2012 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings Pros and Cons
By Editorial Staff
This article will feature pros and cons of every quarterback prospect that I have projected to get drafted. The first player I mention is the headline player who is the best at their position in this draft class at this point.
Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford #12 Junior Redshirt 6 foot 4 235 pounds.
STATS: Luck watched Stanford go 5-7 as a true freshman being redshirted in 2008. Luck was named the starter the following season in 2009. Luck had 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions during redshirt freshman campaign in 2009 season. Luck topped those numbers in 2010 with a 70.7 completion percentage, 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2010. So far through 5 games in 2011 Andrew Luck has improved his numbers. Luck has a 73.1 completion percentage, 14 passing touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. Luck’s passer rating is at 182.3 right now compared to his 170.1 passer rating in 2010.
DRAFT STATUS: Luck turned down the chance to be #1 pick in 2011. Andrew Luck is on pace to graduate this spring. He has already stated that this will be his final season at Stanford.
PROS: Good arm strength, extremely durable, quick release, has ideal size at 6 foot 4 235 pounds, plays in a pro style offense, precise mechanics when executing short/medium passing game, intelligence, character, pinpoint accuracy, clutch quarterback, pocket passer, scrambles well, can scramble when necessary, throws on the run well, winner, excellent at multitasking examples of this include a play where he tackled a USC player off a fumble and a reception he made against UCLA, extremely unselfish, does whats in the teams best interest, can make any progression using a 1 step, 3 step, or 5 step drop. Luck can drop back to fire a 7 step drop, can play in any NFL offensive scheme, potential, franchise player
CONS: Deep Passing Game Mechanics
Summary: Luck is the most complete quarterback to come out in years. The only remote flaw with Luck worth critiquing at this point is Andrew Luck’s mechanics and throwing motion on deep passes. Luck does fire some deep passes very well. Then there are other passes where his mechanics involving the deep passing game are slightly inconsistent at times and could use minor improvements. Still, this is nothing too severe to read into. Andrew Luck is an exceptional prospect.
Projected Round: Top Pick
Player Comparison: Tom Brady with John Elway’s scrambling ability.
Matt Barkley Quarterback USC #7 Junior 6 foot 2 220 pounds
STATS: 59.9 completion percentage as a freshman in 2009. Threw 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions after winning starting job as true freshman. As a sophomore in 2010 Matt Barkley threw 26 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions. Through 5 games as a junior Matt Barkley has thrown 14 touchdowns to 4 interceptions while being sacked 4 times. Barkley’s completion percentage has improved from 62.6 in 2010 to 70.7 in 2011.
DRAFT STATUS: Mat Barkley’s draft status is uncertain. While most media outlets believe Barkley could declare, he could easily return for his senior year. USC’s bowl probation period ends after this season making the USC Trojans bowl eligible in 2013. Barkley only played in 1 bowl game at USC as a freshman against Boston College.
The Trojans have a chance to be a title contender in 2013 if both quarterback Matt Barkley and left tackle Matt Kalil return for their senior years. The top high school recruit at offensive tackle Arik Armstead has committed to USC and would likely start at right tackle next to Kalil for a year if he opts to return. USC has the top 2013 receiver prospect in sophomore pick in Robert Woods. USC recruited heavily on offense after obtaining Matt Barkley out of high school.
The decision to stay or go really leans on Matt Barkley. At the end of the day I believe he is leaning on declaring rather than finishing at USC. I would realistically say that Barkley is leaning towards declaring for the 2012 NFL Draft at this point.
PROS: Good adequate arm strength, throwing motion, mechanics, durability, plays in a pro style offense, pocket passer, scrambler, throws on the run, can adapt to any offensive scheme, composure has improved drastically from 2010 to 2011, won starting quarterback job as a true freshman, potential
CONS: Gets rattled under pressure, sits like a duck sometimes rather than executing progressions, holds onto the ball too long sometimes, has yet to execute a 4th quarter comeback, settles for field goals rather than putting teams away with touchdowns, has not developed a clutch factor despite being a junior at USC.
