First in a series exploring the April 28-30 NFL draft.
You will not find a Troy Aikman or Peyton Manning in this draft. But there might be a JaMarcus Russell or Alex Smith. With an absence of elite quarterback prospects, teams might try to invent them. No one will be surprised if the Panthers pick Cam Newton first.
Quarterbacks will be popular on the first day of the draft, and they could cause a scramble near the end of the first round and at the beginning of the second round as teams jockey for position to get their favorites.
1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri, 6-4, 234.
Gabbert looks the part of an elite quarterback, and he talks the part too. NFL teams love his leadership potential and feel for the game. He understands coverage schemes, pressures and offensive strategy almost like a coach. He also sees the field exceptionally well. He left Missouri early and still is green. He has not been as productive as you would like for a top-of-the-draft quarterback. In particular, he did not always respond well to pressure. He is a good athlete, however, who can avoid the rush. Gabbert has good arm talent but hasn’t been as consistent as you would like. He probably will need some seasoning. He played in a spread offense and has little experience under center. The bust factor is considered low with Gabbert, and he has the potential to excel.
2. Christian Ponder, Florida State, 6-2, 229.
He came into 2010 ranked higher than he came out of it (many saw him as the No. 1 QB prospect), mostly because an elbow injury affected his play. But the tape on Ponder before last season was outstanding. He has a long history of producing and winning. Ponder is a top leader with the athleticism to create plays with his feet and arm. His height and arm strength aren’t perfect. He is a considered a safe pick who might be the most NFL-ready quarterback in the class. It helps that he played in a pro-style offense. Durability is an issue as he has had injury problems the last two seasons.
3. Cam Newton, Auburn, 6-5, 248.
This is unquestionably the most gifted quarterback in this class and one of the most gifted in a long time. His size, athleticism and arm are phenomenal. He is a major threat as a runner. Big plays are his specialty. He won a national championship at Auburn and another in junior college and clearly steps up in the clutch. His 2010 season was one of the best for a quarterback in college history. Physically, he has been compared to Vince Young, Ben Roethlisberger and Daunte Culpepper. But he is not a very accurate passer and is an inconsistent decision-maker who played in a spread offense. His release is a little funny. Moreover, he is a one-year wonder after transferring twice and coming out early. Questions abound about his maturity and leadership as critics say he’s a finger-pointer who’s difficult to get along with. Newton comes with a demanding entourage. He’s high-risk as someone with the talent to be a Hall of Famer who could be a complete bust.
4. Jake Locker, Washington, 6-3, 231.
If you judged quarterbacks solely on skill and intangibles, Locker might be No. 1. He is mobile and strong-armed. He’s as tough as a linebacker, highly competitive and very bright. But Locker has been inconsistent. His poor accuracy is troubling, and he can be baited into bad throws. He did not perform well as a senior, and his stock has dipped.
5. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada, 6-5, 233.
He has great potential because of his unusual combination of size and athleticism. He can beat teams with his feet. Kaepernick has a huge, accurate arm with an awkward release that shows a need to work on his mechanics. Though coming from an unconventional offense, he has a good understanding of the game. He has a big transition ahead of him but could develop into a star.
6. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa, 6-4, 223.
Stanzi has a good skill set, throws accurately and anticipates well. He needs to work on consistency and clean up some mechanical issues. He went 26-9 as a starter in the Big Ten with outstanding numbers. He has experience in a pro-style offense and eventually could become an NFL starter.
7. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, 6-7, 253.
In a class full of strong-armed passers, Mallett is the arm king. He can throw it like Jeff George. The problem is he has a long release and virtually no mobility as a prototypical pocket passer. Mallett transferred from Michigan when Rich Rodriguez was hired and is leaving Arkansas’ spread offense early, so he doesn’t have extensive experience. Some teams question Mallett’s intangible assets.
8. Andy Dalton, Texas Christian, 6-2, 215.
A four-year starter who has been a winner at every stage, he doesn’t have the physical skill and arm strength of higher-rated prospects, yet he finds a way to get the job done. He is considered smart and tough with leadership skills. Teams are split on whether he would be a career NFL backup or a someone with the potential to start. He played in a spread offense in college but might be best suited for a West Coast offense in the pros.
9. Pat Devlin, Delaware, 6-3, 225.
Devlin is a late bloomer who transferred from Penn State and often is compared to fellow Delaware alum Joe Flacco. But he is seen more as a developmental prospect who does everything pretty well but isn’t great at anything. He needs to improve his fundamentals and learn to play in a pro-style offense.
10. Nathan Enderle, Idaho, 6-4, 240.
This four-year starter has had some rough spots but has shown steady improvement. He is a big, powerful thrower who’s tough and smart. But he is streaky and makes puzzling decisions at times.
11. Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin, 6-2, 212.
This Fremd High School product is a solid game manager and smart player who could have a career as a backup if he gets in the right situation. He throws efficiently and accurately. Tolzien has marginal NFL skills but can avoid pass rushers.
12. Greg McElroy, Alabama, 6-2, 220.
He has an NFL mind but might not have NFL ability. McElroy manages the game well. He’s like a coach on the field. He has been a winner but needs to refine his throwing motion.
Others
13. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
14. T.J. Yates, North Carolina
15. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech
16. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
17. Adam Weber, Minnesota
The Bears
The Bears drafted quarterback Dan LeFevour last year and planned to develop him on the practice squad before the Bengals claimed him. It is likely they will try to find another quarterback this year, probably in the later rounds or among undrafted players. If they go the latter route, they won’t be able to sign one until the labor situation is resolved.
Twitter @danpompei
