We bet this stat is one of the craziest in the NFL. Unreal even. Even with all the scouts, million-dollar coaches, and coordinators, only about 10% of college QBs become true NFL stars. Some prospects are thrust too early into a starting role, others don’t make the most of limited opportunities, and get cut. A few struggle with their rookie teams but find success elsewhere later.
Advertisement
Whether it’s a Heisman winner like Bryce Young (2023 No.1 pick) or someone like Anthony Richardson, who was picked fourth overall in the same year, many just haven’t translated their college magic into the pros. The list of examples is quite long.
Why do such a huge number of young quarterbacks not make it? And why can’t head coaches, QB coaches, and offensive masters develop these quarterbacks the right way? What seems to be missing? Ex-NFL QB Matt Hasselbeck has some answers.
Hasselbeck quarterbacked for 18 years (from 1998 to 2015) in the league and is now an offensive coordinator for a private school. On The Rich Eisen Show, he said that a QB should first be taught and refined certain skills before being thrust into the starting position.
The most critical skill for a quarterback to master, Hasselbeck said, is third-down pass protection. That would entail reading and handling increased blitzes, stunts, and complex defensive pressures. One wrong move, and the punting team comes on, and the ball gets turned over to the opponent.
“Well, I would never play a quarterback until he has absolutely mastered third-down pass protection. Like if you can’t master third-down pass protection, you should never be on the field,” said Hasselbeck.
“I don’t care where you’re drafted, how much money you make, who’s in front of you, what the team looks like, that’s the test for me,” he added, before reiterating how not mastering it is an open invitation to failure.
“So, when guys play before that, they fail. That’s just what it is. Quarterbacks, you don’t get paid for what you do from the 20 to the 20[yard line]. You get paid for what you do on third downs and in the red zone… So, whenever a quarterback is ready to take that on, then play him, go for it,” explained Hasselbeck.
What is the secret sauce to developing QBs in the #NFL? Start them right away? Sit and watch? What is the best course of action?#NFL #NFLDraft #NFLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/Y515fiQG6Q
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) March 11, 2026
The question now is: How does a quarterback master third-down pass protection? Hasselbeck said it’s not easy. In fact, he compared it to flying a Boeing 747 or performing open-heart surgery.
But the former QB recommended starting with controlled reps and learning through observation. He cited examples like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and himself, who spent Sundays studying film to see how other QBs executed on the field.
Hasselbeck then spoke about how Mahomes was a quarterback who might have been ready to start from Week 1 of the 2017 season. But Andy Reid and company chose to sit him, let him learn behind Alex Smith. They started him in the final game of the season.
After performing well, Mahomes earned the starting role the following year. And Hasselbeck applauded this patient approach.
We’ve seen a similar situation with Jordan Love in Green Bay. He spent time learning behind Rodgers, and when the veteran QB moved to the Jets, Love was ready to flourish.
The takeaway is clear: The more time a quarterback spends studying film, refining techniques, and mastering protections and game plans, the better prepared they are. When a QB can execute what’s required under pressure, understand defensive schemes, and make the right reads, they’re ready to lead an offense at a high level.
