Author: Kyle Hickman

1. Jimmy Claussen – 6’3, 217 (Notre Dame)
Claussen has found himself in the position of being the top quarterback prospect in the land after a very productive junior season. He is a consensus top five pick in this year’s upcoming NFL draft because of his ability to manage a pro-style offense. The question is: will his performances at the combine ensure his draft stock and allow him to be selected first overall by the St. Louis Rams?

Strengths:
-Big-time experience in the pro-style offense.
-Excellent throwing power and exceptional accuracy.
-Excellent vision.
-Throws a good deep ball.
-Mature leader.

Weaknesses:
 -Limited mobility.
 -Constant underachiever; Questions about performing under pressure.

2.  Sam Bradford – 6’4, 214 (Oklahoma)
Sam Bradford would have been the top quarterback prospect in the land if not for his injury woes this past season. He has shown that he can perform at the highest level of college football by winning a Heisman trophy as a sophomore and leading the Sooners to the 2009 National Championship game. What will determine Bradford’s draft status is whether his shoulder is 100% or not. Bradford should be a top ten pick this upcoming April.

Strengths:
-Excellent pocket passer with solid vision.
-Lots of big-game experience.
-Quick release and an accurate passer.
-Great character and leadership skills.
-Decent mobility out of the pocket.

Weaknesses:
 -Questions about the health of his shoulder.
-Is he going to be a quarterback’s coach project with that awkward throwing motion?

3.  Ryan Mallett – 6’5, 250 (Arkansas)
Ryan Mallett is one of those guys who snuck up the draft board as the year went on. He started out, along with Claussen, as one of the most highly touted Prep players coming into the college ranks in 2007. After he transferred from Michigan after his freshman year, he fell out of the radar until he got his chance this year. If he does declare for the draft, Mallett has the ability to step into a learning role in the NFL and develop. I compare his skill set to Chad Henne of the Miami Dolphins; he has the highest ceiling of any of the quarterbacks in the draft.

Strengths:
-The strongest arm in this draft class.
-Very tall, able to see over defenders.
-Quickly developing into a dependable leader.

Weaknesses:
 -Needs to develop better footwork.
-Still young.
-Zero mobility in the pocket.

4.  Jevan Snead – 6’3, 215 (Ole Miss)
If Snead had played this year how he did a year ago with his 26 TD and 13 INT, we may be talking about Snead as one of the top two quarterbacks coming out this year. But, Jevan struggled with his decision making skills this past season (20 TD and 20 INT), and led a team with high expectations in the SEC to an 8-4 season and showcased his talent in a bowl game where he threw 3 interceptions in a 21-7 winning effort. He has all of the abilities to be a very good NFL quarterback and he understands offenses well, but will he be able to overcome and learn from his struggles?

Strengths:
-Great arm strength and good accuracy.
-Solid pocket passer with above average pocket awareness.
-He played against some of the fastest defenses in the land.
-Solid throwing mechanics and good footwork.

Weaknesses:
 -Decision-making has been shaky.
-Interception prone/takes a lot of chances.
-Average mobility in the pocket.

5.  Tim Tebow – 6’3, 235 (Florida)
Tebow is easily the most versatile and experienced quarterback entering the NFL this April. He is one of the most popular players coming into the league in the past few years and is one of those guys that you envy as a sports fan. Don’t get me wrong; Tim Tebow is very talented, but his arm is not the strongest and his downfield accuracy is not NFL ready. It is likely that he will see time at another position, such as tight end or a hybrid running back/wide receiver. His athleticism and versatility alone will give him the chance to succeed at the next level. Look forward to seeing Tebow in a spread offense with the possibility of getting selected in the late first round, unless Jacksonville wants to take a chance.

Strengths:
-Very quick and incredibly shifty in the pocket.
-Tough to tackle all over the field.
-Makes smart, intermediate throws.
-Great leadership qualities and has exceptional character.
-The kind of player you want to build a team around.

Weaknesses:
 -Average throwing power.
-Average accuracy downfield.
-His mechanics and footwork will need work at the NFL level.
-Can he take from under the center?

6. Tony Pike – 6’6, 225 (Cincinnati)
7. Jarrett Brown – 6’4, 220 (West Virginia)
8. Colt McCoy – 6’3, 215 (Texas)
9.  Zac Robinson – 6’3, 210 (Oklahoma State)
10. Dan LeFevour – 6’3, 226 (Central Michigan)

On the Radar: Bill Stull (Pittsburgh), Christian Ponder (Florida State), and Tim Hiller (Western Michigan).