Where Does Lamar Jackson Rank Among Best Quarterback Draft Values of the Millennium?

1. Defining “Draft Value” at Quarterback

To understand Lamar Jackson’s placement, it helps to first define what “draft value” means—especially at the quarterback position:

• Pick rank vs. performance: Value is often judged by how far a player was taken versus what he produced—particularly looking for late-round steals.
• Longevity and team value: A true “value pick” contributes meaningfully and consistently to his drafting team over several seasons—particularly by staying under rookie or reasonably structured contracts.
• Cost-benefit return: Ideally, a value QB gives near-elite results at a lower draft price, extending value via on-field performance and controlled salary.

Rankings like Eric Edholm’s (NFL.com), 24/7 Wall St., Heavy.com, FOX Sports, and CBSSports all highlight these themes in discussing draft bargains.

2. Top “Draft Value” QBs of the 2000s and 2010s

1. Tom Brady – 6th Round, No. 199 overall (2000)

• Undisputed GOAT and consensus top value pick ever.
• 7× Super Bowl champion, 3× MVP, 649 career TDs, and over 89,000 yards (nfl.com, si.com).

2. Aaron Rodgers – 1st Round, No. 24 (2005)

• A first-round pick, but considered high value given the unforeseen slide.
• 4× league MVP, 10× Pro Bowler, Super Bowl winner .

3. Lamar Jackson – 1st Round, No. 32 (2018)

• Drafted last in Round 1, Ravens traded up to pick him.
• 2× NFL MVP, 4× Pro Bowler, 3× First Team All-Pro, record-setting dual-threat talent (nfl.com).

4. Russell Wilson – 3rd Round, No. 75 (2012)

• Rookie Week 1 starter; Super Bowl XLVIII champion; 10× Pro Bowl; 149-game start streak (nfl.com).

5. Brock Purdy – 7th Round, No. 262 (2022)

• The “Mr. Irrelevant” turned Super Bowl starter; 2023 MVP candidate (reddit.com).

3. Lamar Jackson: Why #3?

a) Drafted 32nd overall

Although he was in Round 1, Jackson went significantly later than elite QBs and was the last pick in that round—creating a steep value gap compared to top-10 QBs (bleacherreport.com).

b) Elite performance at a low cost

His rookie contract (around $9.5 M total) contrasted sharply with top-10 picks, yet he still amassed MVP-level results and elite dual-threat production (si.com).

c) Accolades & statistical dominance

• 2× league MVP (2019, 2023).
• Rushed for over 915 yards in 2024 along with 41 passing TDs, earning All-Pro honors (si.com).
• Set single-season QB rushing record and multiple 1,000+ rushing yards seasons .

d) Franchise-altering impact

Jackson has redefined how NFL teams evaluate QBs, accelerating the demand for athletic, dual-threat skill sets. Current pre-draft profiles now often seek “Lamar 2.0” prospects (thebaltimorebanner.com).

e) Team control & contract structure

Drafted at No. 32, he remains under cost-controlled rookie contract, positioning the Ravens to keep elite performance without superstar pricing—enhancing cap value .

4. Comparisons With His Peers

• Vs. Patrick Mahomes (No. 10, 2017):
  Both high-value; Mahomes cost more draft-wise, yet Jackson eclipses him in rushing skill. While Mahomes is arguably more prolific through the air, both are elite—Jackson may arguably outvalue Mahomes based on pick slot (nfl.com).
• Vs. Josh Allen (No. 7, 2018):
  Allen and Jackson are dual-threat MVPs. But Jackson’s later pick gives him a distinct edge in value ranking (heavy.com, si.com).
• Vs. Drew Brees (No. 32, 2001):
  CBSSports ranked Brees atop No. 32 picks historically (nfl.com, cbssports.com), but Brees was taken in Round 2—outside the premier spots. Jackson, being in Round 1, carries slightly lesser draft upside, though his early MVPs and rushing spectacle tilt the comparison in his favor.

5. Limitations & Counterpoints

• No Super Bowl win yet: One thing Jackson lacks is a Super Bowl championship—something held by Brady, Rodgers, Wilson, and Purdy (runner-up). That is a key differentiator on legacy and value metrics.
• Sample size: Compared to career-long QBs like Brady and Rodgers, Jackson’s fewer games (under 100 starts) may limit historical comparisons—though his MVPs and consistent elite stats mitigate that .
• Potential injuries and longevity concerns: His playing style, with high rushing volume, raises injury risk and longevity questions—though durability has held so far.

6. Verdict: Jackson Among the Best of the Millennial Era

Synthesizing insights:

• Eric Edholm’s list places Jackson at #3, behind Brady and Rodgers (nfl.com).
• Heavy.com similarly ranks him third among QB values (heavy.com).
• FOX Sports says his pick was the best first-round value in the past decade (foxsports.com).
• 24/7 Wall St., CBSSports, and Bleacher Report all underscore the steep value gained from his pick position and elite output (247wallst.com).

Conclusion:

• All credible measures position Jackson as the third-best draft value QB of the millennium, trailing only Brady (#1) and Rodgers (#2).
• His combination of low draft slot, high production, MVP awards, and positional paradigm shift afford him this standing—even without a Super Bowl yet.

7. Ranking Table – “Greatest QB Draft Value of the Millennium”

8. Jackson’s Legacy: Influence Beyond Stats

1. Redefined QB archetypes
   His explosive rushing with passer-level efficiency forced NFL front offices to reimagine what a top-tier QB looks like (thebaltimorebanner.com, reddit.com).
2. Drafting strategy shift
   Teams now consider evaluating dual-threat QBs in Round 1 and beyond—Jayden Daniels (“Lamar 2.0”) being a direct heir to Jackson’s legacy (thebaltimorebanner.com).
3. Market value leverage
   Jackson’s rookie contract produced elite production at bargain cost—underscoring smart cap management through draft value (bvmsports.com).
4. Statistical benchmarks
   He holds QB rushing records, multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and ranks among the highest passer ratings—setting new performance floors .

9. What Lies Ahead?

• A Super Bowl win would solidify his placement and potentially boost him closer to Rodgers in historical comparison.
• Contract extension: He’s currently in early talks; how the Ravens manage that cap hit could shape future team construction (bvmsports.com).
• Longevity & durability: As he enters his prime years, maintaining health and elite play will further validate his value ranking.

1. Elite performance at low cost: Jackson’s rookie contract provided MVP-level output with championship-caliber play—all at the last pick of Round 1.
2. Ranked behind only Brady and Rodgers: Across multiple independent analyses, he consistently lands #3 on QB-value lists .
3. Redefining QB value: Jackson recalibrated how teams scout athletics, dual-threat capabilities, and cost-controlled performance at QB.

TL;DR:
Lamar Jackson ranks as the third-best quarterback draft value of the 21st century, right behind Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. His explosive dual-threat production—racked up through MVP seasons, Pro Bowls, and All-Pro honors—delivered elite performance under a modest rookie contract. Not only was he a draft‑day steal, but he also redefined quarterback evaluation, shaping how modern teams identify franchise QBs like “Lamar 2.0.” If he secures a Super Bowl or sustains this level of play into his 30s, Jackson may eventually inch into contention for the top two spots.