Summary: Matt Barkley has to prove he can be a winner when it matters. People say he is just like Mark Sanchez. Sanchez had the high ceiling coming out of USC and there were questions about his 4th quarter ability. Sanchez answered those questions about his 4th quarter ability despite failing to live up to expectations of some failing to classify himself as a premier quarterback at this point.
Player Comparison: Matt Barkley has a very similar back round as Jimmy Clausen. Both were the top quarterback recruit coming out of high school, both were 6 foot 2 220 pounds. Both quarterbacks only played in 1 bowl game, but to Barkley’s benefit USC got put on Bowl probation for 2 years. Barkley decided to stay at USC when he could have transferred.
The only differences between Clausen and Barkley is that Barkley does not have character issues like Clausen did. Barkley is also willing to put the work in. These are 2 major differences that can separate a winner from a loser.
Barkley could become a pocket passer with Manning’s upside while throwing out of the run like Ben Roethlisberger or Aaron Rodgers.
Projected Round: Top 5 Talent
Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor #10 Junior Redshirt 6 foot 2 220 pounds
STATS: As a true freshman in 2008 Robert Griffin III threw 15 touchdowns and 3 interceptions despite having a 59.9 completion percentage which ironically enough was the same exact completion percentage as a freshman. As a sophomore Robert Griffin III only started 3 games. He went 45 for 69 while posting a 65.2 completion percentage as a true sophomore before getting injured. Griffin was redshirted in 2009. In 2010 Griffin started 13 games as a sophomore redshirt. Griffin completed 67 percent of his passes while throwing 22 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. So far through 5 games in 2011 Robert Griffin III has thrown 114 completions on 142 attempts. Griffin has completed 80.4 percent of his passes throwing for 1,520 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
DRAFT STATUS: Robert Griffin III graduated from Baylor in December of 2010 with a degree in political science. Robert Griffin III has used all of 2011 to focus on the aspects of improving any potential flaws in his game. Griffin has aspirations of attending law school one day. I am guessing Griffin III will go back to attend law school after his NFL career ends. Robert Griffin should declare in 2012 as log as he keeps playing well. Its uncertain whether or not Robert Griffin III declares. At this point I am leaning toward the possibility of Griffin declaring in 2012.
Griffin was mentioning the idea of returning for his senior redshirt campaign after Baylor’s win over Iowa State even though he graduated in political science last December. I think it would be a huge mistake if Griffin returned for his senior year because his draft stock could take a Jake Locker type hit if he got injured again. I could see it happening though because Griffin appears to be committed to college.
Griffin returning for a senior season could put him in the 2013 first round quarterback discussion with 4 quarterback prospects like Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray, Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson, Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, and dark horse quarterback from Colorado State Pete Thomas. Its too early to speculate 2013 quarterback prospects. The thing is if Griffin returns his name will be in the conversation with those 4 quarterbacks as to who the top quarterback in 2013 is.
PROS: Good arm, proved he could recover from injury in 2009 after getting injured as a sophomore, can play in a pro style offense, dual threat quarterback, good accuracy, good zip, high football IQ, 4.0 GPA, finished 7th among seniors at Baylor in graduation class, ran track, has deadly speed, got Baylor off to a 7-2 start last season, consistency, high character, executed a 4th quarter comeback against TCU on opening day of junior redshirt campaign, can play in any NFL offensive scheme, potential.
CONS: Slightly undersized, some scouts are skeptical believing Griffin’s skill set as a dual threat quarterback will not translate to the NFL level, lost 4 games in a row to finish the year after Baylor’s 7-2 start including Texas Bowl VS Illinois, may need to sit behind veteran quarterback for a year or two, has yet to win a late season game.
Summary: There is only one thing holding Robert Griffin III back from being a franchise quarterback. He needs to finish strong in November and win a bowl game in December. Robert Griffin III has all the tools physically and mentally to be a star quarterback in the NFL. Robert Griffin III has better accuracy, dual threat ability, and none of the character issues that Michael Vick had when he came out of Virginia Tech. I was on the Robert Griffin III bandwagon back in June and many people are beginning to notice why Robert Griffin III could potentially end up being the best Big 12 quarterbacks.
