2011 NFL Draft: Quarterback

Evaluating quarterbacks is nearly impossible. Obviously if the NFL professionals only get qb’s right 30% of the time then my chances aren’t great. This position, more than any other, is influenced by intangibles (intelligence, work ethic, leadership), and that’s something I just can’t be sure of. That being said, this class is uniquely questionable. Every QB has a ‘ya but’ when you talk about them. Ryan Mallett-great talent ya but he’s got character concerns etc. I think we will look back at this draft and say one good QB came outta the first tier, kinda like 2005 (Aaron Rodgers). The problem is how do you know which one? Grading the QB position in particular becomes a lot about potential, and due to the value of the position that potential has great value. I think this class is subpar simply because there is not that one guy like a Bradford or Matt Ryan.

1.) Cam Newton—Auburn—6’5”-248—Top 15—96—Watched every game this year, and it took me until about November to realize he actually has first round potential as a thrower. The guy has every physical tool you’d ever want in a QB. Quick and high throwing motion, plenty of arm strength, shows better accuracy than Locker, and there’s reason to believe that will improve when he straightens out his footwork. I think he has excellent intangibles, and the guy’s won back to back national championships so he’s clearly a winner. The issues are the fact that he does have bad footwork and thus some accuracy concerns, and more importantly his reads at Auburn were elementary even for college. He’s gonna have to make some serious strides in the mental aspect, but he’ll get picked real high for talent and more importantly cuz he’s super marketable and is gonna make the team a shitload of money.

2.) Blaine Gabbert—Missouri—6’4”-234—Top 10—95—Everybody’s #1 QB in the draft. He’s not mine. Spread system, has been working with the same QB coach as Stafford, Josh Freeman, and Sam Bradford which bodes well. Got the arm, got the athleticism (4.6 40), gonna have to make the reads as is the case for all the QB’s in this draft. I think he definitely has what it takes to be a real good starter in the NFL. It’s going to take him time just like with Cam Newton, I just like Cam’s winning track record more than Gabbert’s mediocre record.

3.) Ryan Mallett—Arkansas—6’7”-253—1st-2nd—91—Lanky bastard. Obvious character concerns. I bet the Raiders love him. Real productive in college and coming outta Bobby Petrino offense he’s virtually pro ready, prob the most pro ready quarterback in the draft, minus his character issues. He’s cement in the pocket. Pro comparison is Kerry Collins. I love everything about him throwing the football, unreal arm strength, good accuracy, quick and high delivery. I think he’s a late 1st rounder purely because of his lack of pocket presence/mobility.

4.) Jake Locker—Washington—6’3”-231—1st-2nd—89—Nobody knows what’s up with this guy. I want to like him I really do, but I watch his delivery and his release point’s pretty low, his accuracy on film is wildly inconsistent. He played with subpar talent, but he also didn’t live up to his potential even with an extra year at school. For everyone who said he would’ve been the #1 pick last year, I think he would’ve dropped after he declared cuz Sam Bradford was a clear #1. All in all I think he’s worth a flier in the 2nd round cuz of his physical tools and his intangibles. Some coach is gonna think he has the key to making Locker the next Aaron Rodgers and might take him top 20. Like him outta the pocket like Rapelisberger, but in the pocket he just hasn’t shown it.

5.) Andy Dalton—TCU—6’2”-215—2nd—88—Have to like this ginger. 4 year starter, pure winner. McShay would shag him if he could. You gotta like his experience, gotta love his intangibles, gotta love his mobility. Arm strength isn’t superb, but neither was Joe Montana’s. Good accuracy, decent pocket presence, I think he belongs in the 2nd round cuz of his height, and because of the college style spread offense he’s coming out of.

6.) Christian Ponder—FSU—6’2”-229—2nd—80—Got his degree in 2 and a half years, so clearly an obnoxious overachiever. But on the field he’s good, not great. I’d compare him to Colt McCoy, I think Ponder has more arm strength, but Colt was more of a winner. Every time I watch him I think how he’s not exceptional. He makes good throws, but you don’t see great throws. Personally I see him as a backup. 3rd round grade.

7.) Ricky Stanzi—Iowa—6’4”-223—3rd round/day—59—Mel Kiper’s boy. Game manager, at best he becomes that in the pro’s. Has all the qualities of a long term backup. I think a backup qb like him is worth a 5th.

8.) Colin Kaepernick—Nevada—6’5”-230—Day 2—56—Really awkward delivery. It just doesn’t seem right, but its quick and he’s got an underrated strong arm. More of a runner than a thrower in college, but he does have all the tools (height, arm talent, mobility) to be successful. Someone’s gonna pick him day 2 knowing full well he’s a boom or bust, and I’m leaning heavily towards bust.

9.) T.J. Yates—UNC—6’3”-225—3rd day—43—He’s real accurate, completes passes, lacks arm strength. Played his senior year without his best teammates cuz they all got suspended. Don’t be surprised if he goes undrafted, but this guy reminds me of Brian Hoyer.

10.) Pat Devlin—Delaware—6’3”-225—3rd day—40—Everyone and their mother is making the Joe Flacco comparison, but don’t believe the hype. He’s just some dude who played well in D-1AA wearing his wanna be Michigan helmet. Btw, Joe Flacco’s not amazing anyway, Bledsoe anyone?

11.) Greg McElroy—Alabama—6’2”-220—3rd day—40—Everyone knows about the 48 outta 50 on the wonderlic, this dudes strictly annoying. I don’t see him cutting it in the pros, his height, arrogance, and lack of arm talent are gonna get in his way. Wouldn’t be surprised if he goes undrafted.

12.) Tyrod Taylor—Virginia Tech—6’1”-217—3rd day—57—The guy is trying to be a qb, but a 37.5” vert, 4.5, and a 126” broad jump at 6’1” tells you he’s a receiver.