A collaborative piece with Mike Sando. Click the link for much more (ESPN Insider)....
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14166804/the-top-college-prospects-qb-needy-nfl-teams
Teams that could draft a QB
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys could always go the veteran route for a backup, but drafting a prospect to groom behind Tony Romo would also make sense. Going 0-7 without Romo this season could provide the impetus.
QBs to know for the 2016 NFL draft
I can see the need, but this just isn't a class in which there is a quarterback you want to be starting NFL games in 2016 with the goal of being competitive. But let me put that in perspective. In my opinion it's extremely rare that you want a rookie QB seeing significant time. I didn't like the idea of
Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota being forced to start right away, for instance. And while both have been good, at this point I don't think there's a QB in the 2016 class who I'm more excited about than either of those two.
Here are names to know.
Paxton Lynch, Memphis: He has good size, a strong arm and has progressed each year, with improved accuracy all over the field. Faces a huge jump in competition coming out of the AAC (as if the jump to the NFL isn't already massive enough).
Current projection: Top 10
Jared Goff, Cal: A known commodity, the tall, strong-armed talent has been a starter since his freshman season. Uneven play of late is a reminder this isn't a plug-and-play rookie in 2016.
Current projection: Top 10
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State: With great size (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) and an NFL arm, Wentz is an exceptional athlete and a constant threat to take extra yards with his legs. Faces a huge jump in competition coming out of the FCS.
Current projection: Late first round or early Round 2.
Connor Cook, Michigan State: Has ideal size and is a good athlete. Cook can scan the whole field and deliver with velocity even when he's off balance. His accuracy is inconsistent, however.
Current projection: Late first round or early Round 2.
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State: Good size, a strong arm and the ability to zip the ball into tight windows, Hackenberg's problem is that much of his best tape comes from his freshman season. He has struggled over the past two years behind erratic O-line play.
Current projection: Late first round or early Round 2.
Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma: Has made significant strides this year, and makes plays both in rhythm and when the play breaks down. Doesn't have an ideal frame, but the production is there.
Current projection: Day 2.
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State: Has improved a lot as a progression passer after being considered more of a run-pass dual threat. Can drive the ball when his feet are under him.
Current projection: Late Day 2 pick.
Cody Kessler, USC: Can throw to a pro-style route tree, and anticipates well. After being highly productive last season, he's been uneven in 2015 in terms of overall growth. Ceiling is a question.
Current projection: Rounds 3-4
Brandon Doughty, Western Kentucky: Has great ball placement and often looks unfazed by pressure, but doesn't offer big-time arm strength. Competition level is also a concern.
Current projection: Round 4.
Trevone Boykin, TCU: A special athlete, the former wide receiver has impressive instincts for the position given the transition he has made -- and a strong arm. Anticipation and consistent accuracy are problems.
Current projection: Day 3.
Cardale Jones, Ohio State: Incredible arm strength and has some solid tape in big games, but accuracy is a major issue and he just hasn't shown the ability to read the whole field. A project.
Current projection: Day 3, potentially late.
Other names to watch: Nate Sudfeld (Indiana),
Brandon Allen (Arkansas),
Jacoby Brissett (North Carolina State)