There are some doubters out there, but they want to wait and see if Griffin squashes a battle tested opponent before hoping on the RGIII bandwagon. Good luck with that! By then the Robert Griffin Bandwagon will be all aboard headed for Radio City Music Hall in New York City for April’s NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Michael Vick with better accuracy, higher character, and more mental discipline.
Projected Round: Top 10 Talent
Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma #12 Junior Redshirt 6 foot 4 229 pounds
STATS: In 2008 Landry Jones was redshirted. Sam Bradford was coming off a season where he won the 2008 Heisman Trophy. Bradford could have challenged Matthew Stafford for the #1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Bradford returned and got injured against BYU. Jones would step in until Bradford’s recovery.
Bradford injured the same shoulder in the Red River shootout. Landry Jones started for the remainder of the season during his freshman redshirt season at Oklahoma. Jones ended his freshman campaign completing 58.1 percent of his passes managing to eclipse the 3,000 passing yard mark throwing 3,198 passing yards. Landry Jones threw 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as a freshman.
As a sophomore redshirt Landry Jones improved his numbers. He completed 65.6 percent of his passes while throwing 4,718 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
This season through 5 games Jones completion percentage has improved to 69.3 percent. Jones has thrown 13 touchdowns and 5 interceptions through 5 games.
DRAFT STATUS: Oklahoma recruited 5 star recruit Blake Bell in 2010. High school recruits said Blake Bell had a higher football IQ than Sam Bradford coming out of high school. Bell was 6 foot 6 210 pounds after his freshman season. Blake Bell is now a freshman redshirt. Bell will transfer to another school unless he gets the starting job in 2012 as a sophomore redshirt. Blake Bell has bulked up adding 30 pounds now weighing 6 foot 6 240 pounds. I kind of get the feeling that Landry Jones wants go to where the money is and bolt rather than staying for his senior year.
PROS: Displays physical tools that enamor NFL Scouts like the cannon arm, excellent durability, and great size for a quarterback. Amazing production produces at a very high level on the collegiate stage. Landry Jones knows how to lead his team to a victory in the clutch. Landry Jones focused more on the conditioning aspect of being a quarterback this offseason by improving his techinque, Jones can take off the run and throw outside the pocket. Making more of a commitment to silence critics who doubt him.
CONS: Completion percentage has not improved enough, does not play in NFL pro style offense, plays in shotgun gimmick offense, statistics are very misleading, Landry Jones appeared overweight and chubby in certain games last season, has excellent top notch supporting cast built around him at Oklahoma, usually fires deep passes when executing 5 step drop, I need to see more short and medium passes on 3 step and 5 step drops, is forced to move out of the pocket when attempting the 7 step drop, double digit interceptions in each of his first two seasons at Oklahoma, on pace to throw 10 or more interceptions for 3rd straight year, best case scenario could become a quality first round pick think Mark Sanchez.
Landry Jones is not going to become an elite top 5 quarterback 5 years from now, has never played in Metropolitan climate like Florida or California. Jones has been a part of a smaller region with a big passionate fan base. What happens if a team like Miami drafts Jones. How does Landry Jones adjust in that metropolitan climate? Landry Jones played high school ball in New Mexico, went to college at Oklahoma, defeated overrated Connecticut team in 2011 Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.
Jones sends mixed signals in interviews. One interview he appears fazed and out of it and in other moments Jones takes interviews very seriously hoping to boost his draft stock. Jones was not as serious in his summer interviews as he was during the regular season realizing what is on the line. That’s one thing I respect about Jones as a competitor.
Lacks the potential to an elite signal caller. How will Jones thrive in a pro style offense when the numbers like Jones completion percentage and number of interceptions need to improve in a simple gimmick shotgun offense that cannot benefit Jones at an NFL level?
Summary: At this point Jones is a project player. He has the NFL talent of a 3rd string quarterback. If he goes to a team that runs a lot, has a good pass blocking unit, has a good offensive coordinator, and head coach with offensive back round then Jones could improve as a prospect and thrive.
