The Development of the American Quarterback - Insights from Jake Harrington
The quarterback role in today’s NFL is a whole different beast. In the age of instant gratification, young QBs are expected to step out of college and immediately deliver highlight-reel performances. But ask any seasoned coach or analyst, and they’ll tell you that a quarterback’s real development doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a marathon, not a sprint. By giving quarterbacks time to learn the system, adjust to the pro level, and work through their mistakes in practice instead of high-pressure games, we set them up for more sustainable success.
Why College Stars Need to Slow Down Before Shining
College offenses are fast, dynamic, and sometimes a little too simple compared to the NFL. Think about it—many college QBs are used to one or two reads per play, quick throws, and predictable defenses. In the NFL, a quarterback is staring down complex defensive schemes, lightning-fast defensive backs, and linemen who can shift and change the entire game in a single play. For a young quarterback, adjusting to that level of play is like jumping from algebra to calculus overnight.
Just take Patrick Mahomes, for example. When the Kansas City Chiefs picked him up, they had him sit behind Alex Smith for a full season. This approach was old school but undeniably effective. Mahomes used that year to learn head coach Andy Reid’s complex offensive system and mentally adjust to NFL-level speed. When he finally took the field as a starter in his second season, he wasn’t just good; he was unstoppable, throwing 50 touchdowns and winning MVP. That kind of breakout year doesn’t just happen by chance—it’s the result of a thoughtful development approach that builds on a young QB’s natural talent.
The Brady Blueprint
One of the best examples of how patience can turn potential into greatness is Tom Brady. Drafted as the 199th pick in the sixth round, Brady wasn’t expected to lead the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl wins, let alone become one of the best quarterbacks of all time. But Brady wasn’t rushed. He spent his rookie year as a backup to Drew Bledsoe, soaking up the game, working relentlessly, and preparing himself for when his time would come. When Bledsoe went down with an injury, Brady stepped in—and the rest is history. The years of hard work and mental preparation paid off, transforming Brady from an underestimated backup into a superstar.
Three Key Reasons Why Development Works
So why does it work? Let’s break down a few big reasons why a patient approach to developing QBs is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
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Learning the Playbook: NFL playbooks are vast and complicated, requiring quarterbacks to be comfortable with multiple reads, pre-snap adjustments, and finding ways to exploit defenses. Learning this as a rookie starter, while also taking on the pressure of game-day performance, can feel overwhelming. A year or two on the sidelines helps quarterbacks digest the system and build real comfort with it, which helps them make smarter, quicker decisions when it matters.
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Adjusting Physically and Mentally: The jump from college to pro isn’t just mental—it’s physical too. Quarterbacks need time to adapt to faster players, harder hits, and a much more intense schedule. Sitting gives them the time to work on their bodies and learn how to mentally approach the grind of the NFL season. Watching how a veteran QB handles pressure, both on and off the field, can also be an incredible learning experience.
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Benefit of a Mentor: When young quarterbacks have a chance to learn under a seasoned veteran, they’re exposed to valuable game-day preparation and decision-making habits that are hard to teach. Aaron Rodgers’ years learning behind Brett Favre are a perfect example. Rodgers got to see how a professional navigates everything from film study to leadership on the field, helping him step into the starting role prepared and self-assured. The result? A Super Bowl win, multiple MVPs, and one of the most accomplished careers in recent NFL history.
The Risk of “Sink or Swim”
Not every quarterback gets this luxury, and the results can be rough. For every rookie success story, there are many others who struggle with the “sink or swim” approach. Just look at recent cases like Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen—both talented young quarterbacks with high expectations who struggled to meet them after being rushed into starting roles. They faced constant pressure, a revolving door of coaches and systems, and little time to grow without consequence, resulting in careers marked by inconsistency and tough breaks.
The Cleveland Browns’ Baker Mayfield also highlights the challenge of throwing a QB into the fire too soon. Mayfield showed early promise, but inconsistent coaching and high expectations led to setbacks, making his transition to a steady starting role difficult. Quarterbacks like Mayfield could benefit from a more controlled development process, especially in a league where one bad season can easily define a career.
The Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts Approach
The Buffalo Bills followed this more patient approach with Josh Allen, and today he’s one of the league’s brightest stars. The team didn’t expect him to win every game out of the gate. Instead, they gave him the time to develop within the system and grow with his teammates. Similarly, Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles wasn’t immediately thrust into the spotlight. He got to learn the ropes as a backup and gradually earned the starting position. Now, both Allen and Hurts are demonstrating the payoff of investing in young talent without rushing it.
Development Over Instant Gratification
There’s a real lesson here. Developing a quarterback isn’t about achieving instant results; it’s about creating a sustainable foundation. With the NFL’s growing complexity, allowing young QBs time to master the nuances of their position could make all the difference between a promising start and a long-lasting career. Fans and media may want quick wins, but for a young quarterback to reach his full potential, he needs the right environment and time to adjust.
When teams are patient with their young quarterbacks, they’re not only investing in the player but also in the entire team’s future success. After all, a great quarterback isn’t built in a season; he’s developed over years of support, guidance, and growth. And as Tom Brady showed us all, sometimes the ones who start with the most patience end up achieving the most legendary careers.