(Left to Right) Manziel, Bridgewater, Carr, and Bortels could all be 1st round picks. Teams are always looking for a "franchise quarterback" these days and the majority of the time - they don't find one. However that won't stop NFL teams from trying. Looking ahead to the NFL Draft in May the QB class is as intriguing as it ever has been. Thanks to the recent success of dual threat/ unconventional quarterback play from players like Colin Kaepernick, Cam Newton, and Russell Wilson many young signal callers from the college ranks have the shot of not only being drafted, but being successful, in the NFL. Of course not all of these guys will pan out - so why don't you try and be the judge by checking out the highlight videos of many of the top QB's entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
Height: 6-1 / Weight: 211
Projected 40 Time: 4.75
Attributes: A 3 year starter out of the SEC (toughest conference in NCAA Football). Classic pocket passer with a smaller stature, and average-above average arm strength allows Murray to be successful with his pre snap reads, anticipation, and exceptional timing. All of those qualities will be essential to Murrays success at the next level. Unless he has the drive and work ethic like a Drew Brees he is likely destined to be a career backup.
NFL Comparision: Luke McCown, Scott Tolzien
Likely Landing Spots: Browns, Jaguars, Texans, Vikings
Questions: Will one NFL team like enough of what they saw from Murray's career at Georgia to warrant selecting the former Bulldog now that a knee injury will keep him out of participating in the combine?
Likely Answers: Leading a good team to good seasons in the best conference in college football is an accomplishment of it's own. Murray's body of work likely will be enough to earn him a 5th round selection.
Height: 6-1 / Weight: 211
Projected 40 Time: 4.75
Attributes: A 3 year starter out of the SEC (toughest conference in NCAA Football). Classic pocket passer with a smaller stature, and average-above average arm strength allows Murray to be successful with his pre snap reads, anticipation, and exceptional timing. All of those qualities will be essential to Murrays success at the next level. Unless he has the drive and work ethic like a Drew Brees he is likely destined to be a career backup.
NFL Comparision: Luke McCown, Scott Tolzien
Likely Landing Spots: Browns, Jaguars, Texans, Vikings
Questions: Will one NFL team like enough of what they saw from Murray's career at Georgia to warrant selecting the former Bulldog now that a knee injury will keep him out of participating in the combine?
Likely Answers: Leading a good team to good seasons in the best conference in college football is an accomplishment of it's own. Murray's body of work likely will be enough to earn him a 5th round selection.
A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
Height: 6-4 / Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79
Attributes: Great mechanics, above average arm, good anticipation. Played in pro style offense in the toughest conference in the NCAA which should ease his transition to the next level. Nothing jumps out at you when watching the film on McCarron as he was mostly just a game manager for powerhouse Alabama. He was actually a more intriguing prospect coming out of high school than he is coming out of the collegiate ranks. Its hard to assess his talent or grade his improvement over his time playing for the 'Tide as he was surround by NFL talent on his roster.
NFL Comparision: Andy Dalton
Likely Landing Spots: Titans, Jets, Falcons, Rams
Questions: Is he under-rated? Does playing for the best team in the NCAA over the past 3 seasons hurt his draft value more than help?
Likely Answers: McCarron may be overlooked by many teams in the draft but let's remember this guy is a big time winner, that's used to playing in the spotlight, with few flaws on his NFL resume. Some team may strike it rich by drafting McCarron in the 4th round.
Height: 6-4 / Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79
Attributes: Great mechanics, above average arm, good anticipation. Played in pro style offense in the toughest conference in the NCAA which should ease his transition to the next level. Nothing jumps out at you when watching the film on McCarron as he was mostly just a game manager for powerhouse Alabama. He was actually a more intriguing prospect coming out of high school than he is coming out of the collegiate ranks. Its hard to assess his talent or grade his improvement over his time playing for the 'Tide as he was surround by NFL talent on his roster.
NFL Comparision: Andy Dalton
Likely Landing Spots: Titans, Jets, Falcons, Rams
Questions: Is he under-rated? Does playing for the best team in the NCAA over the past 3 seasons hurt his draft value more than help?
Likely Answers: McCarron may be overlooked by many teams in the draft but let's remember this guy is a big time winner, that's used to playing in the spotlight, with few flaws on his NFL resume. Some team may strike it rich by drafting McCarron in the 4th round.
Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
Height: 6-1 / Weight: 225
Projected 40 Time: 4.63
Attributes: Good body control, adaquate arm, but height is a concern. Very efficient career but doesn't "WOW" you with anything in particular. Solid across the board but not spectacular.
NFL Comparision: Troy Smith
Likely Landing Spots: Panthers, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks
Questions: Could Russell Wilson have began a trend for smaller mobile QB's like Boyd?
Likely Answers: Perhaps the young signal caller in Seattle has opened up NFL critics minds when grading undersized QB's however Boyd is not Wilson and at best he likely will be no more than a spot starter with the ability to execute the trendy read-option. Tajh will likely have to make a living by sitting on the bench behind a proven starter in a read option offense like the Seahwaks or Panthers. Boyd shouldn't hold his breathe as he likely won't be drafted any higher than the 5th rounder.
Height: 6-1 / Weight: 225
Projected 40 Time: 4.63
Attributes: Good body control, adaquate arm, but height is a concern. Very efficient career but doesn't "WOW" you with anything in particular. Solid across the board but not spectacular.
NFL Comparision: Troy Smith
Likely Landing Spots: Panthers, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks
Questions: Could Russell Wilson have began a trend for smaller mobile QB's like Boyd?
Likely Answers: Perhaps the young signal caller in Seattle has opened up NFL critics minds when grading undersized QB's however Boyd is not Wilson and at best he likely will be no more than a spot starter with the ability to execute the trendy read-option. Tajh will likely have to make a living by sitting on the bench behind a proven starter in a read option offense like the Seahwaks or Panthers. Boyd shouldn't hold his breathe as he likely won't be drafted any higher than the 5th rounder.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 205
Projected 40 Time: 4.62
Attributes: Teddy followed up a great 2012 campaign with another in 2013 by completing 71 percent of his passes for 3,970 yards with 31 touchdowns and four interceptions. Known to for his pocket presence and his ability to make throws when under pressure, Teddy also is very mobile on roll outs, has great accuracy and impressive arm strength. Consistent when it comes to converting on 3rd downs Bridgewater shows his trust in the offense allowing his receivers to work through their routes to get open.
NFL Comparision: Steve McNair
Likely Landing Spots: Raiders, Jaguars, Vikings
Questions: Is he this year's Geno Smith? Is he worthy of being drafted in the 1st round?
Likely Answers: Bridgewater is more composed and accurate as a passer than Smith was coming out of West Virginia last season. There is talk the Raiders may use their 1st round pick on him however the way the NFL is trending QB's have been slipping out of the 1st round. If one team (ie Texans, or Browns) starts the QB run early in the 1st round - Teddy could end up being a top 10 pick.
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 205
Projected 40 Time: 4.62
Attributes: Teddy followed up a great 2012 campaign with another in 2013 by completing 71 percent of his passes for 3,970 yards with 31 touchdowns and four interceptions. Known to for his pocket presence and his ability to make throws when under pressure, Teddy also is very mobile on roll outs, has great accuracy and impressive arm strength. Consistent when it comes to converting on 3rd downs Bridgewater shows his trust in the offense allowing his receivers to work through their routes to get open.
NFL Comparision: Steve McNair
Likely Landing Spots: Raiders, Jaguars, Vikings
Questions: Is he this year's Geno Smith? Is he worthy of being drafted in the 1st round?
Likely Answers: Bridgewater is more composed and accurate as a passer than Smith was coming out of West Virginia last season. There is talk the Raiders may use their 1st round pick on him however the way the NFL is trending QB's have been slipping out of the 1st round. If one team (ie Texans, or Browns) starts the QB run early in the 1st round - Teddy could end up being a top 10 pick.
Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Height: 6-4 / Weight: 230
Projected 40 Time: 4.75
Attributes: Big Arm, Sneaky mobility and athleticism. Balanced throwing the ball and tough in the pocket. Played against weaker competition but prototypical NFL size. Lead UCF to a very strong season and was the main reason for their success.
NFL Comparision: Ben Roethlisberger / Cam Newton
Likely Landing Spots: Browns, Jaguars, Texans, Vikings
Questions: Can he handle a complex NFL offense? Will he compete at the combine?