Player Comparison: Alex Smith Landry Jones reminds me a lot of 2005 #1 overall pick Alex Smith. Jones may thrive with the right offensive coordinator mentoring him at head coach. Its unlikely that Jones will get the time or patience that Alex Smith got to maximize his potential with San Francisco so far in 2011.
Projected Round: 1st Round Talent People say Jones is the 2nd best quarterback after Luck and a top 5 pick. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Jones is not even the best signal caller in his conference. I believe that honor belongs to Baylor’s Robert Griffin III.
Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State #8 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 3 205 pounds
STATS: Kirk Cousins was redshirted in 2007. In 2008 Cousins saw limited action as a freshman redshirt and was mainly used as a backup to Brian Hoyer. Cousins completed 60.4 percent of his passes when he became the Spartans full time starter as a sophomore redshirt in 2009.
Kirk Cousins completed 66.9 percent of his passes as a junior redshirt. Cousins threw 2o touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2010.
So far this season in 2010 his numbers look pretty mediocre. Cousins has had 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions as a senior redshirt. Cousins has yet to complete 70 percent of his passes at Michigan State and he has never eclipsed the 3,000 yard passing mark as the Spartans quarterback.
DRAFT STATUS: Kirk Cousins will graduate this year. Cousins will likely start for the North team in the 2012 Senior Bowl. Cousins will get a pretest of what he will face in the NFL at the Senior Bowl. A strong performance could solidify Cousin’s day 2 draft status. A weak senior bowl performance could convince NFL scouts that Cousins is a day 3 selection.
PROS: Decent arm that sets up short and medium passes with quick release, tough competitor at the quarterback position, has the smarts and intangibles to succeed in the NFL, has the ability to play in any NFL offensive scheme. Cousins is very mentally disciplined. Cousins is probably the most mentally disciplined senior quarterback off the field. Cousins is a developmental project who could develop into a starter with the proper coaching.
CONS: Cousins needs to add more weight. Cousins is 6 foot 3 205 pounds. Cousins needs to bulk up by adding some weight. Kirk Cousins needs to show people he can be more consistent with his deep passing game mechanics. I would also like to see more consistent accuracy from Kirk Cousins.
Summary: Kirk Cousins is a backup at this point. It will be interesting to see if Cousins can come in as a rookie and winn a backup job during training camp. This may determine whether he is a backup for life or a future starter down the road with the proper development.
Player Comparison: Andy Dalton Kirk Cousins reminds me of Andy Dalton with more experience of understanding an NFL playbook at this point in Cousins collegiate career.
Projected Round: 3rd Round Talent
Chandler Harnish Quarterback Northern Illinois #12 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 2 221 pounds
STATS: Redshirted in 2007. Harnish started 9 games as a freshman redshirt throwing 8 touchdowns and 9 interception. By the time Harnish entered his sophomore redshirt year he became a household name at Northern Illinois. Harnish threw 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a sophomore redshirt.
In 2010 Harnish improved his completion percentage from 64.1 to 64.7. Harnish also exceeded the 2,500 passing mark at Northern Illinois as a junior redshirt.
Northern Illnois has gotten off to a 3-3 start in 6 games in 2011. Harnish is not to blame for any of the Huskies early misfortunes. Harnish has thrown a completion percentage of 67.9 as a senior redshirt. Harnish has thrown 12 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Harnish has also rushed for 7 rushing touchdowns for Northern Illinois this season.
DRAFT STATUS: Harnish graduates this season. Harnish should be a backup for the North team in the 2012 Senior Bowl. Harnish has a chance to become a day 2 pick possibly a late 2nd round pick if he impresses scouts in the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and pro day workouts if he gets any.
PROS: Harnish has physical tools that scouts love. Harnish has the rocket arm, toughness with his durability, and good size for a mid round pick. Harnish is a dual threat quarterback who provides amazing production. Harnish has a chance to be a sleeper quarterback among the 2012 senior prospects.
