It’s really all about the team. Teams that are smart build smart expectations for their inbound QBs and get the chance to teach them. They also don’t give away draft picks to get the high profile guy, and put a lot of work into researching their pick’s character and study habits. Dumb teams use 4 draft picks to get the sexy dude, do have enough depth to give him a chance to learn, or to give him targets to throw to, or an offensive line to keep him upright, ignore any bad news in college, then have the audacity to be shocked the guy stinks. And unfortunately for these guys their careers usually are over, by the time the rookie contract is done they don’t know any more about the position than they did in college, have had a bunch of injuries, and a shattered self confidence. Often times somebody picks them up on waivers, but the damage has been done.
I agree. If a player gets on the wrong team, it can permanently damage his career. Dan McGwire comes to mind.