Fitting Top 2015 NFL Draft Quarterbacks To Pro Teams
By Erik Lambert
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) reacts after a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Everybody is getting to know who the top quarterbacks are in the 2015 NFL draft. The question is what are the best fits for them in the pros?
Marcus Mariota – Best Pro Fit: Tennessee Titans
Ken Whisenhunt has a productive history with quarterbacks but as yet hasn’t been able to build one from the ground up, more often inheriting high draft choices from previous regimes. The time may be coming for him to get his own and Marcus Mariota would be an outstanding selection. The Oregon star is a classic hybrid who can beat teams with his legs but also has that arm strength and pocket presence to win throwing. Whisenhunt can further Mariota’s development in a pro offense, which is lacking.
Jameis Winston – Best Pro Fit: St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher has a long history of managing big personalities who have a tendency to stray into problematic territory. The job he did on Albert Haynesworth alone puts him in the realm of legends. However, he also has a history with big, strong-armed mobile quarterback. Steve McNair was of course his greatest work, and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston emulates much of what made the former MVP so unstoppable at times. The Rams need talent and a winner at quarterback to get to the next level. Winston is both.
Connor Cook – Best Pro Fit: Houston Texans
For Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, his prerequisites for a quarterback have less to do with mobility and all the typical jargon and more to do with intelligence, poise and leadership. That explains his success at Penn State with Mike McGloin and now in Houston with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Michigan State’s Connor Cook is built very much in that same tier. He has a good arm and is 6’4″ but what sets him apart, according to scouts, is his unshakeable confidence and command in the huddle. That is the kind of guy O’Brien loves.
Brett Hundley – Best Pro Fit: Chicago Bears
This one may prove slightly controversial. After all most people would think the Chicago Bears wouldn’t go into the 2015 NFL draft looking for a quarterback. Not after handing Jay Cutler a seven-year deal worth $126 million. Besides, Cutler statistically is having one of his best seasons. The problem has been the turnovers. Nothing has really changed on that front. For all his physical gifts, opponents just know that at some point Cutler is going to give up the football, and too often it’s why the Bears are 2-3.
Brett Hundley may represent something Chicago doesn’t have at the moment: insurance. The last thing they want is to explore the Cutler scenario once and for all, discover it’s bogus and be caught with the cupboard empty a few years from now. Hundley would make an ideal long-term backup plan. He’s supremely gifted with the big arm, body and mobility to drive defenses crazy and 2014 has shown progress in his pocket passing. Is it crazy to take him early next year and putting him under the guidance of Marc Trestman for the next couple seasons? Hey, if it’s good enough for Aaron Rodgers.
Kevin Hogan – Best Pro Fit: San Diego Chargers
This is another case of long-term outlook. Philip Rivers is in the midst of an MVP-caliber season with the San Diego Chargers and is in no danger of losing his job. However, he does turn 33 in December. There is no telling when age may start to catch up with him. Better to start the ball rolling on a succession plan sooner than later. Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan makes a lot of sense because he and Rivers are so much alike. Each are big and very smart players with awkward throwing motions but can deliver accurate passes. Hogan has some mobility to him as well. Spending some time under Mike McCoy could only mean good things for the franchise.