2007 NFL Draft: Rating the Signal Callers
By Andrew McCarten,
TheSportsStand.com
In this article, we’ll be assessing the value, skills, possible draft positions and futures of the QBs in this year’s draft.
Jam
arcus
Russell, LSU- Rated by most as the best QB in the draft, he has a strong
and accurate arm and can shred a defense with his legs too. Many mock drafts
have him going #1 to the Raiders, and I agree. I see him as a solid starter
in the NFL.
NFL Comparison- Donovan McNabb
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame- Draft stock has dropped drastically since being advocated as the number one pick at the beginning of the college season. Some place him as top QB, while others say he is wildly overrated and benefited from playing in Charlie Weis’s offense. Very tall and well built, at 6 foot 4, I feel that he is not as good as predicted in the preseason but still merits a top 10 pick. He has a very strong arm and his running ability has improved. His knock is that he has never won the big game. But there have been times when he’s definitely showed up, like the USC heartbreaker in 2005.
NFL Comparison- Carson Palmer
Drew Stanton, Michigan State- Playmaking QB with good legs and a knack for finding the open man. Escapes pressure well. He’s been criticized for throwing too many interceptions and making bad decisions (see film vs. Notre Dame 2006.) He’s struggled to be a leader when his team faces adversity.
NFL Comparison- David Carr
Chris Leak, Florida- Great college QB who finished off senior year with the National Championship. Good arm, but almost no mobility. He was forced to split time with freshman Tim Tebow, who many feel could have been the starter. I personally feel he is very overrated and will struggle to start in the NFL.
NFL Comparison- Drew Bledsoe
Kevin Kolb, Houston- Ripped up Conference USA
defenses and shows signs of being a team leader
.
Great passer with good mobility. One of the possible QBs that could be
overlooked. I think he will eventually be looked at as one of the best
players in this draft for offensive personnel.
NFL Comparison- Drew Brees
Troy Smith, Ohio State- Led the Buckeyes to the Championship game. Won the Heisman and showed fantastic raw athleticism. Some critics say that he has to be a running or wide receiver. I feel he will play QB, but plays like the “scramble back-and-forth between the tackles for about ten seconds and throw a fifty yard touchdown” against Penn State won’t happen in the NFL. He will be a good starter, but not a star.
NFL Comparison- Mike Vick
Drew Tate, Iowa- A rough, scrambling playmaker, similar to Stanton, has the talent to be a starter. Has tendency to be inconsistent. Leading ability was great junior year, came under fire senior year. I see him as a legitimate starter for years to come.
NFL Comparison- Jeff Garcia
Jared Zabransky, Boise State- QB of the miracle Broncos has shown he definitely has the toughness. Great mobility and decent arm strength. Displayed talent against big teams, and showed he is truly a field general. I think he will be a starter for a team and a true fan favorite.
NFL Comparison- David Gerrard
Well, this concludes my review. If you have any comments or you feel I’m TOTALLY wrong, hit the message board. PEACE!
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