There Is So Much Pressure To Draft QBs This Year

[ABQCOWBOY]

Frankly this is one of the worst years for QBs too. Gabbert is probably the safest pick but all the rest are huge gambles with big question marks. I am trying to remember what year it was in the 80's when about 6 QBs went high in the first and 4 of them busted.

There have been several years that were not really great recently.

2010 was pretty good with Bradford, Tebow and McCoy.

2009, thus far, is not all that bad with Stafford, Sanchez and Freeman.

2008 is decent with Ryan and Flacco.

2007 is proving to be horrible with Russell and Quinn.

2006 is bad with Young, Leinert and Cutler but it could improve if Cutler comes around.

2005 was decent with Smith, Rodgers and Campbell.

2004 is exceptional with Manning, Rivers, Roethlisberger and Losman.

2003 was not great with Palmer, Leftwich, Boller and Grossman.

2002 was horrid with Carr, Harrington and Ramsey

2001 Good with Vick and Brees.

That's 10 years worth of 1st round QB picks. That's 4 years out of 10 that could be considered good IMO.

 

[Hostile]

Bold is fine to highlight but it gets tiresome after more than a line.

 

[DFWJC]

I suspect that nearly half of those 8 teams you mentioed really would go for a QB early in Rd one. That's a big number, and should help us in the end.

Jacksonville would rather get a Ponder (or other) in the 2nd or 3rd round and let him develop for a couple of years. They (Management) are plenty happy with their QB in the near term as he had a solid season last year.

I kind of think the Vikes are not a candidate either. In their case, They want to win now, so the solution is not a rookie QB startiung for them (whcih is what top 8 draft picks do).

SF may be in the same boat as Minnessota---they have avery solid team already. But then again, Alex Smith is not very good at all.

Even Buffalo like Fitz and Az likes Skelton's upside, but do they like them that much? Maybe not.

In any case, you have to think at least a few of teams really would be willing to pull the trigger.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Today comes word that the Bengals may take Ryan Mallett. They are visiting with him for 2 days.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/news/story?id=6266035

You might want to pay attention to my theory after all.

I think that this might be a move to see where they would take a risk on him. I don't believe it will be top 5 but I could see them taking a flier on on him at say 35.

 

[Hostile]

I think that this might be a move to see where they would take a risk on him. I don't believe it will be top 5 but I could see them taking a flier on on him at say 35.

He won't be there by that time. There will be a run on QBs like mad this year. That is why Carolina will take 1 at #1.

 

[burmafrd]

Frankly I would tell the teams thinking about QB to wait until next year. Its gotta be better than this years crop.

 

[UnoDallas]

Of course it is, but this is about thinking like an NFL team, not a fan for a minute. Can they gamble on round 2. An emphatic no.

Prediction national scouting services will take up this theme if the lockout stretches.

is that when I should squat ?

of should I wait until this happens

I will not be shocked if 3, 4, 5, or even 6 or 7 guys are taken at QB in round 1.

 

[rash]

I'm on the fence about this whole topic; but tie-breaker goes to Hos (sorry guys I just had to do it just one more time)

 

[Hostile]

Prediction national scouting services will take up this theme if the lockout stretches.

What seems to be clear is that the key to how the draft unfolds lies in where the QBs will be taken. Chris Steuber from CBSSports twittered very early this morning that there might even be three QBs taken with the first eight picks:

I may be crazy, but I can read the tea leaves and the writing on the wall better than many a sane man.

 

[NextGenBoys]

I think these qbs will all be drafted in 1st round, kinda like the 83 draft of qbs
1. Missouri QB
2. Cam Newton
3. Locker
4. Mallett
5. Ponder

Wow. Just wow.

If there's one thing this 2011 draft class of quarterbacks is NOT....it's that it has future HOF quarterbacks in it. No one can predict the future, but I'll say there's no way any of the quarterbacks in this 2011 class make the HOF

 

[DFWJC]

Just recall that numerous pundits had Clausen going in the top 10 last year too. They were way wrong and the teams were right to pass on him...imo.

