2014 NFL Draft Stock Report: Quarterbacks
By Erik Lambert
Nov 2, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris (17) is sacked by Florida State Seminoles defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (15) during the first half at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M – Stock: Up
UTEP isn’t exactly the cream of the crop but Johnny Manziel couldn’t afford to have a down game against an inferior opponent. He didn’t. Texas A&M jumped on his back as they rolled over the Miners 57- 7. Manziel tallied over 300 total yards with four touchdown passes and two touchdown runs. Scouts may continue to stand by their observations about his viability in the pros, but there is no question Manziel is making it tough to deny his talent can’t do some great things in the right hands at the top.
Stephen Morris – Miami – Stock: Down
For the past few weeks people wonder if Miami, and by extension quarterback Stephen Morris was for real. A statement against FloridaState would’ve helped. Instead they went the same way of every other opponent of the Seminoles lately. They were pounded into submission. Morris threw two touchdowns but the athletic, opportunistic defense of State hound him all afternoon, holding him to just 192 passing yards and also intercepting him twice. Morris continues to get dogged by questions about his consistency and decision-making. This kind of game against top competition won’t get anybody on his side.
Brett Hundley – UCLA – Stock: Up
If anybody sorely needed a bounce back week it was Brett Hundley. His ugly night against Oregon severely chewed into his 2014 NFL draft stock. A repeat performance might send him spiraling out of the first round, never mind the top ten. Thankfully the Colorado defense obliged. Hundley ripped them apart for over 340 total yards with two touchdown passes and two touchdown runs. He played good, efficient football which is why scouts loved him in the first place. If a few more such performances can be strung together to end the year his draft stock should recover enough to warrant high selection.
Devin Gardner – Michigan – Stock: Down
Once a hot topic early in the 2013 season, Michigan junior Devin Gardner hit rock bottom in a rivalry showdown against the Spartans of Michigan State. He barely completed half his passes for 210 yards and an interception. On top of that he and the entire offense were humiliated by running for -48 yards on the afternoon. Teams who were half interested in his strong start have long since lost interest. Gardner will be lucky to get drafted at all considering the guy he replaced, Denard Robinson is a school legend and he was only a fifth round pick.
Derek Carr – Fresno State – Stock: Up
He’s not a finished product by any means but it’s getting harder to deny Derek Carr continues to answer every challenge put in his way. The latest came against Nevada where Carr carried the Fresno State offense like always, throwing for 487 yards, three touchdown passes and added a touchdown run as well for good measure. Hovering between a solid second and borderline first round pick, a strong finish to the 2013 season could not only land a big bowl bid but also make him the second quarterback in his family to become a first round draft pick.
Tajh Boyd – Clemson – Stock: Neutral
It’s becoming very difficult to figure out Tajh Boyd. On the one hand his athleticism, strong arm and improved mechanics have draft experts excited about his prospects next May. Yet for some reason the excitement has gotten tempered over the past couple weeks. His ugly game against FloridaState not withstanding, he begun to show signs of bad decision-making. He has four interceptions in his last three games. Last week against Maryland was underwhelming though he had a much better night in Virginia. All in all, it’s wait-and-see at this point with Boyd.