Likely Answers: Starting a rookie whether he's ready or not seems to be a familiar theme as of late. So he will probably start during his first season and similar to EJ Manuel/ Geno Smith we could see Bortles struggle with consistency. As far as the combine goes - Blake should see the incentive of competing at the combine as a way of maintaining or improving his 1st round status.
Height: 6-4 / Weight: 230
Projected 40 Time: 4.75
Attributes: Big Arm, Sneaky mobility and athleticism. Balanced throwing the ball and tough in the pocket. Played against weaker competition but prototypical NFL size. Lead UCF to a very strong season and was the main reason for their success.
NFL Comparision: Ben Roethlisberger / Cam Newton
Likely Landing Spots: Browns, Jaguars, Texans, Vikings
Questions: Can he handle a complex NFL offense? Will he compete at the combine?
Likely Answers: Starting a rookie whether he's ready or not seems to be a familiar theme as of late. So he will probably start during his first season and similar to EJ Manuel/ Geno Smith we could see Bortles struggle with consistency. As far as the combine goes - Blake should see the incentive of competing at the combine as a way of maintaining or improving his 1st round status.
Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-1 / Weight: 200
Projected 40 Time: 4.60
Attributes: Leadership, heart, will to win, determination, drive, not to mention incredible football instincts, pocket awareness, and dynamic mobility. Johnny also packs quite the arm as well. Capable of making all the throws Johnny is a football fans dream QB. Just simply watch his highlight video featured above and try and disagree.
NFL Comparision: Michael Vick / Tony Romo / Russell Wilson
Likely Landing Spots: Texans, Browns, Raiders
Questions: Will teams embrace Johnny's reckless, unorthodox, and sometimes insane, style of play? Will they also put aside the questions about his size and the off field concerns?
Likely Answers: Manziel will be the story of the 2014 NFL Draft. He will be more over analyzed than any other player coming out of the collegiate ranks. The answer should be simple. Let the play do the talking. Johnny is by far the most exciting, if not the best, college football player turning pro this May. As dynamic as any QB this past decade Johnny has "It" and some team will believe enough in him to make him a Top 10 selection.
Height: 6-1 / Weight: 200
Projected 40 Time: 4.60
Attributes: Leadership, heart, will to win, determination, drive, not to mention incredible football instincts, pocket awareness, and dynamic mobility. Johnny also packs quite the arm as well. Capable of making all the throws Johnny is a football fans dream QB. Just simply watch his highlight video featured above and try and disagree.
NFL Comparision: Michael Vick / Tony Romo / Russell Wilson
Likely Landing Spots: Texans, Browns, Raiders
Questions: Will teams embrace Johnny's reckless, unorthodox, and sometimes insane, style of play? Will they also put aside the questions about his size and the off field concerns?
Likely Answers: Manziel will be the story of the 2014 NFL Draft. He will be more over analyzed than any other player coming out of the collegiate ranks. The answer should be simple. Let the play do the talking. Johnny is by far the most exciting, if not the best, college football player turning pro this May. As dynamic as any QB this past decade Johnny has "It" and some team will believe enough in him to make him a Top 10 selection.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 222
Projected 40 Time: 4.72
Attributes: Put up godly numbers vs. weak competition - now is raising eyebrows heading into the NFL Scouting Combine prior to May's Draft. Jimmy by far has the best feet and the quickest release in this QB class. Great execution and timing on short to intermediate throws but deep arm strength is still in question as are his relatively small hands.
NFL Comparision: Chase Daniels/ Kirk Cousins
Likely Landing Spots: Vikings, Jaguars, Saints (*Saints HC Sean Payton Former QB at Eastern Illinois)
Questions: Is his arm strong enough to be a winner in the NFL?
Likely Answers: Time will tell. It's all about when and where. Jimmy's success will depend on where he lands in the draft and when he gets his opportunity. Under the right coaching, and in the right system, he could be a successful starter in a couple of seasons. Look for one NFL team to believe in Jimmy enough to spend their 3rd round pick on him with the hopes he will be their starter in a season or two.
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 222
Projected 40 Time: 4.72
Attributes: Put up godly numbers vs. weak competition - now is raising eyebrows heading into the NFL Scouting Combine prior to May's Draft. Jimmy by far has the best feet and the quickest release in this QB class. Great execution and timing on short to intermediate throws but deep arm strength is still in question as are his relatively small hands.