Just because there is need does not mean there is value. I can't imagine 6-7 QBs going in round one like some have said.

Careful guys.

 

[Hostile]

Prediction national scouting services will take up this theme if the lockout stretches.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3896040&posted=1#post3896040

 

[SkinsHokieFan]

There are enough rumors/chatter coming out of Ashburn that Mike Shanahan doesn't want to risk drafting a QB this year because of the lack of offseason work that QB will get.

Most likely won't even see a playbook, nor get a rep until August at the earliest. So why waste a pick on a guy who will be way behind the curve, even if there is a need at QB?

My hypothesis is that several of the bottom dwelling teams know that because of the lockout they can do little to improve the team and have success in 2011. These teams will attempt to trade back, go young and stockpile picks for next season, which will have a superior QB class and a diamond at the top in Andrew Luck.

Why waste time with a Gabbert or Newton, 2 guys who won't get any reps until late summer, when you go with a Rex Grossman, completely flop, and have a shot at a future pro bowl fixutre in Andrew Luck?

In fact, most people would take any of the guys below over the QBs this year

Andrew Luck*, Stanford
Height: 6-4. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2012): Top 5 Pick.
3/29/10: A redshirt sophomore in 2009, Andrew Luck will be eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft. He was very impressive as a first-year starter, compiling 2,575 yards, 13 touchdowns and four picks on an 8.9 YPA and a 56.3 completion percentage.

Matt Barkley*, USC
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2012): Top 10 Pick.
7/25/10: As a true freshman, Matt Barkley threw for 2,735 yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for USC, maintaining a 7.8 YPA and 59.9 completion percentage. Pretty impressive considering the circumstances. As long as the strong-armed Barkley keeps improving and lives up to the hype, he'll be a top 10 pick in the 2012 or 2013 NFL Draft.

John Brantley, Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 217.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2012): Top 25 Pick.
7/25/10: Called a "real quarterback" by one of his teammates, John Brantley played very well in limited action last year, completing 36-of-48 passes for 410 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.

Landry "Lance" Jones*, QB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-4. Weight: 216.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
7/25/10: Lance Jones played very well for a true freshman last year, filling in for an injured Sam Bradford. Jones threw for 3,198 yards, 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, with a YPA of 7.1 and completion percentage of 58.1.

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
3/29/10: Battling inconsistency issues, Terrelle Pryor threw for 2,087 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, but suffered a decline in completion percentage (56.5) and YPA (7.1). He struggled as a sophomore, but the upside is there for someone to take a chance on him in the first round (much like Tim Tebow).

8/5/09: As a true freshman, Terrelle Pryor threw for 1,311 yards, 12 touchdowns and four picks, maintaining a completion percentage of 60.2 and a YPA of 7.9. Pryor has played a decent amount under center in an offense that runs pro-style routes.

Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 202.
Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
7/25/10: Kirk Cousins had an impressive sophomore campaign, throwing for 2,680 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions on an 8.2 YPA and 60.4 completion percentage. Cousins has a big enough arm to be a starting NFL quarterback.

Nick Foles, Arizona
Height: 6-5. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 5.01.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
3/29/10: A transfer from Michigan State, Nick Foles threw for 2,465 yards, 19 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 64.3 completion percentage in his first year as a starter. His YPA of 6.2 was horrendous - a result of his checking it down far too often.

Ryan Lindley, San Diego State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
7/25/10: Ryan Lindley plays in a pro-style attack and despite being a rising junior, already has two years of starting experience. Unfortunately, his accuracy is woeful (16 INTs, 54.7% in 2009). If he improves upon this in the next two years, he could sneak into the early stages of Day 3.

 

[BIGDen]

"I will not be shocked if 3, 4, 5, or even 6 or 7 guys are taken at QB in round 1"

I understand your point, and I too hope there is a run on QBs, but I think you're getting a little carried away when you say "6 or 7".

"I have not wavered one iota on my belief that Patrick Peterson is the best player in this draft."

No! Really?! Shock of all shocks!

