NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY on Saturday, April 28, 2007. (Photo by Richard Schultz/NFLPhotoLibrary)
Before the start of the college football season, there were several intriguing quarterback prospects that were believed to be early first-round talents. While these same coveted athletes will still most likely be snatched up early by teams that are desperate to find a gifted young passer, all of these quarterbacks come with their fair share of deficiencies. Nevertheless, the serious need for reliable quarterbacks will be more than enough for floundering teams to look past the imperfections of these prospects to find a developmental passer that has tremendous upside. Although the disparity between the 10th ranked and the 1st ranked quarterback may be difficult to determine, there are some subtle differences between these passers that have allowed them to gain slight edges over their confident draft adversaries.
10. Trace McSorley, Penn State
Time and again, I have heard and read that Trace McSorley lacks the “NFL skill set” needed to succeed at the next level. While McSorley may not have the coveted size of a starting quarterback, his dual-threat abilities as a runner and passer is an ideal skill set that could easily be developed to allow him to compete in the pros. On top of that, McSorley has tremendous pocket recognition and is an underrated scrambler, suggesting that the disrespected quarterback prospect could become much more than he is currently getting credit for.
9. Kurt Benkert, Virginia
Although Kurt Benkert is one of the more unathletic quarterback prospects in this years draft class, he has the size, underrated mobility, and above-average arm strength to be an intriguing developmental project in the NFL. While Benkert needs to be more efficient at going through his progressions and his field vision needs improvement, his physical skill-set and deep ball accuracy could allow him to be a solid starter within a couple of years.
8. Mike White, Western Kentucky
If Mike White had the impressive arm strength that is currently coveted by NFL teams, he could feasibly be a top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft. However, White is consistently accurate, has great field vision, and is highly cerebral at the line of scrimmage when it comes to reading opposing defenses effectively. Although he will most likely go undrafted because of his unimpressive arm strength, his solid attributes in every other area that matters warrant at least some consideration by potential pro suitors.
7. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
Although Mason Rudolph has the size and arm strength to be a great starting quarterback, his accuracy issues and limited field vision have him looking like an intriguing albeit developmental prospect. His pocket awareness needs improvement as well, a facet that should be a point of emphasis going forward if Rudolph hopes to avoid being constantly sacked by opposing defenses. While Rudolph is tremendously raw in many ways, his physical attributes are outstanding and could allow him to be a late bloomer on a team that is willing to be patient and develop the work in progress prospect.
6. Riley Ferguson, Memphis
Out of the lower-tier quarterback prospects, Riley Ferguson has the strongest chance to be a reliable starter at the next level. Although his field vision in the pocket is not great, this aspect improves immensely when he moves outside of the pocket. Seeing as how Ferguson threw for 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions in spite of his noticeable drawbacks, this under the radar prospect could quickly transform into an effective passer that can plays with his underrated mobility skills.
5. Luke Falk, Washington State
With a strong arm that is able to throw passes very accurately, Luke Falk has all of the physical abilities to be deadly and highly productive in the NFL. While he needs to be more disciplined and aware when making throws into coverage, he is the ideal pocket passer that will constantly give his best playmakers multiple opportunities to make big plays. If Falk can improve his mobility, he could constantly and effectively irk opposing secondaries that will be forced to cover their man tightly lest they give up a big touchdown play.
4. Josh Allen, Wyoming
Although Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft controversially had Josh Allen going first overall to the Cleveland Browns, I can see where the veteran draft prognosticator was coming from. Physically, Allen has the impressive size, athleticism, toughness and elite arm strength of a top-tier quarterback. However, Allen’s propensity for throwing ill-advised passes into obvious tight coverages are a cause for concern, although his lack of notable playmakers and a poor offensive line most likely inhibited him from performing at a high level. Without question, Allen is a high risk, high reward prospect that could become great given the proper time and coaching.
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA
With impressive throwing mechanics and exceptional pocket presence, Josh Rosen is arguably the most instinctually gifted quarterback going into the draft. However, Rosen’s injury history combined with his questionable intangibles could force prospective NFL teams to second guess themselves when it comes to taking him with a high pick. Although his decision making could improve, Rosen does have the natural abilities and intelligence to develop quickly into a starting NFL quarterback.
2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
A prototypical gunslinging quarterback with fantastic leadership intangibles, Mayfield certainly looks and acts the part of a confident NFL passer. Although he does not possess elite arm strength, it’s competent enough to allow him to make the necessary throws in the pros. The most intriguing ability within Mayfield’s vast arsenal is being able to throw open wide receivers consistently, which is a highly difficult skill to perfect and utilize at the next level. Although his size and wonky footwork are a bit concerning, everything else about this fiery passer is ideal for a team that is looking for a dynamic passer and a natural leader that can galvanize his offense in tight game situations.
1. Sam Darnold, USC
Without question, Sam Darnold’s glaring issues this past season were throwing interceptions and fumbling the football at the worst possible moments. However, Darnold was able to overcome most of these blunders thanks to his anticipation skills and pinpoint accuracy when he was in a comfortable rhythm. If Darnold can improve his wavering confidence and decision making, he has all of the physical tools and abilities needed to be an elite starting quarterback in the NFL sooner rather than later.
