2015 NFL Draft: What Senior Bowl Is Saying About The Quarterbacks
By Erik Lambert
Jan 22, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Bryce Petty of Baylor (14) passing during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Senior Bowl is always a proving ground for quarterbacks, and the 2015 NFL draft will be no different. Here are some takeaways.
The Chicago Bears will keep Jay Cutler
He has his problems with the moodiness and the turnovers but looking at the current crop of quarterbacks set to be available, the Chicago Bears will feel compelled to focus their draft efforts away from the quarterback position and stick it out with Jay Cutler for another year. He is still clearly better than any QB down in Alabama at present. So unless Winston or Mariota fall to them, don’t expect new GM Ryan Pace to climb that tree in 2015.
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Chip Kelly may have good reason to pursue Marcus Mariota
The same reasoning falls in the camp of the Philadelphia Eagles. Chip Kelly, intentionally or not, has made it clear Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez aren’t built to run his offense at peak efficiency. Of course the draft is an option, but the Senior Bowl is showing a decided lack of options as well. This only reinforces why they have eyes for going up to get Mariota. Lets face it, he is the ideal fit for what they do.
Garrett Grayson and Bryan Bennett have sleeper appeal
Now, in fairness it hasn’t been all bad. A few names down there have done enough to warrant further attention as the pre-draft process continues. The one that has stood out the most is Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson. During the season scouts felt he had the size, accuracy, arm strength and mental makeup of a future NFL starter provided he continued to improve. So far he’s shown those same qualities during practices.
The other intriguing name is Bryan Bennett. Best known for transferring out of Oregon after he was replaced by Mariota, he landed in the FCS and has quietly put together some strong tape. He’s 6’2″, obviously can run which was prerequisite for the Ducks, and can really make defenses pay as a runner. On top of that, he demonstrated total command of his offense and operates with urgency and confidence. There is a definite chip on his shoulder.
Players who want to go pro need to avoid Baylor
After what happened to Robert Griffin III, teams have become far more wary of Baylor in terms of finding quarterbacks. That is proving true once again for Bryce Petty. While he does have a lot of intriguing physical traits, his lack of experience in a pro-style offense has led to some underwhelming performances at practice. Unless he does well in the upcoming game, his stock could take a significant hit.
Just further validation that quarterbacks who wish to go all the way need to think carefully about heading to Baylor.