1. Matthew Stafford [Georgia]
Pros: Stafford has the potential to be the next elite quarterback in the NFL. With an arm that rivals legends, Georgia's gunslinger can deliver balls anywhere down the field. He'll make throws that some quarterbacks dare only to dream about. He has the poise in the pocket and the willingness to sacrifice his body to increase the odds of reaching his target. He has outstanding mechanics within the pocket that have been developed and tested through his three years in college. His record at Georgia speaks for itself, especially that against ranked competition. With pro system experience and the freedom to call plays at the line of scrimmage, Stafford is the most NFL ready quarterback of the class.
Cons: Stafford's accuracy is a bit inconsistent and that's something that may be difficult to correct on a dime. He can deliver strikes in the perfect location, but hasn't been able to replicate the success time after time. Look for coaches to work on his ball placement and touch in his first couple years in the league because that's his true one weakness. He's known to make the wrong decision from time to time, but that's a part of any confident young quarterback's career.
2. Josh Freeman [Kansas State]
Pros: Freeman has the frame, build, and athleticism you look for in a franchise quarterback. He'll take the hits, shed the blocks, and the buy time with his feet within the pocket. Arm strength is no concern for him. Freeman's best attribute is his ability to create offense on his own in college. No quarterback has been asked to do more with less on his squad. He has the experience of running an offense from underneath center and with his back to the defense, which comes as a huge relief. His mechanics within the pocket are sound.
Cons: Freeman's struggles come when facing pressure and rolling out of the pocket. His mechanics break down outside the tackles and he tends to get a little careless with the football. The accuracy definitely fades as the play extends, but he never gives up. He doesn't have the natural feel for the game or confidence that Stafford seems to be born with, but the potential is all there if he can string it all together.
3. Mark Sanchez [USC]
Pros: Sanchez is nearly the opposite of a Stafford or Freeman and seems built to play in the West Coast system. Some people see this as a knock on arm strength, but I mean it as a huge asset in accuracy. Sanchez can deliver balls on target and on time, all the time. He has the quickest release of the top quarterbacks and puts nice touch on his passes. In his first year starting, this is a quarterback that looks like he's going to be a superstar some day. Sanchez has a high football I.Q. and knows what he's doing at all times.
Cons: My biggest concern is his sole year of starting experience in college. With his bowl game, Sanchez propelled himself from a Late 1st-Mid 2nd round prospect to a potential Top 10 Selection in some eyes. I still see him on the border of the 1st round. He doesn't have enough reps in him to warrant such a high selection. I've seen him make some bad decisions when faced with pressure and doesn't have a pro feel for the game yet. I would have loved for him to stay another year and face some adversity before coming out.
4. Stephen McGee [Texas A&M]
McGee has been faced with injuries and adversity throughout his college career, but has been given a new breath of life in the offseason. Scouts have finally turned around and begun to realize the potential in McGee. He has the arm strength, athleticism, and look of an NFL quarterback. The potential of a gifted passer has been shown and the mobility of an option quarterback has already been known. McGee has the competitive spirit and may be able to put it together in the NFL.
5. Nate Davis [Ball State]
Nate Davis has seen the ugly side of the NFL Draft. He ended his season with a sour taste in his mouth and the offseason has done nothing to help him replenish his stock. Davis doesn't have the ideal height of a quarterback and has been diagnosed with a learning disability. Still, he's a great athlete with an amazing arm. He's competitive, a leader, and has shown several glimpses as a passer, but asking him to put it altogether may be too much. Worth a day two selection.
6. Rhett Bomar [Sam Houston State]
After being booted from Oklahoma State, Bomar managed to revive himself at Sam Houston State. He has the mechanics and athleticism to warrant a mid-round selection. His arm strength is above average, but not excellent. His dismal completion percentage reflects his poor accuracy. Still, Bomar is a team leader and could be the type of quarterback that comes off the bench to win a couple games throughout his career.
7. Mike Teel [Rutgers]
Mike Teel is the classic case of a late round QB with franchise potential that will more than likely go unrealized. Teel has the arm, a beautiful deep ball, and the size to play in the NFL. He even comes from a pro style offense. Still, what worries me most is that Teel as a four year starter made minimal progress throughout his career. He still makes the same boneheaded decisions he did as a freshman and stares down his wide receivers. Teel could be an excellent steal late in the draft with a confident coaching staff by his side.
8. John Parker Wilson [Alabama]
Wilson made significant strides as a senior in leading Alabama to a superb season. With average arm strength, Wilson throws a very catchable ball. He has outstanding mechanics and a very quick release. Though he lacks the upside of franchise quarterbacks, Wilson has the build of a back-up in every sense. He's a good leader, high football IQ, high character player willing to help his team in any way possible.
9. Pat White [West Virginia]
The athleticism of Pat White doesn't show up very often in a quarterback. With the success of the Wildcat in the NFL, it almost seems perfect to label him as that. From a pure passing standpoint, he's no better than the dual-threat quarterbacks of the past few drafts. He comes from a gimmick offense that has hampered his ability to read defenses and throw difficult passes. Still, he has the arm strength and has proven in the offseason to be able to make most of the throws when facing a simplified defense. Grading White as a pure football player, he would rank 4th among quarterbacks, but as a pure quarterback, he doesn't possess the same value.
10. Brian Hoyer [Michigan State]
Hoyer made some significant strides in the offseason and flashed his potential. He has the tools to work with at the next level and some teams love that. His accuracy isn't spectacular nor is his overall production, but given the right opportunities, he could be molded into any player coaches want him to be. He's a tough competitor and will work hard to improve.
11. Mike Reilly [Central Washington]
12. Tom Brandstater [Fresno State]
13. Todd Boeckman [Ohio State]
14. Willie Tuitama [Arizona]
15. Hunter Cantwell [Louisville]
16. Chase Holbrook [New Mexico State]
17. Chase Daniel [Missouri]
18. Graham Harrell [Texas Tech]
19. Jason Boltus [Hartwick]
20. Drew Willy [Buffalo]
21. Brian Johnson [Utah]
22. Bobby Reid [Texas Southern]
23. Nathan Brown [Central Arkansas]
24. Cullen Harper [Clemson]
25. Rudy Carpenter [Arizona State]
26. Joe Ganz [Nebraska]
27. Chris Pizzoti [Harvard]
28. Chase Patton [Missouri]
29. Curtis Painter [Purdue]
30. Chase Clement [Rice]
31. David Johnson [Tulsa]
32. Chris Crane [Boston College]
33. Nate Longshore [California]
34. Sean Glennon [Virginia Tech]
35. Drew Weatherford [Florida State]
36. Tyler Lorenzen [Connecticut]
37. Jonathan Dally [Cal Poly]
