DiG
01-12-2011, 01:44 PM
For comparison sake lets take a quick look at next years potential draft eligible quarterbacks. I'm not trying to say we shouldnt take a QB this year but just pointing out that the idea of building the line and adding offensive playmakers now isn't a bad idea either.
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford - Not a lot to say about this guy that hasn't already been said. Has all the tools, big arm, accuracy, leadership, mobility, athleticism, decision making. The list goes on. (Top 5 pick - Would rank considerably higher than Newton/Mallet/Locker/Gabbert in this years draft)
2. Matt Barkley, USC - Believe it or not Barkley could challenge Luck for the first overall pick if he continues to develop. He dropped weight this past year and definitely improved his mobility in the pocket. I wouldnt call his mobility a strength but it isnt necessarily a weakness either and from what Ive seen there is enough ability throwing on the move to fit in Shanahans offense. Barkley also improved this year on his accuracy this year but did start the year a lot better than he finished it. TD-INT ratio was 20-4 in his first seven games, 6-8 in his final five. So clearly there’s more work to be done.The skillset is there to be an elite quarterback based on his development. (Top 10-15 pick - Would rank above than Newton/Mallet/Locker/Gabbert in this years draft)
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma - 2010 was a very impressive year for Landry Jones. By the time the 2012 draft comes along he will have 3 years of starting experience and should be right alongside Luck and Barkley in top QB discussions. He doesnt get as much credit yet as those other two guys but another year like 2010 and that will change. He improved his sophomore year from 58% completion to 65% and down the stretch his game. He has a great quick release, prototypical size, and a big arm but is still maturing as a quarterback and mobility isnt exactly his strong point. (1st RD pick - Would rank similar to Newton/Mallet/Locker/Gabbert)
4. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State - Cousins took huge steps in the minds of NFL scouts in 2010. Cousins is a big armed, tough SOB with very good athleticism. Not a runner but moves well in the pocket. If he had entered this years draft he probably would be looking at a 3rd-4th round grade but with another year of football I think he has the ability to be a 2nd round pick next year.
Others of note - Robert Griffin III, Ryan Lindley and Nick Foles
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford - Not a lot to say about this guy that hasn't already been said. Has all the tools, big arm, accuracy, leadership, mobility, athleticism, decision making. The list goes on. (Top 5 pick - Would rank considerably higher than Newton/Mallet/Locker/Gabbert in this years draft)
2. Matt Barkley, USC - Believe it or not Barkley could challenge Luck for the first overall pick if he continues to develop. He dropped weight this past year and definitely improved his mobility in the pocket. I wouldnt call his mobility a strength but it isnt necessarily a weakness either and from what Ive seen there is enough ability throwing on the move to fit in Shanahans offense. Barkley also improved this year on his accuracy this year but did start the year a lot better than he finished it. TD-INT ratio was 20-4 in his first seven games, 6-8 in his final five. So clearly there’s more work to be done.The skillset is there to be an elite quarterback based on his development. (Top 10-15 pick - Would rank above than Newton/Mallet/Locker/Gabbert in this years draft)
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma - 2010 was a very impressive year for Landry Jones. By the time the 2012 draft comes along he will have 3 years of starting experience and should be right alongside Luck and Barkley in top QB discussions. He doesnt get as much credit yet as those other two guys but another year like 2010 and that will change. He improved his sophomore year from 58% completion to 65% and down the stretch his game. He has a great quick release, prototypical size, and a big arm but is still maturing as a quarterback and mobility isnt exactly his strong point. (1st RD pick - Would rank similar to Newton/Mallet/Locker/Gabbert)
4. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State - Cousins took huge steps in the minds of NFL scouts in 2010. Cousins is a big armed, tough SOB with very good athleticism. Not a runner but moves well in the pocket. If he had entered this years draft he probably would be looking at a 3rd-4th round grade but with another year of football I think he has the ability to be a 2nd round pick next year.
Others of note - Robert Griffin III, Ryan Lindley and Nick Foles