2012 Quarterback Rankings Update

This article will feature an update to my quarterback pros and cons list.  This list in the link below featured my previous rankings.

https://nflmocks.com/2011/10/14/2012-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-pros-and-cons/

This list will be a quarterback rankings with recaps for every quarterback draft prospect for the month of October.

1. Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford Junior Redshirt Andrew Luck has thrown for nearly 3,000 passing yards.  Luck has thrown 31 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.  Luck has completed 70.3 percent of his passes which is a slight decrease in the 70.7 percent of his passes that Luck completed in 2010.  Luck looks like the top pick and a franchise player.  The question is who rivals Luck.

Projected Round: Franchise Player

2. Matt Barkley Quarterback USC Junior Matt Barkley defeated Oregon something Stanford Andrew Luck could not do.  Barkley has thrown 33 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.  Die hard Patriots fan Bill Simmons tweeted about how he would rather see Matt Barkley on the Colts and Andrew Luck on the Dolphins.  That’s definitely high praise to say the least.

I want to see Matt Barkley perform like a clutch quarterback in the 4th quarter.  Barkley may be the most pro ready quarterback after Luck.  He has yet to have a signature 4th quarter moment.  The last huge 4th quarter win Barkley had was his freshman year against Ohio State.

Andrew Luck is declaring for the 2012 NFL Draft.  Landry Jones is probably going to declare as well.  Why else would Blake Bell be getting reps at quarterback as a 5 star recruit if Jones wasn’t intent on declaring.

There are 2 first round quarterbacks that I could see returning.  Those 2 quarterbacks are Robert Griffin III and Matt Barkley.

Barkley said that his draft decision will be a business decision based on what best suites his family.  I am guessing that means that Barkley will declare at this point.

Projected Round: Top 5 Talent

3. Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt Robert Griffin III had a monster game against Oklahoma.  Robert Griffin III executed a clutch 4th quarter drive as Baylor scored with 8 seconds left to knock off Oklahoma.

Robert Griffin III went 21 for 34 with 479 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions.  At this point Robert Griffin III has made a case to rival and potentially surpass Matt Barkley as the #2 quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Griffin has 3,572 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.  Robert Griffin III has completed 72.9 percent of his passes.

Back in July, I was the lone wolf on the Robert Griffin III bandwagon.  I was the only person who mocked him in the first round 5 months ago.  Now, the Robert Griffin III bandwagon has grown so big at NFL Mocks that there are literally no seats left available for people wanting to hop on the RGIII bandwagon.  Next stop New York City for the NFL Draft assuming RGIII declares.  All Aboard!

I think Robert Griffin III will return for his senior year.  If Robert Griffin III returns it will be interesting to see how many RGIII followers stay loyal by remaining on the bandwagon or jump off the bandwagon because RGIII returned for his senior year.

Projected Round: Top 5 Talent

4. Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma Junior Redshirt Landry Jones has thrown for nearly 3,800 passing yards in 2011.  Landry Jones has thrown for 11,712 career passing yards, 92 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions in his 3 years as a starter at Oklahoma.  Over or Under Landry reaches 100 touchdowns after the season when the bowl games are done? Jones has also thrown 10 interceptions for the 3rd straight year which is a huge concern.

Some people love Landry Jones though.  Landry Jones reminds me more of Ryan Leaf than he does of Roger Staubach.  Still, its not really fair to compare him to either quarterback until we see what Jones does in the NFL.  Everyone was skeptical about spread quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Cam Newton.  Most people excluding myself have continued to doubt Tim Tebow even though Tebow is 4-1.

Former Lions GM Matt Millen stated that Landry Jones is the most polarizing prospect since Tim Tebow.  Millen said this in the Texas A&M VS Oklahoma game about Landry Jones.  This means Jones will silence all his critics or turn out to be a huge bust.  I am not taking Millen’s word and there really should not be any middle ground with Landry Jones if Millen thinks he’s as polarizing as Tim Tebow.  Exactly how is Tebow polarizing Millen?  He’s 4-1 as a starter now.

I said Tebow would be better than Newton a month ago before Tebow’s first start.  Where are all the people who think I’m stupid?  Are they still criticizing Tebow or did they vanish like ghosts?

Landry Jones displays very inconsistent accuracy.  Jones struggles to execute proper footwork and mechanics when making throws.  Jones just likes to lob it deep hoping to make a big play.

One thing to like about Landry Jones is that he plays his best in the 4th quarter when his team is trailing and this is something you cannot coach when looking for an NFL quarterback.

