Andy Dalton had a breakout rookie season after the Bengals nabbed the quarterback in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. While much needs to still be written in terms of Dalton’s career will shape up to be it does leave some optimism for teams that may look to fill a need at the position after their first pick. However, history is not on their side.

The best QB taken in Round 2 over the past decade or so was Drew Brees, who was drafted by the Chargers with the No. 32 overall pick (before league expanded to 32 teams). Brees has delivered during his career, posting Hall of Fame type numbers. In between Brees and Dalton though there have been some swings and misses:

Andy Dalton (Bengals), 2011
Colin Kaepernick (49ers), 2011
Jimmy Clausen (Panthers), 2010
Pat White (Dolphins), 2009
Brian Brohm (Packers), 2008
Chad Henne (Dolphins), 2008
Kevin Kolb (Eagles), 2007
John Beck (Dolphins), 2007
Drew Stanton (Lions), 2007
Kellen Clemens (Jets), 2006
Tarvaris Jackson (Vikings), 2006

*No quarterbacks were drafted in the second round of the 2002-2005 drafts.

Furthermore, you can go back all the way to 1991 and the Falcons’ second-round selection of Brett Favre.  While Favre will go down as one of the greatest signal callers of all-time there were another slew of busts in the ten drafts between him and Brees including:

Quincy Carter (Cowboys), 2001 - 34 starts
Marques Tuiasosopo (Raiders), 2001 - 2 starts
Shaun King (Bucs), 1999 - 24 starts
Charlie Batch (Lions), 1998 - 53 starts
Jake Plummer (Cardinals) - 136 starts
Tony Banks (Rams), 1996 - 78 starts
Todd Collins (Bills), 1995 - 21 starts
Kordell Stewart (Steelers), 1995 - 87 starts, career 77:84 TD-to-INT ratio
Matt Blundin (Chiefs), 1992 - 0 starts
Tony Sacca (Cardinals), 1992 - 0 starts

Assuming Dalton continues his success and you include Plummer in the mix that means NFL teams have only produced quality players in 3-of-22 incidents of the past 20 drafts and that is not a good percentage.

COMPLETE DRAFT HISTORY (NFL.com)

NFL 2012 nfl draft, draft history, second round quarterbacks, andy dalton, drew brees, jake plummer, brett favre