Last Heisman Winner Overlooked in NFL First Round Draft

The Heisman Trophy has a storied history of showcasing exceptional football talent. Over the years, many winners have transitioned to successful professional careers. However, the award has recently shifted towards a focus on quarterbacks. This focus aligns with the growing need for franchise quarterbacks within struggling NFL teams.

Heisman Winners in the NFL Draft

Since 2010, Heisman Trophy winners have frequently been selected as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. In fact, eight Heisman winners have achieved this distinction within that span. Prior to 2010, only seven winners were drafted first overall between 1970 and 2009.

The Last Heisman Winner Not in the First Round

The last Heisman Trophy winner who wasn’t drafted in the first round was Derrick Henry in 2015. The Alabama running back received the award but was selected 45th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, falling to the middle of the second round.

Heisman Quarterback Draft History

Looking specifically at quarterbacks, the most recent Heisman winner not chosen in the first round was Troy Smith from Ohio State. Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2006, was drafted in the fifth round, 174th overall, by the Baltimore Ravens.

Fernando Mendoza: A Case Study

As we look ahead, the potential implications of Heisman winners on the NFL Draft raise questions. In 2025, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy. Some analysts consider the competition that year to be relatively weak. The impact of Mendoza’s win on his draft position remains uncertain.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) currently ranks Mendoza as the No. 4 overall prospect. Notably, the top three teams in the upcoming draft—the Raiders, Jets, and Cardinals—are all looking for franchise quarterbacks. Mendoza’s situation exemplifies the trend of “quarterback inflation” in the draft.

Draft Projections and Comparisons

While some believe Mendoza lacks the talent of prospects like Caleb Downs or Rueben Bain, his draft position may reflect a different narrative. In today’s draft climate, a Heisman-winning quarterback often garners significant attention, regardless of direct comparisons in skill level.

• Last Heisman Winner Not in First Round: Derrick Henry, 2015 (45th overall)
• Last Heisman Quarterback Not in First Round: Troy Smith, 2006 (174th overall)

This draft season is set to showcase intriguing developments, particularly concerning the treatment of Heisman winners in the selection process. El-Balad will continue to follow these trends closely as they unfold.