Thread: Analyzing quarterbacks for the NFL draft

Stafford tops, but by no means a sure thing
By Dan Pompei Chicago Tribune
Friday, April 10, 2009

Arms not a strength: No bona fide superstar in this year's class of QBs:

1. Matthew Stafford, Georgia

He is the top-ranked quarterback, but hardly anyone is comfortable saying he is a sure thing. Stafford is not considered in the same class as others who have been the top-ranked passer in their class such as Eli Manning or JaMarcus Russell.

Stafford's inconsistency, inaccuracy and sometimes puzzling decision-making give NFL scouts pause. There is no doubt he has the ability and size to be a standout NFL quarterback. It's just that he has not put everything together often enough.

Stafford has a very strong arm and is fairly accurate. He is able to escape pressure and make plays with defenders at his ankles.

The junior gets high marks for intangibles -- leadership, competitiveness, dedication and intelligence. But questions remain about how much he elevated his team.

2. Mark Sanchez, Southern California

He does not have the physical ability or the experience Stafford has, but he makes better decisions and is more consistently accurate with his throws. Despite coming out early and starting for only one year, Sanchez also may be more NFL ready than Stafford as a result of playing in a pro-style offense.

Sanchez is a fairly instinctive quarterback who played well in big games. He is the type of player who will be more impressive on tape than in workouts. He has the potential to be a good, solid starter. But scouts doubt he ever will be a superstar.

3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State

This junior probably is the most gifted quarterback in the class, and he could go higher than anyone suspects. He has a cannon for an arm, great size (6-6) and top athleticism. He can run with the ball.

But surrounded by inferior talent, Freeman didn't always get the most out of his abilities in games. His mechanics are not good, and he is not fundamentally sound. Freeman can be very accurate at times, and very inaccurate at others. He can make great decisions and then bad ones. If a team is patient with him, it's possible he could develop into a big-time pro.

4. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State

He didn't have great stats in college and he played in a running offense, but Hoyer has potential.

His decision-making was a little inconsistent, but he does everything well enough for you to think he has a chance. Hoyer is an above-average athlete with a good arm. Some question his toughness. He has helped himself in all-star games and workouts.

5. Pat White, West Virginia

He is the wild card of the quarterback class. At 6 feet, 197 pounds, he's too short and thin to be a traditional quarterback but too talented to be ignored.

White isn't a great passer, but he can throw the football and he is very athletic. Some see him as a changeup quarterback who can run the Wildcat offense. Others think he could end up as a wide receiver. This lefty's intangibles are off the charts. If viewed as a specialty player, White can have significant value.

6. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State

This transfer from Oklahoma has arm strength and talent, but he's been a very inconsistent performer. He is unafraid to take risks, and that is sometimes his undoing.

7. Nate Davis, Ball State

This junior's stock has fallen in the last couple of months as scouts have scrutinized him. He lacks ideal size (6-1) and some think he may struggle in a complex offense because of a learning disability. Davis is a pocket quarterback with an outstanding arm and very good touch on the ball. He throws without putting his fingers on the laces of the football, but that has not prevented him from being very productive in the MAC.

8. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M

He has climbed up the charts late in part because of a good showing at the East-West Shrine Game. He played in a pro-style offense for the first time in 2008, but his season was shortened by injury. Scouts like his throwing skills and leadership ability but consider him a bit of a project.

9. Mike Teel, Rutgers

He helped himself with a strong finish to the season. He's big and tough, throws a nice ball and improved his decision-making late in the year. Scouts like his intelligence and leadership. His arrow is pointing up.

10. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech

If production was all that mattered, he would be the first quarterback taken. He also is among the smartest and toughest quarterbacks in the draft. His accuracy is very good. The problem is he has the "system quarterback" label, and he will have to learn to play in a pro-style offense. Scouts also are not excited about his arm strength and his ability to get away from the rush.

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