2017 NFL Draft: Sleeper Quarterbacks Who Can Crack 1st Round
By Erik Lambert
The 2017 NFL draft, like many before it already has its slate of probable 1st round quarterbacks. However, everybody knows things can change fast.
Deshone Kizer, Deshaun Watson and Brad Kaaya look like the early favorite to be taken in the top 32 come next April. Mitchy Trubisky out of North Carolina also seems like a fast riser into that conversation as well. The question is will anybody else be able to do the same? There are a number of quality talents out where but thus far scouts have kept them out of the 1st round conversation.
Who are they and what are their chances of changing that perception? Here are five names worth watching.
Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech)
Why he’s in the hunt:
Just watch Mahomes plays. It won’t take long to see the young man is a physical specimen. He’s 6’3″, and big for that size. Not just tall. He shrugs off tacklers and moves with excellent mobility, picking up yards and scoring touchdowns. His arm is plenty strong, able to overthrow coverages that were even told to stay back to prevent deep shots. Best of all he showcases good accuracy and touch on his throws. There also aren’t any off-the-field complaints to worry about.
Why he’s not there yet:
Right now Mahomes is under the same stigma many modern college quarterbacks are. He plays in a spread “gimmick” offense. The simplified, pass-heavy scheme means there will be a learning curve for him once he gets to the pros. In addition his style of play is less about precise operation and more about backyard playmaking. He relies more on his own physical gifts than the system to make plays. That won’t fly in the NFL. He’ll have to prove he can absorb a pro offense.