NFL Draft Analysis- The Quarterbacks

There are quite a few quarterback options that will be available at all times during the draft, but most of the quarterback prospects have questions. There is no doubt in my mind that there are multiple pro bowlers in this group of quarterbacks, there are too many skilled guys to not have some studs. The question remain however, who will rise when put on the biggest stage and who will become irrelevant and forgotten except when mentioned in reference to their spectacular feats in college?

Sam Bradford (The Tactician)

He possesses near perfect mechanics and accuracy that the scouts rave about. It may be hard for some of us to remember, but at this time last year it was projected that he would be the number 1 draft pick if he did happen to enter the draft. His intelligence and ability to break down defensive coverages is a major plus for him as well. Both his Heisman trophy and his national championship ring prove that he knows how to win and perform under pressure, and it sure doesn’t hurt that he played under center in a traditional offense for his entire college football career. The only question that exists when it comes to Bradford is how his shoulder injuries will affect him, both mentally and physically. Physically, scouts will do everything short of dissecting his shoulder to determine how much it will affect his future playing and whether it if fully healed. Mentally, it will be impossible to tell how exactly the knowledge of previous injury will affect his game until you put him into a game situation. Will he shy away from hits or stand strong in the pocket and make the throws he needs to? The answer to that could affect his success in NFL because, if Bradford plays scared, it will cause a rough start of his career.

Jimmy Clausen (The Gunslinger)

His rocket arm is something that you notice instantly when you watch him. He has very crisp mechanics and, physically, has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. As far as decision making goes, he has gotten significantly better during his widely publicized college career, but at times has looked like a reckless gunslinger with high risk, high reward potential. In that sense, he looks a lot like Jay Cutler. The constant exposure and adversity that he has had to experience throughout his college career has toughened him and shown that he is mentally strong enough to take the criticisms of media and fans that are inevitable for any quarterback in the NFL (even Peyton Manning makes mistakes). The constant media coverage he incurred at Notre Dame will also make it easy for him to adjust to playing on Sundays, as Saturdays for Notre Dame are a lot like Sundays for pro teams. He can make reads and has the instincts to make big plays. The abundance of film that is readily available on Clausen has given scouts to break down every element of his game, so in that sense Clausen is one of the safest picks in the draft because you know exactly what you get. His experience in a pro style offense at Notre Dame will transition quite well into almost any NFL team.

Colt Mccoy (The Playmaker)

His arm accuracy is good, but not at the level of Sam Bradford. His strength is good, but not at the level of Jimmy Clausen. He knows how to make reads and take control of the game when he needs to. He isn’t afraid of getting hit and, despite the fact that he’s a prolific rusher, has no relevant injuries. Mccoy had 3 years of solid Heisman candidacy and was a star all four years at Texas. He owns more wins than any other college football quarterback and has never missed a start (quite impressive considering that he’s been starting since his freshman year). Competing in the tough Big 12 made it so that he has plenty of experience. There’s a question to how he will be able to transition to a more conservative pro style offense and how he’ll be able to work against NFL D-Line pressure (performance against Nebraska’s Suh is worrying to say the least.) 6-2 isn’t short, but it’s definitely borderline for a quarterback. Scouts will be thinking about that when they evaluate him.

Tim Tebow (The Wildcard)

He’s a great leader with unbelievable intangibles. Absolutely no off the field issues to speak of, and it’s clear that mo’ money won’t cause mo’ problems for Tebow. His size is like that off a tight end, which definitely will give him the ability to see effectively over his offensive line. Committed to playing football and determined to play quarterback at the next level. He’s confident without being cocky, and shows great heart. His strong arm is definitely a plus, but his elongated throwing motion, difficulty working under center, and sloppy footwork will make him a project for a quarterback’s coach. Accuracy for medium to long passes is suspect. Lacks the ability to make good reads against zone coverage and is too often thinking run. Clearly quite mobile, but at the next level it will be less relevant unless he changes position. More of a running back playing quarterback than a quarterback who can run. Coaches will need to rework his throwing motion and fundamentals from the ground up if he decides to stay at QB.

Sean Canfield (The Low Risk Prospect)

Has the prototypical size and weight for an NFL quarterback. Can definetly take a hit, and often did behind a questionable Oregon St. offensive line in 2009. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and good mechanics. Reads defenses relatively well, but will need to work on that at the next level as Pac 10 defenses are notoriously weak compared to other conferences. Struggled mightily as a sophomore starter, bringing up question about whether he was a one year wonder or the real deal. The Rodgers brothers opened up the offense for him, so without superior athletes like them, there is a question about how effective he will be. Questionable decision making because he sometimes overestimates his ability to fit a ball into a tight window.

Dan Lefevour (The Dark Horse)

Lefevour boasts a moderately strong arm and great arm accuracy, even while on the run. College production was exceptional (responsible for more career touchdown than any player in D 1 history). Mobile in the pocket (much like a Tom Brady) and even when flushed out of the pocket he’s looking downfield as a passer. Lefevour is great under pressure and in the red zone, as evidenced by his bowl victory against Troy. Extremely intelligent and considered a “film junkie”.  This leads to his ability to read defenses quickly and effectively as well as his ability to make the smart throw. He was named the North’s most outstanding player in the senior bowl. Didn’t play under center in college, but showed ability to take snaps under center at the Senior Bowl. The level of competition that he competed with is questionable.

Tony Pike (The Future Backup)

Pike has good height (6-5) and speed, but could use some more bulk. Has good accuracy, especially on short passes, but lacks the arm strength to gun the ball long or work outside the hash marks. There are durability questions and he needs to work on reading NFL coverages. His work ethic has been called into question as well, which may limit him from reaching his full potential of being an average starting quarterback. He played in the spread in college, but showed at the senior bowl that he can work under center. His mental game will have a major affect on where teams draft him, and if teams don’t think they can get him to work hard enough to reach full potential, he could fall to the 5^th or 6^thround despite his potential.

Others

Jevan Snead: Too young and left school a year too early, most likely due to poor coaching and low quality of offensive weapons. Will be a little project for a quarterbacks coach, but has more potential as a pro style QB prospect than Tebow.

Jarrett Brown: Athleticism and crisp mechanics are beginning to interest many different scouts. Not enough film to justify drafting him too high yet, but a solid combine performance could land him in the 3^rd or 4^th round.

Darryl Clark: Another athletic quarterback with good size. He would like to play quarterback in the NFL, but isn’t totally opposed to playing other positions (unlike Tebow). Penn St. coaches call him extremely coachable, and if his measurables at the combine impress, he’ll be drafted in the 4^th or 5^th.