Projected Round: 1st Round Talent

Ryan Tannehill Quarterback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt Tannehill has thrown 26 touchdowns.  He has also thrown 11 interceptions and gotten sacked 7 times.  Everyone seems to think Tannehill could be an elite quarterback.  I like Tannehill and I think he could develop into a great starter.  Tannehill is probably a safer bet than Nick Foles even though Foles may have more long term upside and potential.  I do not see an elite quarterback with Tannehill though because there just seem to be too many average qualities to his game.  Tannehill threw 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions against an Oklahoma defense that Robert Griffin III absolutely torched.

While Tannehill has a great skill set at quarterback with the physical tools and intangibles their are some weaknesses in his game.  Tannehill has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long. Tannehill needs to improve the accuracy and mechanics to the passing game.  Tannehill needs to improve his progressions plus he blows leads in the 4th quarter.  Tannehill has the potential to become a great starter.  He has a lot of areas to improve in though.  Tannehill looks better than any of the 2011 NFL quarterback prospects coming out of college in terms of being a sure fire safe bet.  That much I will say about Tannehill.

Projected Round: 2nd Round Talent

Chandler Harnish Quarterback Northern Illinois Senior Redshirt Chandler Harnish really showed great composure rallying Northern Illinois to a 4th quarter comeback over Ball State.  Harnish is 6 foot 2 221 pounds and has the arm to make all the necessary throws in the NFL.  Harnish has thrown 22 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.  Harnish has also rushed for 10 rushing touchdowns in 2011.

Next week Chandler Harnish and Northern Illinois host Eastern Michigan.  Assuming Northern Illinois wins that game then they will face Ohio for the MAC Championship.  Harnish has not faced Ohio since his sophomore redshirt season where Ohio won 38 to 31 in 2009.  When Northern Illinois meets Ohio in 2011 I think the result will be very different with much higher stakes on the line as Northern Illinois prevails 34 to 27.

Northern Illinois defeated Eastern Michigan on the road 71 to 3 last season.  Harnish has 100 passing and 100 rushing yards in 5 of Northern Illinois’s 11 games.  Harnish also has 100 passing and rushing yards in the past 3 weeks.

I realize Harnish has faced weak competition.  He is still producing quality results with 22 passing touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns, 64 completion percentage, and 4 interceptions in 2011.

Projected Round: 2nd Round Talent

Case Keenum Quarterback Houston Senior Redshirt Case Keenum looked like an undrafted player at one point last season after a season ending injury on a torn ACL season ending injury when Keenum threw a pick 6 to UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers who is now on the Titans.

Keenum has recovered strongly since.  Keenum has 4,269 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 73.4 completion percentage.  Houston is 11-0 with one big game left against Tulsa.

Tulsa is 7-0 in conference play.  The winner of that game plays Southern Miss in the Conference USA Championship.  Southern Miss has clinched a trip to the Conference USA Championship.  Houston travels to Tulsa to face quaterback GJ Kinnie and Tulsa.  Both Houston and Tulsa are 7-0 in conference play.

Case Keenum may not be a 2nd round talent.  Its hard to argue that he isn’t playing like one.  Colt McCoy and Andy Dalton soared up draft boards and I get the feeling that Case Keenum may experience a similar outcome.

Projected Round: 2nd Round Talent

Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior Redshirt Cousins looks like a late 3rd round pick at this point.  Cousins is a 3rd round talent that could end up sliding to day 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Kirk Cousins has thrown 19 passing touchdowns in 2011.  Cousins has also taken 15 sacks while throwing 5 interceptions.

Cousins completion percentage has declined from 66.9 percent to 64 percent.  Cousins had the hail mary pass against Wisconsin which is what is mainly keeping Cousins as a 3rd round talent.

There are some pros and cons with Kirk Cousins.  He’s very inconsistent even though there is potential with Cousins.  At this point I would say Cousins is a backup with the potential to develop into a starter with the proper development.

When you look at the pros with Kirk Cousins there are different qualities you see.  Cousins has the gunslinger arm to heave game winning hail mary passes plus he has a quick release.  Cousins is very tough and durable.

Cousins has the intangibles and the work ethic to become a field general type of game manager in the NFL.  Cousins can be an effective play action passer who can pump fake passes.

Cousins can make a 1 step, 3 step, 5 step, and 7 step drop throws.  Cousins can make the progressions on the 1 step and 3 step drops.  Cousins has excellent short passing game mechanics.

