The Top15 Tallest Quarterback In The NFL (2024)
Towering over the towering offensive linemen trying to block their view, the NFL’s tallest quarterbacks have long used their natural stature to see throwing lanes and stand tall against pass rushers. With height an undeniable asset for the position, the league has seen its share of giant passers who could peek over and reach over any defender.
The new generation of young 6’5”+ quarterbacks entering the league seems poised to continue that tradition, using their elite vision and ability to avoid batted passes to find NFL success.
Tallest QBs in the NFL
Justin Herbert
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is one of the tallest starting quarterbacks in the NFL standing at a towering 6’6″. His exceptional height helps him spot receivers downfield and get passes over rushing defensive linemen and linebackers. It also makes his sidearm and underhanded throws much harder to anticipate and defend.
Tanner McKee
- Height: 6’6”
- Team: San Francisco 49ers
49ers rookie quarterback Tanner McKee also measures 6’6” making him among the tallest in the league. His height is seen as a major asset coming out of the draft this year. McKee’s stature allows him to easily scan the entire field on any given play while also expanding his passing windows with his over-the-top delivery.
Trevor Lawrence
- Height: 6’6”
- Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
The #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence, is another one of the league’s tallest quarterbacks at 6’6”. Scouts praised Lawrence’s ability to effectively utilize his height to release the ball from varying angles. This helps him evade sacks in the pocket and squeeze throws through tight spaces downfield.
Josh Allen
- Height: 6’5”
- Team: Buffalo Bills
Bills superstar quarterback Josh Allen leverages his 6’5” frame masterfully. His tall stature helps him elude and shake off pass rushers to make improbable throws on the run. It also gives him a commanding view of the defense pre-snap in the pocket. Allen is able to see over his offensive line and find throwing lanes with ease.
Kyle Trask
- Height: 6’5″
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6’5″ quarterback Kyle Trask backed up Tom Brady last season in Tampa Bay as a rookie. While Trask possesses only decent mobility and average arm strength, his tall height makes up for these weaknesses. By seeing clearly over the defense from the pocket, Trask is able to make anticipatory throws, often before the window even opens up downfield.
Mason Rudolph
- Height: 6’5”
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Related Post: “Average Height of Quarterbacks in the NFL (2024)“
6’5” quarterback Mason Rudolph has been the longtime backup in Pittsburgh behind Ben Roethlisberger. With decent accuracy and above-average arm strength, Rudolph’s height helps him scan the field. Though lacking in mobility, his tall stature in the pocket has allowed him to throw 21 career TD passes in relief appearances.
Blaine Gabbert
- Height: 6’5”
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As a career backup and journeyman with size prototypical for the position, 6’5” Blaine Gabbert has attempted passes for several NFL teams. Though lacking in accuracy at times, Gabbert’s height helps him cleanly see throwing lanes. His 26 career TD passes showcase spurts of competence for a quarterback who could get another starting look.
Daniel Jones
- Height: 6’5”
- Team: New York Giants
The New York Giants hoped 6’5” Daniel Jones’ size and arm talent would translate to franchise quarterback when they drafted him in 2019. While flashing potential, he has struggled with turnovers and winning games. Entering a pivotal 2022 season, he’ll need to improve his decision-making and accuracy while still benefiting from tall stature.
Mike White
- Height: 6’5”
- Team: New York Jets
An undrafted free agent in 2018, tall 6’5″ quarterback Mike White had an impressive 2022 preseason for the Jets. With Zach Wilson injured, White could compete for New York’s starting job. If White develops quickly, his prototypical size could help him finally find NFL success.
Dan McGwire
- Height: 6’8”
- Team: Formerly Seattle Seahawks
At 6’8″, Dan McGwire is tied for the tallest quarterback in NFL history along with Frank Patrick. Though his exceptional height allowed him to see over defenders, poor decision making led to just 5 games played for the Seahawks in the early 1990s. He was unable to translate his tall size into sustained NFL success.
Frank Patrick
- Height: 6’8″
- Team: Formerly Multiple Teams
Tied with Dan McGwire as the tallest quarterback ever at 6’8″, Frank Patrick had a brief NFL career in the late 1980s. His extraordinary height helped him see the entire field, but like McGwire he struggled reading defenses and lacked arm strength. After playing just 3 seasons, Patrick went into high school coaching.
Brock Osweiler
- Height: 6’7”
- Team: Unsigned Free Agent
A highly touted second round pick by the Broncos in 2012, 6’7″ Brock Osweiler has 57 career touchdown passes in relief appearances for Denver, Houston and Miami. Though the towering quarterback has canalizing accuracy, issues with decision making have hindered potential. Recently signed by the Raiders, Osweiler hopes his prototypical stature can still translate to success.
Paxton Lynch
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Free Agent
6’7″ quarterback Paxton Lynch excelled at Memphis and was drafted in the first round by the Broncos in 2016. Though gifted with ideal size and arm strength, Lynch started just 4 games as a rookie and only 1 more in his disappointing career. If Lynch can overcome problems reading defenses, his tall statute and mobility provide upside.
Mike Glennon
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: New York Giants
A towering third round pick by Tampa Bay in 2013, journeyman 6’7″ quarterback Mike Glennon has 34 career touchdown passes as a backup for the Buccaneers, Bears, Cardinals, Raiders, Jaguars and Giants. Prone to turnovers and sacks, Glennon compensates with impressive height that allows him to deliver accurate throws. Though lacking winning production as a starter, his size helps him compete for jobs. Currently backing up Daniel Jones on the Giants, Glennon provides reliable veteran insurance and an enlarged target for second string receivers.
FAQ’s
Who’s the tallest QB in NFL history?
The tallest quarterback in NFL history is Dan McGwire and Frank Patrick, who both stood at 6’8”.
Who is the biggest QB ever in the NFL?
At 6’8” and around 250 pounds, Dan McGwire and Frank Patrick are tied as the biggest quarterbacks ever in the NFL.
How many NFL quarterbacks are under 6 feet tall?
Currently there are 3 starting NFL quarterbacks under 6 feet tall: Kyler Murray at 5’10”, Russell Wilson at 5’11”, and Baker Mayfield at 6’0”.
How tall is the average NFL quarterback?
The average height for an NFL quarterback is 6’3”.
Is there a 7-foot NFL player?
No, the NFL has never had a 7-foot player at any position. The tallest players in NFL history are 6’9”.
What is the ideal height for a QB?
The ideal height for an NFL quarterback is considered 6’3”-6’5”, allowing them to see over linemen but still mobile.
Can a quarterback be 5 7?
It would be extremely rare for a 5’7” quarterback to succeed in the NFL, but Kyler Murray at 5’10” has proven shorter QBs can still excel.
Summary
Standing tall against fierce pass rushers trying to sack their title chances, The Tallest Quarterbacks in the NFL continue carrying on a long tradition. QBs measuring 6’5″ and above like Justin Herbert and Trey Lance utilize their elite vision over obstacles to reach competitive new heights.
All-time giants like 6’8″ Dan McGwire may have come up short on talent to match their staggering size, but today’s towering talents boast both the massive physical gifts and refined accuracy their predecessors lacked. With professional sports increasingly embracing positionless basketball body types, expect these giant franchise centerpieces steering playoff runs to set the mold for a taller NFL quarterback future.
