Updated 2014 NFL Draft Quarterback Power Rankings
By Erik Lambert
Nov 30, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Texas A
The power rankings took on a titanic shift for the 2014 NFL draft quarterback class. Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley both announced their intentions to return to school for a third year. How does this impact the list of top names heading into next May?
#1 – Teddy Bridgewater – Louisville
Despite some recently drastic changes to the 2014 draft class, Teddy Bridgewater still firmly remains the best on the board due to possessing the best mix of mental and physical abilities for playing quarterback.
#2 – Derek Carr – Fresno State
Marcus Mariota returning to school firmly plants Derek Carr as the second best quarterback in his class. He’s a senior, highly experienced with a great arm and the athleticism to make plays with his legs.
#3 – Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M
A couple of mortal games against LSU and Missouri shouldn’t discount an excellent year by sophomore Johnny Manziel. While he could still return to college, his stock has risen thanks to the Mariota news, meaning he has the talent to go high in the first round.
#4 – A.J. McCarron – Alabama
The Alabama captain has a college history that is hard to top with two national titles and a touchdown to interception ratio that is among the best. He is big, intelligent, confident and a great leader. If teams can look past his limited arm strength, he can go early.
#5 – Brett Hundley – UCLA
This position can change in a big way within the next couple weeks. Brett Hundley is widely believed to be strongly leaning towards returning to UCLA for his junior year. However, if he declares, his rare blend of talents will make him a first rounder for sure.
#6 – Zach Mettenberger – LSU
It wasn’t perfect, but the senior season went very well for Zach Mettenberger. He has one of the best arms in the 2014 NFL draft, a huge body and is very tough. However, a torn ACL could put a damper on his stock.
#7 – Aaron Murray – Georgia
Few quarterbacks have ever been more productive in the powerhouse SEC. That has to count for something for Aaron Murray. A torn ACL hurts his stock, but his range abilities from the arm and command of an offense will get him taken on day two.
#8 – Tajh Boyd – Clemson
FloridaState and South Carolina will be viewed as the two games that robbed Tajh Boyd of millions of dollars. His unfortunate performances in those games exposed some red flags, but on the whole he is still extremely talented as a dual threat.
#9 – David Fales – San Jose State
Outdueling Derek Carr gave a huge boost to David Fales. Scouts have liked him for a long time given his good size and excellent accuracy. Arm strength will hurt him, but if he can impress coaches in interviews he has a chance to make the jump.
#10 – Jimmy Garoppolo – Eastern Illinois
Coming from the same program as Tony Romo is enough to draw interest, but Jimmy Garoppolo is more than that. He is by far the best small school prospect among quarterbacks, display the quick release and accuracy necessary of a pro starter.