Cousins can be a clutch quarterback.  The production is there and so is potential to develop into a starter.

Look at Kirk Cousins cons.  Cousins is 6 foot 3 205 pounds.  Cousins is very undersized at quarterback.

Cousins will need a year or two to adjust to the NFL.  Kirk Cousins really displays inconsistent accuracy.  Cousins needs to improve progressions on 5 step and 7 step drops.  Kirk Cousins lacks the mechanics to execute medium and deep passes at this point.

Projected Round: 3rd Round Talent

Brock Osweiler Quarterback Arizona State Junior Osweiler is 6 foot 9 250 pounds.  He has thrown 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2011.  Osweiler needs an additional year of development at Arizona State.

Osweiler will likely return to school for his senior year hoping to be a day 2 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.  Right now Osweiler looks like a day 3 pick if he declares for the 2012 NFL Draft.

Projected Round: 4th Round Talent

Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona State Senior Redshirt Nick Foles is a major project with major upside.  The 6 foot 5 240 pound signal caller for the Arizona Wildcats has pro bowl potential.  The downside is he needs 3 years on the sideline holding the clipboard.  A team will need to be very patient with Nick Foles to maximize his ability to succeed in the NFL.

Foles has thrown 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2011.  Foles has a career high 68.5 completion percentage in 2011.  Foles has taken 55 sacks and has thrown 32 interceptions during his 3 year tenure as Arizona’s starting quarterback despite throwing 64 career touchdowns.  Foles has never completed more than 70 percent of his passes.

Look at the pros with Nick Foles there are some attractive qualities that you look for in a quarterback.  You cannot question Nick Foles physical tools that Foles displays.  Foles has the cannon arm, very tough, durable, and he has the size.

Foles can scramble and he has the footwork that you look for in a quarterback.  Foles is excellent at pump faking confusing defenders when dropping back to pass.

Foles can execute 1 step, 3 step, and 5 step drops while making the proper progressions on each throw.  Foles can be utilized as a pocket passer when given ample time.  Foles is a high character guy on the gridiron.  The production and potential that Foles has could translate long term.

Foles gets rattled under pressure and will need 2 to 3 years to comprehend an NFL playbook.  Foles lacks the accuracy and mechanics to play quarterback.

Foles also struggles with 7 step drops, throwing on the run, and has trouble selling play action passes.  Foles has potential, but Nick Foles is a major project at this point.

Denis Dixon wants to start.  Leftwich and Batch want out.  Going to Pittsburgh as a backup to Ben Roethlisberger would be a perfect fit for Foles because he could learn from Roethlisberger how to correct any potential weaknesses while being a backup for 3 to 4 years before going on to start elsewhere in the NFL.

Pittsburgh has numerous draft needs.  I doubt they pick Foles because their set at quarterback with Roethlisberger plus they have effective backups who can step in.

Projected Round: 4th Round Talent

Russell Wilson Quarterback Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The former North Carolina State Wolfpack signal caller is 5 foot 11 201 pounds.  Wilson has 2,506 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in 2011.

Wilson had his worst game of the year Saturday.  Wilson threw for only 90 passing yards against Illinois.  Russell Wilson looks like a day 3 selection at this point.

Projected Round: 4th Round Talent

Ryan Lindley Quarterback San Diego State Senior Redshirt Lindley lost receiving targets Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson.  Lindley threw 23 touchdowns in 2009 and 28 touchdowns in 2010 with those 2011 draft prospect receiving targets.

Lindley has only thrown 15 touchdowns in 2011 as San Diego State has been far more balanced running the football in 2011.  3 of Lindley’s 15 touchdowns came against Boise State last night.  Lindley has failed to live up to expectations in 2011.  While I have Lindley graded out as a 4th round talent he could very realistically fall to the 5th or 6th round.

Projected Round: 4th Round Talent

Geno Smith Quarterback West Virginia Junior Geno Smith could be a day 3 pick if he declares.  Smith could be a day 2 pick if he returns to school.   I expect him to return, but Smith could be a 4th rounder if he declares.

Projected Round: 4th Round Talent

Cody Endres Quarterback Slippery Rock Senior Redshirt The 6 foot 4 232 pound signal caller who transferred from Connecticut as a backup to Slippery Rock threw 21 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, and over2,500 passing yards in 2011.

