Replacing Franchise Quarterbacks

In this era of the NFL, having a franchise quarterback is of the utmost importance. Teams such as the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts compete year in and year out, due in large part to their quarterbacks. If Tom Brady or Peyton Manning were to miss an extended period of time, their prospects would be rather grim. Yet, both quarterbacks are approaching their mid-30's, bringing it close to the point where their teams will need to look at finding their replacements.

Bringing in the heir apparent at quarterback can be a tricky proposition. In San Fransisco, when the 49ers brought in Steve Young, it lit a fire under Joe Montana to prove he was still great. While he helped develop Young, facing his football mortality in the face pushed him to continue to elevate his game. Montana had four more great seasons, and a couple of solid years in Kansas City after leaving the 49ers. In Green Bay, Brett Favre refused to help develop Aaron Rodgers, and continued to be Brett Favre - throwing ill-advised passes into double and triple coverage, yet being bailed out by his receivers and somehow avoiding any criticism by members of the media. Finally, the Packers tired of Favre's "it's all about me" attitude and on-again, off-again retirements, handing the reins to Rodgers. In both cases, this plan worked out, as both teams won Super Bowls with the new quarterbacks.

The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, did not draft the next quarterback when it was obvious that Dan Marino had barely anything left. Since Marino's retirement at the end of the 1999 season, the Dolphins have used 16 different quarterbacks. Meanwhile, they have only drafted four quarterbacks (Josh Heupel, John Beck, Pat White, and Chad Henne). Needless to say, they have only won one playoff game since Marino's retirement, and that win was in 2000.

With such history being there, should the Patriots and Colts look to draft their future quarterbacks this year? This year may not have a guaranteed great quarterback, but there are a lot of solid options available in the draft, especially in the middle rounds. Pat Devlin of Delaware, Ricky Stanzi of Iowa, and T.J. Yates of North Carolina would make solid options for the Patriots and Colts anywhere from the third round on. Of course, the Patriots may feel that they have their future in Brian Hoyer, who has looked decent in his limited opportunities thus far.

Given the intellect of the Colts and Patriots, expect them to handle the quarterback position, and the future of the position, with the same skill in which they have built their rosters. This will not be a Miami Dolphins situation for them.