retrospective

Trends January 11, 2025

Who are the qbs drafted in 2014?

One of the most successful quarterbacks from the 2014 NFL Draft is Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 32nd overall pick and has since become a reliable starter in the NFL. He has led the Vikings to several playoff appearances and has been named to the Pro Bowl twice.

Another successful quarterback from the 2014 NFL Draft is Derek Carr. Carr was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 36th overall pick and has quickly become one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL. He has led the Raiders to several winning seasons and has been named to the Pro Bowl three times.

Not all of the quarterbacks drafted in 2014 have been as successful as Bridgewater and Carr. Some quarterbacks, such as Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles, have struggled to live up to expectations. Manziel was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd overall pick, but his NFL career was derailed by off-field issues. Bortles was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the third overall pick, but he has failed to live up to his draft status and was released by the Jaguars in 2020.

The 2014 NFL Draft was a significant event for quarterbacks, and the players selected in the first round have had a major impact on the NFL. Some quarterbacks, such as Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr, have become successful starters, while others have struggled to live up to expectations.

QBs Drafted 2014

Teddy Bridgewater
Derek Carr
Johnny Manziel
Blake Bortles
Jimmy Garoppolo
Tom Savage
AJ McCarron
Zach Mettenberger

These quarterbacks represent a diverse group of players, with different strengths and weaknesses. Some, like Bridgewater and Carr, have become successful starters, while others have struggled to live up to expectations. It will be interesting to see how these quarterbacks continue to develop in the years to come.

1. Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Bridgewater has also played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos.

College career
Bridgewater played college football at the University of Louisville. He was a two-time All-American and led the Cardinals to the 2013 Sugar Bowl victory. Bridgewater finished his college career with 9,817 passing yards, 72 passing touchdowns, and 22 interceptions.
NFL career
Bridgewater was drafted by the Vikings with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He started 12 games as a rookie and led the Vikings to an 8-4 record. Bridgewater was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015 after passing for 3,231 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Injury
In 2016, Bridgewater suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Vikings' first game. He missed the entire 2017 season while recovering from the injury. Bridgewater returned to the Vikings in 2018, but he lost his starting job to Kirk Cousins. Bridgewater was traded to the Saints in 2019 and served as Drew Brees' backup for two seasons.
Recent years
Bridgewater signed with the Panthers in 2021 and started five games. He was traded to the Broncos in 2022, but he did not play in any games. Bridgewater signed with the Dolphins in 2023 and is expected to compete for the starting job.

Bridgewater is a talented quarterback with a lot of experience. He has shown that he can be a successful starter in the NFL. Bridgewater is a good leader and a hard worker. He is also a good teammate and is respected by his peers.

2. Derek Carr

Derek Carr is an American football quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, making him one of the most notable quarterbacks drafted that year.

Carr quickly became the Raiders' starting quarterback and has led the team to several winning seasons. He has also been named to the Pro Bowl three times. Carr is known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership skills.

Carr's success is a major reason why he is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He is a key component of the Raiders' offense and has helped the team achieve success in recent years. Carr is also a respected leader in the NFL and is known for his work ethic and dedication to the game.

3. Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel was one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd overall pick. Manziel had a successful college career at Texas A&M, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2012. However, his NFL career was derailed by off-field issues.

Hype and Expectations
Manziel was one of the most hyped prospects in recent NFL history. He was compared to Johnny Football, and many expected him to be a franchise quarterback for the Browns. However, Manziel struggled to live up to the expectations.
Off-Field Issues
Manziel's NFL career was plagued by off-field issues. He was arrested for domestic violence in 2016, and he was suspended for four games by the NFL. Manziel also struggled with substance abuse issues.
Lack of Maturity
Manziel was often criticized for his lack of maturity. He was known for his partying lifestyle, and he often made headlines for his off-field antics. Manziel's immaturity ultimately led to his downfall in the NFL.
Bust
Manziel is considered one of the biggest busts in NFL history. He was a highly touted prospect, but he never lived up to his potential. Manziel's NFL career was a disappointment, and he is now out of the league.

Manziel's story is a cautionary tale for young athletes. It shows the importance of maturity and professionalism. Manziel had the talent to be a successful NFL quarterback, but he let his off-field issues ruin his career.

