Elway ranked as Mel Kiper’s top QB prospect since 1979

In a recent article by ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway ranked No. 1 in the highest graded quarterbacks ever for the NFL draft.

I was asked to get out my old scouting reports and compare my pre-draft quarterback grades.

These are my 10 highest-graded quarterbacks ever. https://t.co/6ZN8ARzvFV

— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) March 8, 2021

Former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence ranks among the highest-graded quarterbacks Kiper has ever studied.

With all the excitement around Lawrence, Kiper wrote an article ranking the top-10 quarterback prospects he’s evaluated since he started analyzing the NFL Draft back in 1979.

The top spot belongs to Elway and here is what Kiper said in his evaluation at the time:

“In my final evaluation, Elway received the highest grades one can achieve in all categories,” Kiper wrote. “He has no discernible weaknesses and is the prototype QB. Without question Elway is a can’t-miss All-Pro NFL QB who has the ability to make a place for himself in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

Elway started 231 games for the Broncos and won two Super Bowls to close out his 16-year NFL career. His 300 career touchdown passes ranks 12th all time.

Peyton Manning took the No. 3 spot in Kiper’s rankings, coming in behind former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.

“I can’t think of a player I’d rather have under center leading my football team into battle. With free agency, teams are changing personnel each year,” Kiper wrote. “The need for consistency and leadership at QB is more critical than ever. Manning will win and win big at the pro level, provided of course he gets the necessary assistance from his teammates and the organization.”