Picking a quarterback at No. 1

Last Updated 12:44 am PDT Sunday, April 15, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C9

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Since 1970, 15 quarterbacks have been chosen with the first pick of the NFL draft. Their accomplishments have varied.

SUPER SUCCESS

Terry Bradshaw, 1970, Louisiana Tech, Pittsburgh Steelers. After a rocky start, Bradshaw led the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories and went to the Hall of Fame.

Jim Plunkett, 1971, Stanford, Boston Patriots. Nearly beaten out of the league with the Patriots and later the 49ers, he found a home with the Raiders and won two Super Bowls.

John Elway, 1983, Stanford, Baltimore Colts. He forced a trade to Denver, lost three Super Bowls, got a new coach (Mike Shanahan) and won two to cap his playing career.

Troy Aikman, 1989, UCLA, Dallas Cowboys. Was part of rebuilding for the Cowboys and was the cool operator who QB'd them to three Super Bowl titles.

Peyton Manning, 1998, Tennessee, Indianapolis Colts. Helped turn the Colts into a winner, then stopped up the faucet of criticism with his 2007 Super Bowl win.

GOOD, BUT NO TROPHY

Steve Bartkowski, 1975, Cal, Atlanta Falcons. Could throw a beautiful tight spiral. Led the NFC in passing in 1983.

Vinny Testaverde, 1987, Miami (Fla.), Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had his detractors, but Vinny kept coming back, playing for a long time and putting an AFC passing title (1998) under his belt for the Jets.

Drew Bledsoe, 1993, Wash. State, New England Patriots. Never led the league, but he put up fine numbers, played on winning teams, carried himself well. A pro's pro.

Carson Palmer, 2003, USC, Cincinnati Bengals. Some say it's too early to tell, considering Palmer's injuries, but when healthy, he makes a huge difference.

SO-SO

Jeff George, 1990, Illinois, Indianapolis Colts. Cannon arm, some big statistics, but favored by neither coaches nor teammates and found no permanent home.

Tim Couch, 1999, Kentucky, Cleveland Browns. A few successes, but the bad times seemed to get to him.

Michael Vick, 2001, Virginia Tech, Atlanta Falcons. As exciting as can be, but erratic, a problematic passer, and unable to get to the expected level of greatness.

David Carr, 2002, Fresno State, Houston Texans. Spent the first five years being mercilessly sacked in Houston. Perhaps a change of scenery -- and some protection -- will help.

Eli Manning, 2004, Mississippi, San Diego Chargers. Got himself dealt to New York and has raised hopes, but it's too soon to call it.

Alex Smith, 2005, Utah, 49ers. Really improved -- so did his team -- in his second year. Still had a middling rating his second season, but he has time to prove himself.