4. Blake Bortles

Blake Bortles was one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the third overall pick, making him one of the most notable quarterbacks drafted that year.

Bortles had a successful college career at the University of Central Florida, where he set several school records. He was a two-time All-American and led the Knights to two bowl victories. Bortles finished his college career with 10,899 passing yards, 81 passing touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.

Bortles' NFL career has been less successful than his college career. He has never led the Jaguars to a winning record and has been criticized for his poor decision-making and lack of accuracy. Bortles has also been injured frequently, which has limited his playing time.

Despite his struggles, Bortles remains one of the most important quarterbacks drafted in 2014. He is the only quarterback from that draft class to start more than 50 games in the NFL. Bortles is also the only quarterback from that draft class to throw for more than 10,000 yards in the NFL.

Bortles' career is a reminder that NFL success is not always guaranteed, even for the most highly touted prospects. Bortles has struggled to live up to expectations, but he remains a valuable asset to the Jaguars. He is a tough and experienced quarterback who gives the Jaguars a chance to win every time he takes the field.

5. Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy Garoppolo is an American football quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, making him one of the most notable quarterbacks drafted that year.

Backup to Tom Brady
Garoppolo spent the first three seasons of his NFL career as the backup to Tom Brady in New England. He started two games in 2016 when Brady was suspended for the first four games of the season. Garoppolo led the Patriots to a 2-0 record in those two starts.
Traded to the 49ers
In 2017, Garoppolo was traded to the 49ers for a second-round pick. He started 13 games for the 49ers in 2017 and led them to a 5-8 record. Garoppolo missed the 2018 season with a torn ACL.
Starting quarterback
Garoppolo has been the 49ers' starting quarterback since 2019. He has led the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance. Garoppolo is a talented quarterback who has shown that he can be a winner in the NFL.
Injury concerns
Garoppolo has been injured frequently throughout his career. He has missed significant time with injuries to his shoulder, knee, and ankle. Garoppolo's injury history is a concern for the 49ers, as it limits his availability and makes it difficult for the team to build around him.

Garoppolo is a talented quarterback who has shown that he can be a winner in the NFL. However, his injury history is a concern. If Garoppolo can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, if he continues to be injured, it will be difficult for him to reach his full potential.

6. Tom Savage

Tom Savage is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, making him one of the notable quarterbacks drafted that year.

College career
Savage played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a three-year starter for the Panthers and led them to two bowl victories. Savage finished his college career with 9,186 passing yards, 55 passing touchdowns, and 24 interceptions.
NFL career
Savage was drafted by the Texans in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent the first three seasons of his NFL career as a backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brock Osweiler. Savage started three games for the Texans in 2017 and led them to a 1-2 record.
Starting quarterback
Savage became the Texans' starting quarterback in 2018 after Osweiler was traded to the Denver Broncos. He started 14 games for the Texans in 2018 and led them to a 3-11 record. Savage was benched in favor of Deshaun Watson in the final game of the season.
Later career
Savage was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019. He was released by the Bengals in 2020 and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Savage retired from the NFL in 2021.

Savage was a talented quarterback who never reached his full potential in the NFL. He was a good passer with a strong arm, but he was also known for his inconsistency. Savage was also injured frequently, which limited his playing time. Despite his struggles, Savage was a valuable backup quarterback for several teams. He was a good teammate and was respected by his coaches and peers.

7. AJ McCarron

AJ McCarron is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, making him one of the notable quarterbacks drafted that year.

College career
McCarron played college football at the University of Alabama. He was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and led them to two national championships. McCarron finished his college career with 9,019 passing yards, 77 passing touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
NFL career
McCarron was drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent the first four seasons of his NFL career as a backup to Andy Dalton. McCarron started three games for the Bengals in 2015 and led them to a 2-1 record. He also started one game for the Bengals in 2017 and led them to a 1-0 record.
Starting quarterback
McCarron became the Bengals' starting quarterback in 2018 after Dalton was injured. He started 13 games for the Bengals in 2018 and led them to a 2-11 record. McCarron was benched in favor of Jeff Driskel in the final four games of the season.
Later career
McCarron was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2019. He was released by the Bills in 2020 and signed with the Houston Texans. McCarron was released by the Texans in 2021 and is currently a free agent.

