As the 2025 NFL Draft heads into Day 2, all eyes are on the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, who own the No. 33 and No. 34 overall picks—making them the first two teams on the clock Friday night.
While many fans anticipate potential quarterback selections at the top of the second round, history suggests otherwise. In the entire common draft era—which began in 1967—only two quarterbacks have ever been taken with one of the first two picks in Round 2.
The first was Drew Brees, drafted 32nd overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2001. More recently, the Tennessee Titans selected Will Levis with the 33rd overall pick in 2023. That’s it—just two quarterbacks taken in that draft range over nearly six decades.
Will 2025 Break the Trend?
With quarterback-needy teams and several intriguing prospects still on the board, the Browns and Giants may be in position to rewrite history. However, if recent trends hold, fans could see other positions prioritized early in Round 2.
Teams looking to find value at QB without investing a first-round pick often wait for the middle or later rounds, making it even more significant if either franchise takes the leap this early on Friday.
Why This Matters for Draft Strategy
For fantasy football players, draft analysts, and front offices alike, this historic stat provides insight into how teams typically value quarterbacks in the early second round. A QB pick here signals not only confidence in a prospect’s potential—but also a deviation from long-standing trends.
As we count down to Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns and Giants could make history—or stay true to the pattern. Either way, their decisions will set the tone for the rest of Day 2.