CONS: Mental attributes are a project at this point. The mental aspects of Harnish’s game have potential. Coaches just need to work with Harnish improving these aspects of his game. Harnish just needs to improve his accuracy. He has the capacity and intangibles to adjust to an NFL playbook at the next level.
Harnish has a really good offensive line that buys him time in the pocket. This may compensate for some of Harnish’s throws to a certain degree.
Needs to improve reading progressions. Sometimes Harnish sits like a duck in the pocket and waits to take off if his primary progression does not get open. Harnish needs to wait for 2nd and 3rd progressions before taking off and scrambling.
Harnish plays against weaker opponents in the MAC Conference. This is another disadvantage that could work against Harnish on draft day.
Summary: Harnish is a project player. He could end up becoming the best senior quarterback the way he is playing right now.
NFL Player Comparison: Dan LeFevour
Projected Round: 4th round Talent Harnish is a 4th round talent right now. That could change depending on how Harnish performs in late January.
Brandon Weeden Quarterback Oklahoma State #3 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 4 218 pounds
STATS: Weeden was redshirted in 2007. As a redshirt freshman in 2008 Weeden went 1 for 3 with 8 passing yards a freshman reshirt. In 2009 as a sophomore redshirt Weeden went 15 for 24 as a sophomore redshirt with 248 passing yards with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Weeden was a backup at Oklahoma State to Zac Robinson.
Weeden threw 4,277 passing yards as a Junior Redshirt in 2010. Weeden displayed a 66.9 completion percentage in 2010. Last season Weeden threw 34 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Brandon Weeden has let Oklahoma State to a 5-0 record as a senior redshirt. Weeden has thrown for nearly 1900 passing yards in 5 games while displaying a 75.8 completion percentage. Weeden has thrown 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions at this point.
Weeden only took 8 sacks all of last season in 2010. Weeden has already taken 7 sacks through 5 games as a senior redshirt.
DRAFT STATUS: Weeden turns 28 years old on Friday. He is 45 days older than Super Bowl 45 MVP Aaron Rodgers. Weeden will get drafted. Its hard to tell if Weeden’s age will affect his draft stock.
PROS: Weeden has the physical tools that you look for in a quarterback. Weeden is productive and his accuracy is improving.
CONS: Weeden plays in a shotgun spread offense, Weeden does not have the experience to translate his skill set to a pro style offense. Weeden’s age is also a concern. Weeden could become a quality backup. Lacks the potential to start in this league.
Summary: Weeden is posting numbers of a 4th round talent. The thing is, Weeden’s age could drop him to the 5th round. A poor Senior Bowl or Combine could drop Brandon Weeden even further.
Player Comparison: John Beck with Brett Favre’s gunslinger arm.
Projected Round: 4th Round Talent Weeden could fall further because of his age.
Case Keenum Quarterback Houston #7 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 2 210 pounds
STATS: Keenum got redshirted in 2006. Keenum threw 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season replacing Kevin Kolb for the Houston Cougars as a freshman redshirt.
Over the next 2 seasons as a sophomore and junior redshirt Keenum combined for 88 passing touchdowns and 26 interceptions over a 2 year period.
Keenum was granted a medical redshirt and a 6th season at Houston after an injury during his senior year.
Case Keenum now ranks 2nd in all time passing yards right behind Timmy Chang.
DRAFT STATUS: Keenum is not getting a hall pass this season in 2011 if injuries occur.
PROS: Cannon arm, great intangibles, top notch production when healthy.
CONS: Case Keenum has durability issues, slightly undersized, does not play in a pro style offense, accuracy issues, has the potential of a 3rd string quarterback.
Summary: Keenum has the Houston Cougars off to a 6-0 start. The problem is Keenum is a 3rd string signal caller with durability issues.
NFL Player Comparison: A poor mans version of Colt McCoy.
Projected Round: 4th Round Talent Case Keenum is performing like a 4th round talent right now. Keenum could easily go un drafted due to the fact that he is in his 6th year at Houston along with the fact that Keenum is injury prone.