"If Peterson gets to #6, and I absolutely believe he can, Jerry will go get him."

I know you're possibly the most well-connected person on this board when it comes to inside info, but I hope you're wrong. I hate the idea of giving up a high 3rd rounder to move up a few spots to draft a guy that does not help us in the trenches (where games are won and lost). If he falls to us at 9, and he's our highest rated guy, then fine. Safety is our weakest position on D and Peterson wouldn't even address that. Unless, of course, they decided to convert him to a position where brains and instincts are as important as physical prowess.

"If it happens, I promise, I will tone down my Peterson agenda just like I did my Garrett agenda."

It would be weird if you didn't. Just like it would've been strange if you kept going on about Garrett after we hired him. Why would you keep going on about drafting a guy we've already drafted?


This team has had much talent at the skill positions, but lacked toughness and ability in the trenches. Ratliff has both talent and toughness but the snaps appear to be taking a toll. Brent was a nice pick-up but we need more depth. Free looks good on the OL but, overall, our OL is old and lacking ability. Colombo and Davis are awful. To not replace at least one of them would be a disgrace. Why pay Romo, Witten, Austin, and Bryant if you're not going to protect the QB who makes it all happen?

I think we have an opportunity to draft a big-time OT with our 1st pick. We are not likely to be in a position (hopefully) to draft a potential franchise tackle again any time soon. Draft Smith or take advantage of this opportunity and trade down if someone offers something great. Pick-up a guy like Carimi and move around with the other picks to get a couple of other potential starters. I truly hate the idea of moving up. Last year I thought it might not be a bad idea to move up a few spots if one of our guys slid. When I brought up the possibility (pre-draft) you stated "Not gonna happen". You seem to be as sure about moving up to 6 if Peterson is there this year. With all due respect, I hope you're mistaken again.

BTW, this is not meant to be a "Let's battle!" post. I appreciate your inside info and agree with many of your posts. I'm just not on the trade-up bandwagon.

 

[cnhnyy]

There are enough rumors/chatter coming out of Ashburn that Mike Shanahan doesn't want to risk drafting a QB this year because of the lack of offseason work that QB will get.

Most likely won't even see a playbook, nor get a rep until August at the earliest. So why waste a pick on a guy who will be way behind the curve, even if there is a need at QB?

My hypothesis is that several of the bottom dwelling teams know that because of the lockout they can do little to improve the team and have success in 2011. These teams will attempt to trade back, go young and stockpile picks for next season, which will have a superior QB class and a diamond at the top in Andrew Luck.

Why waste time with a Gabbert or Newton, 2 guys who won't get any reps until late summer, when you go with a Rex Grossman, completely flop, and have a shot at a future pro bowl fixutre in Andrew Luck?

In fact, most people would take any of the guys below over the QBs this year

I agree that it is probably better to wait for next year's QB in the long run. However, GM/coaches are not given infinite time to improve. They need to produce results in next two years for these non-playoff teams. Say you wait for one more year to draft a qb, then you better hit jackpot in his rookie year. otherwise you will be fired. I mean, can Chan Gailey really survive two more years of 6-10? Can Mike Shanaha keep his job if Commanders fail to make playoff three years in a row?

 

[burmafrd]

The SMART thing would be to pass on all of these QBs and wait for next year. But smart is not something done by many teams.

 

[DFWJC]

The SMART thing would be to pass on all of these QBs and wait for next year. But smart is not something done by many teams.

I sure wouldn't force a pick at QB this year. Most the guys this year seem to fit more in the late 1st round and on into the late 2nd or 3rd...but there a re a bunch of them.

Maybe the elite guys aren't here (we don't know for sure) but this is a very solid QB group overall. I bet 7-9 QBs from this class stick and 3-4 of them are starting within 2 years.

Luck is the only guy next season that clearly (at least my most pundits) projects ahead of the top guys this year.

As always, we won't know if this year or next year's QB class is better for another 3-4 years.

 

[burmafrd]

USC's Barkely will probably be better as well.