NFL Comparision: Chase Daniels/ Kirk Cousins
Likely Landing Spots: Vikings, Jaguars, Saints (*Saints HC Sean Payton Former QB at Eastern Illinois)
Questions: Is his arm strong enough to be a winner in the NFL?
Likely Answers: Time will tell. It's all about when and where. Jimmy's success will depend on where he lands in the draft and when he gets his opportunity. Under the right coaching, and in the right system, he could be a successful starter in a couple of seasons. Look for one NFL team to believe in Jimmy enough to spend their 3rd round pick on him with the hopes he will be their starter in a season or two.
David Fales, QB, San Jose State
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 220
Projected 40 Time: 4.73
Attributes: Much like Garo because he is unknown and doesn't possess an overpowering arm. Regardless of his relative obscurity his numbers can't be denied. Putting up plenty of yardage and touchdown during his time under center for SJSU Fales also completed over 70% of his passes over the previous two seasons. Great timing and anticipation on short to intermediate throws and always seems to get the ball where it needs to be.
NFL Comparision: Ryan Nassib / Case Keenum
Likely Landing Spots: Chiefs, Saints, Raiders, Titans
Questions: Questions regarding his arm strength and concern that he may just be the product of a QB friendly system will likely deter some teams. Will he impress someone enough to earn his way into the 4th round?
Likely Answers: If a few teams looking for a project QB of the future miss out on the opportunity to land one of the more heralded QB's, Fales could find a nice home for himself - especially if he has someone like Alex Smith or Drew Brees to learn from for his first couple of seasons. Another QB that needs to be drafted to the right offense in order to be successful Fales will find a home in the 4th round.
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 220
Projected 40 Time: 4.73
Attributes: Much like Garo because he is unknown and doesn't possess an overpowering arm. Regardless of his relative obscurity his numbers can't be denied. Putting up plenty of yardage and touchdown during his time under center for SJSU Fales also completed over 70% of his passes over the previous two seasons. Great timing and anticipation on short to intermediate throws and always seems to get the ball where it needs to be.
NFL Comparision: Ryan Nassib / Case Keenum
Likely Landing Spots: Chiefs, Saints, Raiders, Titans
Questions: Questions regarding his arm strength and concern that he may just be the product of a QB friendly system will likely deter some teams. Will he impress someone enough to earn his way into the 4th round?
Likely Answers: If a few teams looking for a project QB of the future miss out on the opportunity to land one of the more heralded QB's, Fales could find a nice home for himself - especially if he has someone like Alex Smith or Drew Brees to learn from for his first couple of seasons. Another QB that needs to be drafted to the right offense in order to be successful Fales will find a home in the 4th round.
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 205
Projected 40 Time: 4.70
Attributes: Solid in ever area. Mobile enough to buy extra time and can make all the throws. His timing and anticipation are also very good. Put up monster stats (including 50 passing TD's) this past season however they may be inflated due to the weak schedule Fresno State plays.
NFL Comparision: Ryan Tannehill
Likely Landing Spots: Cardinals, Jaguars, Vikings, Giants
Questions: His older brother David Carr (former 1st overall pick by the Texans) was not very successful in the NFL and also missed out on the opportunity to win the few big games he played this season vs. SJSU (David Fales) and then losing their bowl game to USC.
Likely Answers: Seems to be the most complete QB prospect in this years draft class which should earn him the chance to hear his name called in the first or second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Written by: Balls Deep (twitter: @Coach_Hugh)
Edited by: Damp Money (twitter: @DampMoney)
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 205
Projected 40 Time: 4.70
Attributes: Solid in ever area. Mobile enough to buy extra time and can make all the throws. His timing and anticipation are also very good. Put up monster stats (including 50 passing TD's) this past season however they may be inflated due to the weak schedule Fresno State plays.
NFL Comparision: Ryan Tannehill
Likely Landing Spots: Cardinals, Jaguars, Vikings, Giants
Questions: His older brother David Carr (former 1st overall pick by the Texans) was not very successful in the NFL and also missed out on the opportunity to win the few big games he played this season vs. SJSU (David Fales) and then losing their bowl game to USC.
Likely Answers: Seems to be the most complete QB prospect in this years draft class which should earn him the chance to hear his name called in the first or second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Written by: Balls Deep (twitter: @Coach_Hugh)
Edited by: Damp Money (twitter: @DampMoney)