Brock Osweiler Quarterback Arizona State #17 Junior 6 foot 9 240 pounds
STATS: Has a career total of 20 touchdowns and 8 interceptions
PROS: Cannon arm, durable, elite size, production, learning rate, intangibles, potential
CONS: want to see more consistency when it comes to making accurate passes, raw mechanics, does not play in a pro style offense.
Summary: Has the size of a starter. Does Osweiler have too much size?
Player Comparison: Dan McGwire
Projected Round: 4th Round Talent
Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona #8 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 5 240 pounds
STATS: Foles went 5 for 8 for 57 passing yards while posting a 62.5 completion percentage in 2007. In 2008 Foles was redshirted.
Nick Foles entered his first season as a full time starter in the 2009 season as a sophomore redshirt. Foles threw for nearly 2,500 passing yards while posting a 63.6 completion percentage, throwing 19 passing touchdowns, and throwing 9 interceptions. In 2010 last season Foles posted a 67.1 completion percentage while throwing for nearly 3,200 passing yards. Foles finished his junior redshirt campaign with 20 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
In Nick Foles first 4 games during the 2011 season he threw 10 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. In his last 2 games he has thrown 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Foles has completed 71.5 percent of his passes which is a rapid improvement over what Foles did during previous seasons.
DRAFT STATUS: Foles will be a pro after this year. By the time the Arizona pro day ends we will know whether Foles is a day 2 pick, a day 3 pick, or a potential undrafted player like Jevan Snead a few years ago in 2010.
PROS: Rocket Arm, Elite size, intangibles, pump fakes better than any 2012 quarterback prospect, scrambles, production, massive potential.
CONS: Durability, throwing motion, mechanics, Accuracy issues, fails to sell the play action pass, struggles to throw on the run, steep learning curve possibly too much of a developmental project.
Summary: Foles can develop into a potential pro bowler if he goes to the right situation if he sits out for 3 years as a backup.
Player Comparison: Poor Man’s Ben Roethlisberger with much slower learning curve
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent Foles was a 2nd round pick. His poor performance against Oregon State last week caused Foles to fall to a 5th round pick.
Ryan Lindley Quarterback San Diego State #14 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 4 220 pounds
STATS: Lindley was redshirted in 2007 as Kevin O Connell was the starter at San Diego State. In 2008 as a redshirt freshman Lindley threw for over 2,500 passing yards by thowing 2,653 passing yards. Lindley completed 56.7 percent of his passes as a redshirt freshman by throwing 16 touchdowns and 9 interceptions which is still the fewest amount of interceptions Lindley has managed to throw in a regular season.
In 2009 during Lindley’s sophomore year he barely eclipsed the 3,000 yard passing mark as Lindley threw for 3,000 passing yards. Lindley completed 54.7 percent of his passes while throwing 23 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
In 2010 last season as a junior redshirt Lindley completed 57.7 percent of his passes by throwing 3,830 passing yards along with 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Lindley averaged 9.1 yards per pass.
So far in 5 games Lindley has only thrown for 1,076 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions while completing a career low 48 percent of his passes.
DRAFT STATUS: Ryan Lindley could improve his draft status with a strong combine and pro day workout. At the same time with a poor combine he could drop himself to a 7th round pick with the way he has performed so far as a senior redshirt. There are some people who think Lindley is a 3rd round pick. Lindley is a sleeper even though I cannot see him as a 3rd rounder.
PROS: Adequate arm, zip, durability, size, good intangibles, potential.
CONS: May have 1 or 2 year learning curve, accuracy, completion percentage, lost his 2 best receivers, got worse as a senior, production.
Summary: Ryan Lindley’s draft stock is taking a bit of a hit at this point. At the end of the day I still believe Lindley has more promise than his predecessor at San Diego State Kevin O Connell.
Player Comparison: Kevin O Connell with more potential than O Connell.
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent
Ryan Tannehill Quarterback Texas A&M #17 Senior Redshirt 6 f00t 4 222 pounds
STATS: Was redshirted in 2007. In 2008 as a redshirt freshman Tannehill threw 1 pass. In 2009 as a sophomore redshirt went 4 for 8 throwing passes.
