The NFL’s final 4 QBs are often first-round picks. This time, 1 is not like the others

UNDATED (AP)- Recent evidence shows the NFL conference title game participants most often employ first-rounders at the sport’s most important position. That trend is reflected in Sunday’s (Jan. 28, 2024) matchups: Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs versus Lamar Jackson’s Ravens in the AFC, and Jared Goff’s Lions versus Brock Purdy’s 49ers in the NFC. Three outta four ain’t bad. The only newcomer to this round among the quartet is Jackson, who becomes the 30th quarterback to start a conference title game in the last 15 seasons. Twenty of those 30 QBs were first-round picks. Purdy famously earned the “Mr. Irrelevant” moniker by being the 262nd and last choice in the 2022 draft.