2010 NFL Draft Developmental Quarterbacks
By Editorial Staff
Developmental Quarterbacks Everyone knows that the NFL is a quarterback driven league. The teams with poor quarterback play are often selecting at the top of the draft. Teams with superior quarterbacks are trying to find ways to ensure they keep a quality starter behind center. This need for quarterbacks has lead to the drafting of “developmental” quarterbacks. Consequently we have seen a lot of “developmental” quarterbacks bring their team’s high return in the form of trades. Below we are going to look at a few quarterbacks that have brought back trade value and some potential quarterbacks out of this year’s draft.
In every draft you have quarterbacks that are selected late and teams hope they can develop them into a starter. Usually these quarterbacks have the physical skills to succeed in the NFL. They have strong arms and the proper size for the position. NFL teams select these prospects hoping that some coaching and develop could turn their selection into the next star. Also you will find teams selecting the players with high football IQ with the hope they could refine some of their technique. Obviously Tom Brady is the first quarterback that comes to mind. After being overlooked by NFL franchises Brady was selected in the 6th round by the New England Patriots. Another quarterback that you think of is Tony Romo who went undrafted. Both of these quarterbacks had potential and were able to learn and develop, then when they had their chance they took advantage.
Sometimes these developmental quarterbacks are traded and they usually bring back some decent value. This offseason saw the Seattle Seahawks swap 2nd round picks and give up a 2011 draft pick to acquire Charlie Whitehurst from San Diego. Whitehurst was selected in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft and has yet to throw a regular season pass. However, the Seahawks feel that Whitehurst has potential and with some more development he could be a star quarterback in the NFL. Another example is Matt Schaub who was a 3rd round pick in the 2004 draft. Schaub was selected by the Atlanta Falcons and after some impressive game experience he was traded to the Houston Texans for two 2nd round picks and a swap of 1st round picks.
The 2010 NFL Draft saw 13 quarterbacks selected with about 10 of those considered developmental quarterbacks. Below are 3 that we feel are names you should remember and could eventually be trade bait or staring for their NFL team.
1. Mike Kafka– Philadelphia Eagles
– Kafka was selected in the 4th round out of Northwestern. Kafka has an extremely high football IQ which resulted in good production in his college career. He also has exceptionally good accuracy and marginal athleticism. Kafka doesn’t have a great arm but it is strong enough to make NFL caliber throws. Kafka enters a good situation in Philadelphia, which could lead to his development into a starting level quarterback. Andy Reid is known as an offensive guru that excels at mentoring young quarterbacks. The current quarterback situation allows for Kafka to sit back and learn. If Kafka develops the Eagles could look to trade him or he could be insurance if Kevin Kolb doesn’t work out. Overall we feel that Kafka has both the smarts and physical ability to develop. The coaching staff of the Eagles is a major factor in Kafka’s name appearing on this list.
2. John Skelton– Arizona Cardinals
– Skelton was a hot name in this year’s draft. He comes from the small school of Fordham but boasts immense arm power. Skelton has excellent size and a decent athleticism which had many teams seeing stars. Skelton needs a lot of work in the mental part of the game but in time he could develop. The Cardinals coaching staff will want to focus on reading defenses, technique, and accuracy. The current quarterback situation for the Cardinals is uncertain at best. Predicted starter Matt Leinart has yet to prove he can be “the man” and veteran Derek Anderson struggled in Cleveland. While Arizona cannot count on Skelton to contribute right away, he could develop into a starter down the road. If Leinart doesn’t work out the Cardinals could peg Skelton as the quarterback of the future.
3. Dan LeFevour– Chicago Bears
– The Chicago Bears used their 6th round pick to select Dan LeFevour out of Central Michigan. Leading up to the draft some experts felt that LeFevour could be a 3rd round pick, so it was a surprise when he fell to the 6th round. LeFevour has good arm strength, accuracy, and above average speed. The major concerns with LeFevour are his technique and the fact that he played in a spread offense, while at Central Michigan. The Chicago Bears gave up a lot to acquire Jay Cutler so LeFevour is more of a trade chip. If LeFevour can adjust to the NFL style offenses he has a chance to make an impact.