Last season as a junior redshirt played some wide receiver before switching to quarterback. Tannehill threw 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions to finish off his junior redshirt year.
DRAFT STATUS: Tannehil is going to graduates this year. Tannehill could go as early as round 2 and fall all the way to round 5.
PROS: quality arm Strength, durability, size, pure athlete, can play qb/rb/wr, dual threat quarterback, can play in any NFL offensive scheme, production
CONS: slow learning curve, accuracy issues, has excellent supporting cast around him, lacks the potential to become an NFL starter.
Summary: People are saying Tannehill has the potential to be a late 2nd round pick. The grim reality is Tannehill is a 5th round talent at best. The way Tannehill blew that huge lead against Oklahoma State while failing to put Arkansas away makes you wonder if he can really play in this league.
Player Comparison: Poor man’s Stephen McGee.
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent
Russell Wilson Quarterback Wisconsin #16 Senior Redshirt 5 foot 11 190 pounds
STATS: Wilson redshirted in 2007. In Wilson’s 3 years as a starter at North Carolina State he threw 76 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.
This season Wilson has gone 83 for 111 with 1,391 passing yards. Wilson has thrown 13 touchdowns and 1 interceptions. Wilson has completed a mind boggling 74.8 percent of his passes.
DRAFT STATUS: Wilson will graduate this season and be eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft.
PROS: Cannon Arm, learns plays quickly, can play in any offensive scheme, intangibles, accuracy, dual threat, production
CONS: Very undersized at 5 foot 11 190 pounds. potential to be a backup at best
Status: Probably will not start in this league due to size.
Player Comparison: Troy Smith
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent
GJ Kinne Quarterback Tulsa #4 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 2 234 pounds
STATS: Sat out as a redshirt in 2007. Did not play as a redshirt freshman in 2008. Kinne has thrown a career total of 62 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.
DRAFT STATUS: Kinne will be a pro prospect this season. Kinne will probably be a late round pick. Kinne needs a strong combine to solidify his draft status.
PROS: Arm, size, knows how to bulk up.
CONS: Durability, injury prone, needs 2 years to learn NFL Playbook, intangibles, accuracy, lacks potential to compete for 3rd string job.
Summary: Kinne is a late round prospect. Kinne will host Houston quarterback Case Keenum when Houston and Tulsa meet on November 26th. This game could give you a better indication on who is a late round quarterback.
Player Comparison: Major Applewhite
Projected Round: 6th Round Talent
Kellen Moore Quarterback Boise State #11 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 191 pounds
STATS: Moore was redshirted in 2007. Moore threw 10 interceptions over during his redshirt freshman year. He only threw a combined total of 9 interceptions prior to his senior redshirt year. So far as a senior redshirt Moore has a career total of 116 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
Moore has a career total of 12,258 passing yards. Kellen Moore ranks 16th in all time passing yards as Moore recently passed Byron Leftwich on the all time passing yards chart.
DRAFT STATUS: Moore is a 6th round talent. He could push himself up to the 4th round or push himself out of the draft depending on his performance at the 2012 NFL Draft with his combine performance.
PROS: Arm, learns new schemes right away, intelligent, accurate, excellent production
CONS: Very undersized with his 6 foot 190 pound size, has potential of a 3rd string quarterback, could compete for backup job.
Summary: Moore has 3rd string talent due to the NFL. He could develop into a quality backup with the proper coaching.
Player Comparison: Poor Mans Drew Brees
Projected Round: 6th Round
John Brantley Quarterback Florida #12 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 3 220 pounds
STATS: Brantley did not become a starter until the 2010 season. Brantley has thrown 24 career touchdowns and 14 interceptions at this point.
DRAFT STATUS: Brantley has to impress people at the combine. Brantley is a 7th round prospect. A poor workout at the 2012 NFL Combine could push him out of the draft all together.
PROS: Arm strength, size, productive when healthy
CONS: Durability issues, mechanics, lacks the mental attributes, potential
Summary: John Brantley is a borderline draft prospect.