McCarron is a talented quarterback who has shown that he can be a winner in the NFL. He is a good passer with a strong arm and is also a good runner. McCarron is also a tough and durable player who is not afraid to take a hit. Despite his talent, McCarron has never been able to hold down a starting job for an extended period of time. He has been plagued by injuries and has also struggled with consistency. McCarron is still a valuable backup quarterback who can come in and win games if needed.

8. Zach Mettenberger

Zach Mettenberger was one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 35th overall pick, making him one of the most notable quarterbacks drafted that year.

Mettenberger had a successful college career at LSU, where he set several school records. He was a two-time All-American and led the Tigers to two bowl victories. Mettenberger finished his college career with 9,190 passing yards, 68 passing touchdowns, and 22 interceptions.

Mettenberger's NFL career was less successful than his college career. He started eight games for the Titans in 2014 and led them to a 2-6 record. Mettenberger was injured in the eighth game of the season and missed the rest of the year. He was released by the Titans in 2016.

Mettenberger's NFL career was derailed by injuries. He suffered a torn ACL in his rookie season and a shoulder injury in 2015. Mettenberger was also known for his off-field issues. He was arrested for DUI in 2014 and was involved in a bar fight in 2015.

Despite his struggles, Mettenberger is still considered one of the most talented quarterbacks drafted in 2014. He has a strong arm and is a good runner. Mettenberger is also a tough and durable player. If he can stay healthy and avoid off-field issues, Mettenberger has the potential to be a successful NFL quarterback.

FAQs About QBs Drafted in 2014

The 2014 NFL Draft was a significant event for quarterbacks, with several talented players being selected in the first round. These quarterbacks have gone on to have varying degrees of success in the NFL, with some becoming Pro Bowl selections and others struggling to find their footing. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these quarterbacks:

Question 1: Who are the most successful QBs drafted in 2014?

The most successful QBs drafted in 2014 are Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr. Bridgewater has been a Pro Bowl selection twice and has led the Vikings to several playoff appearances. Carr has also been named to the Pro Bowl three times and has led the Raiders to several winning seasons.

Question 2: Who are some of the least successful QBs drafted in 2014?

Some of the least successful QBs drafted in 2014 include Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles. Manziel was selected with the 22nd overall pick but struggled to live up to expectations and was out of the NFL by 2018. Bortles was selected with the third overall pick but has never led the Jaguars to a winning record and has been criticized for his poor decision-making.

Question 3: Which QBs drafted in 2014 are still playing in the NFL?

Several QBs drafted in 2014 are still playing in the NFL, including Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, and AJ McCarron. Bridgewater is currently with the Dolphins, Carr is with the Raiders, Garoppolo is with the 49ers, and McCarron is a free agent.

Question 4: Which QBs drafted in 2014 have retired?

Two QBs drafted in 2014 have retired: Tom Savage and Zach Mettenberger. Savage retired in 2021 after eight seasons in the NFL, while Mettenberger retired in 2019 after five seasons.

Question 5: What is the overall legacy of the QBs drafted in 2014?

The QBs drafted in 2014 have had a mixed legacy. Some, like Bridgewater and Carr, have become successful starters, while others, like Manziel and Bortles, have struggled to live up to expectations. Overall, the 2014 QB draft class has been a bit of a disappointment, but there are still several players who are hoping to make a name for themselves in the NFL.

There are many more questions that could be answered about the QBs drafted in 2014, but these FAQs provide a good overview of the most common concerns and misconceptions.

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Conclusion

The 2014 NFL Draft was a significant event for quarterbacks, with several talented players being selected in the first round. These quarterbacks have gone on to have varying degrees of success in the NFL, with some becoming Pro Bowl selections and others struggling to find their footing. Some of the most successful quarterbacks from the 2014 draft class include Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, and Jimmy Garoppolo. These quarterbacks have all led their teams to the playoffs and have been named to the Pro Bowl.

However, not all of the quarterbacks from the 2014 draft class have been as successful. Some quarterbacks, such as Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles, have struggled to live up to expectations. Manziel was selected with the 22nd overall pick but was out of the NFL by 2018. Bortles was selected with the third overall pick but has never led the Jaguars to a winning record. Overall, the 2014 QB draft class has been a bit of a disappointment, but there are still several players who are hoping to make a name for themselves in the NFL.