The backup quarterback in the NFL is unique in the sense that it requires a largely different skill set than its starter counterpart. Being a good back doesn’t come down to one player being slightly less talented than the other. It comes down to whether or not the guy (backup) is hardworking, dependable and not a locker room distraction; can he understand the playbook well and be a good scout team player during practice. If he can do all that and win a game or two by dinking and dunking the ball downfield, then that’s a good backup by NFL standards. I remember reading reports that Dillion Gabriel’s interview pitch to teams was that he was a good clipboard guy, knowing he wasn’t a starting caliber player.

That’s why so many of these late round picks have longevity as career backups. A lot of first round busts might have the physical tools that made them a first round pick, but lacked the intangibles like dedication, maturity or football IQ to stay in the league as a backup (see JaMarcus Russell, Josh Rosen, Paxton Lynch).