Player Comparison: Poor man’s Tim Tebow
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Dominique Davis Quarterback East Carolina #4 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 3 222 pounds
STATS: Dominique Davis was Matt Ryan’s backup as a true freshman at Boston College. He then transferred to East Carolina. Davis did not become a full time starter until last season as a junior redshirt. Las season Davis threw 37 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
DRAFT STATUS: Davis is a 7th round prospect. He should impress people at the 2012 Combine. He has to wow NFL Scouts at East Carolina’s pro day to secure his draft status.
PROS: Has physical tools that scouts are enamored with. Davis has the cannon arm, incredible durability, and excellent size for a quarterback. Davis produces well in critical situations.
CONS: Only runs plays in an NFL shotgun spread offense. Poor intangibles, needs to improve accuracy, lacks potential to start in the NFL
Summary: Dominique Davis has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. Will Davis develop the mental attributes to become a quality NFL quarterback?
Player Comparison: David Garrard
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Patrick Witt Quarterback Yale #11 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 4 230 pounds
STATS: Patrick Witt used to play for Nebraska. Witt transferred to Yale as a sophomore redshirt.
In 2010 as a junior redshirt Witt led the Ivy League in multiple categories. Witt led the Ivy league in passing yards with over 2,200 passing yards, yards per game with over 246 passing yards per game, 212 completions.
One more thing to note. Patrick Witt was the only Ivy League quarterback to complete more than 60 percent of his passes at Yale last season.
DRAFT SUMMARY: Witt could be a late round pick. The 2012 NFL Combine is Witt’s audition. If Witt does not get a combine or pro day workout he has to hope his name gets called on draft day. Even if Witt does not get drafted he has a good resume graduating from Yale.
PROS: displays physical attributes, displays mental attributes like intangibles accuracy, can play in any NFL offensive scheme, runs a pro style offense at Yale, potential
CONS: Goes up against weak competition
Summary: Witt became the first quarterback to transfer to Yale since World War 2? Will Witt become the first Ivy League quarterback to get drafted since Ryan Fitzpatrick back in 2005.
Player Comparison: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
BJ Coleman Quarterback Chattanooga #19 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 5 220 pounds
STATS: Coleman transferred to Chattanooga when he was a sophomore redshirt. Coleman threw 2,996 passing yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior redshirt at Chattanooga.
DRAFT STATUS: BJ Coleman graduates this year. He has to prove himself at the 2012 NFL Combine to assert his draft status.
PROS: Elite physical tools, cannon arm, excellent durability, top notch size
CONS: Lacks the mental attributes to succeed in NFL, poor production, lacks potential to succeed in the NFL
Summary: Former Tennessee backup transferred to Chattanooga hoping he could be a late round prospects.
Player Comparison: Ryan Perrilloux
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Aaron Corp Quarterback Richmond #7 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 3 205 pounds
STATS: Corp set the FCS record by completing 31 of 34 passes for Richmond on Saturday.
DRAFT STATUS: Corp was once the favorite to start for the USC Trojans. Corp lost out the starting job to Matt Barkley when Barkley was a true freshman at USC.
PROS: Can set records in FCS
CONS: Lacks physical tools, lacks mental tools, work ethic questions, had to transfer to FCS school, lacks potential of an NFL quarterback
Summary: Aaron Corp has to stand out at the 2012 NFL Combine if he gets invited to the 2012 Combine in order to get drafted.
Player Comparison: Poor Man’s Matt Cassel
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Cody Endres Quarterback Slippery Rock 6 foot 5 232 pounds Senior Redshirt
STATS: Endres was a backup for 3 years at Connecticut before transferring to Slippery Rock.
PROS: Elite physical tools, cannon arm, durability, excellent size, can play in any NFL scheme, intangibles, accuracy, nice touch, production, potential
CONS: Mechanics, character issues, one year wonder
Summary: Endres is graded out as a 6th round pick. He could become a 5th rounder with a breakout combine or by wowing scouts at NFL Pro Days. I have Endres graded out as a 7th round talent.
Player Comparison: Tony Romo
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent