2021 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: How far ahead is Patrick Mahomes?
By Randy Gurzi
4. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Russell Wilson was considered a risk since he was listed at just 5-foot-10. Like Kyler Murray, he was also a star baseball player and there were some concerns that he could go to the major leagues if football didn’t work out — even though he continued to insist he was all-in on football.
Unlike Murray, he wasn’t a high pick so the risk wasn’t as great. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t as great of a selection — and in fact, he was an even better pick considering how late the Seattle Seahawks nabbed him and how successful he’s been.
Wilson started as a rookie and led Seattle to an 11-5 mark. They then went to the Super Bowl in back-to-back seasons, winning one of them and nearly taking the second. At this time, Wilson was still getting his feet wet and Seattle was a defensive-minded team that liked to run the ball.
But eventually, there was a shift and Wilson became the focal point. He’s done nothing but continue to grow since then and was on fire in 2020 with 4,212 yards and 40 touchdowns. He led Seattle to a 12-4 record and still has not had a losing season, with their 9-7 mark in 2017 being the worst finish they have had with him under center.