NFL Drafted FCS Quarterbacks' Performance Over Time
Revamped Article:
When Tommy Mellott, the latest selection by the Raiders with their first of two sixth-round picks at No. 213, became the first quarterback from an FCS program taken in the NFL draft since 2022, it raised some eyebrows. Joined by North Dakota State's Cam Miller two picks later, the draft somehow echoed the thrilling FCS title game of the previous season, won by NDSU, 35-32. Here's a glimpse into the recent history of FCS quarterbacks drafted into the NFL.
Recent FCS QBs in the NFL
Tommy Mellott & Cam Miller (2023)
Although their NFL careers are still in the startup phase, these young guns are adding to the FCS's growing presence in the NFL.
Chris Oladokun (2022)
A seven-year player with three programs – USF, Samford, and South Dakota State – Oladokun showcased his prowess in leading the Jackrabbits to the 2021 national title with 3,164 yards and 25 touchdowns through the air. The Steelers released him prior to the 2022 season but he landed with the Chiefs a week later. He made his NFL debut in the 2022 regular-season finale against the Broncos, taking five snaps, including a five-yard run.
Trey Lance (2021)
A two-time national champ with the Bison, Lance, winner of the 2019 Walter Payton Award, totaled 3,896 yards and 42 touchdowns while setting an NCAA all-divisions season mark for most attempts without an interception. Lance started two games in each of his two seasons with the 49ers and started once last year for the Cowboys. Currently with the Chargers, Lance has thrown for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns in 12 NFL games.
Ben DiNucci (2020)
Starting his career at Pitt, DiNucci transferred to James Madison and led the Dukes to the FCS title game in 2019, a loss to fellow FCS signal-caller Trey Lance and North Dakota State. DiNucci played in three games with one start for the Cowboys in 2020 and threw for 219 yards in his only NFL action. He's since been on the practice squads of the Broncos, Bills, and Saints, who released him last month.
Enrichment Data Analysis
To shed more light on the performance history of FCS quarterbacks in the NFL, let's explore a bit of context.
Scott Tolzien, drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 2011 NFL Draft from the University of Wisconsin (at the time not FCS), built a career primarily as a backup quarterback in the NFL.
While not drafted from an FCS school, Jimmy Garoppolo is often cited as a shining example of a successful FCS quarterback. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Garoppolo has had a prolific NFL career with both the Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers.
Before the 2010-2022 range, Joe Flacco was drafted from the University of Delaware (FCS) in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, going on to have a successful career with the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos.
Taylor Heinicke attended Old Dominion University, which transitioned to FBS during his time there, being an FCS program at that point. Although not drafted, Heinicke has played in the NFL for various teams.
Moreover, Easton Stick (drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft from North Dakota State University) is a more recent FCS example, still carving out his career.
In summary, while the sample size is small, a smattering of success stories exist amongst FCS quarterbacks in the NFL, with Jimmy Garoppolo and Easton Stick serving as contemporary examples of promising careers in the league. A comprehensive understanding of individual performance metrics would require delving into NFL statistics databases or sports analytics platforms like Draft Scout.
- In the 2025 NFL Draft, the spotlight might fall on FCS quarterbacks like Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott, as they continue to make their mark in the league, following the paths of previous FCS standouts such as Jimmy Garoppolo and Carson Wentz.
- Notably, the NFL has seen a modern revival of FCS players getting drafted, and this trend extends beyond quarterbacks - American-football enthusiasts will be eager to follow the prospects of teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, who have taken a chance on FCS talent in recent drafts.
- Just as the 2023 NFL Draft echoed the excitement of the FCS championship game, the ongoing success of FCS players like Chris Oladokun, Trey Lance, and Easton Stick in the sports world of football serves as a reminder that unexpected talents can emerge from the NCAA-Football arena, potentially redefining the future of sports analysis.