Slippery Rock also known as the “THE ROCK” got off to an 8-1 start with Endres before losing their final 2 games of the season only to miss out on the playoffs.  Endres played a very influential role in helping turn Slippery Rock around.

NFL Mocks is one of few draft sites around that actually has a scouting report up on Cody Endres.  Endres reminds me of a former Eastern Illinois quarterback that went undrafted.  Endres also has better size and arm strength than Romo.

Scouts missed out on Romo so their may be an urge to select Endres in the 5th round if teams are afraid they will miss out again.

Projected Round: 5th Round Talent

Brandon Weeden Quarterback Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The 28 year old Brandon Weeden is 6 foot 4 218 pounds.  Think Chris Weinke with Brett Favre’s gunslinger arm when it comes to Brandon Weeden.

Weeden had his worst game of the year against Iowa State.  That’s why I moved him down to the 5th round after considering putting him in the 3rd round.

Weeden has thrown for 4,111 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.  Weeden has completed 73 percent of his passes in a gimmick shotgun spread offense in 2011.

Projected Round: 5th Round Talent

Patrick Witt Quarterback Yale Senior Redshirt Witt turned down a Rhodes Scholarship interview to face Harvard.  I loved the decision because it illustrates his confidence as a quarterback and his dedication to the team.  Since Patrick Witt the former Nebraska quarterback who transferred to Yale does not play on TV often, I will post Ivy League Game recaps for All 7 games that Witt played in.  I compared Witt to Fitzpatrick last month.

Week 2 VS Cornell W 37-17 24/33, 246 passing yards, 72.7 completion percentage, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, and no interceptions.

Week 4 VS Dartmouth W 30-0 21/29, 203 passing yards, 72.4 completion percentage, 1 passing touchdown, and 2 picks.

Week 6 @ Penn L 37-25 15/29, 258 passing yards, 51.7 completion percentage, 2 passing touchdowns, and no picks.

Week 7 @ Columbia W 16-13 2/10, 16 passing yards, 20 completion percentage, 0 touchdowns, and 1 pick.

Week 8 VS Brown L 34-28 34/46, 370 passing yards, 73.9 completion percentage, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

Week 9 @ Princeton W 33-24 26/33, 379 passing yards, 78.8 completion percentage, 3 passing touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Week 10 VS Harvard L 45-7 24/39, 226 passing yards, 61.5 completion percentage, 1 passing touchdown, and 3 interceptions.  Witt struggled after Yale took a 7 to 0 lead on Harvard.

Projected Round: 6th Round

EJ Manuel Quarterback Florida State Junior Redshirt Manuel will probably return for his senior year.  He’s a 6th rounder if he declares though.

Projected Round: 6th Round

Kellen Moore Quarterback Boise State Senior Redshirt Kellen Moore lacks the size necessary to play quarterback.  Moore’s lack of size could create durability issues down the road.  Moore looks like a 3rd stringer who could become a backup over time.

Dominique Davis Quarterback East Carolina Senior Redshirt Dominique Davis may be the best East Carolina quarterback prospect heading into the NFL since David Garrard.  Davis lacks the intangibles to succeed despite having the elite physical tools.

Projected Round: 7th Round Talent

BJ Coleman Quarterback Chattanooga Senior Redshirt Coleman has to impress at the combine or his pro day to have a shot at getting drafted.  Coleman looks like he could be an undrafted player despite being graded as a 7th round talent.

Projected Round: 7th Round Talent

GJ Kinnie Quarterback Tulsa Senior Redshirt Kinnie lacks durability and the intangibles to play in the NFL.  The late round quarterback prospect is 7-0 in Conference USA play with Tulsa after former head coach Todd Graham bolted for Pittsburgh.  Kinnie and Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis are the two final quarterbacks that Case Keenum needs to defeat in order to get to a BCS Bowl game.

Projected Round: 7th Round Talent

Aaron Corp Quarterback Richmond Senior Redshirt Corp once competed with Matt Barkley for the starting job at USC before transferring to Richmond.  Corp looks like he will be a 7th round talent who goes undrafted.

Projected Round: 7th Round Talent

John Brantley Quarterback Florida Senior Redshirt John Brantley has a chance to be the Matt Cassel of the 2012 NFL Draft if he aces his workouts.  The durability issues and questionable mental attributes make Brantley a late round prospect at this point.

Projected Round: 7th Round Talent

Austin Davis Quarterback Southern Miss Senior Redshirt Davis will face Case Keenum or GJ Kinnie in the Conference USA Championship game.  A win in that game could boost his draft stock.