NFL Draft 2013: Which QBs Are Perfect Fits for Struggling Franchises?

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2013 isn't the Year of the Quarterback in the NFL, but that won't stop teams from taking a gamble on this year's batch of college studs in the draft.

There is not a single quarterback in this year's draft class to compare favorably to Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson or Robert Griffin III, but that doesn't mean teams will strike out when they address their need for a franchise quarterback.

Taking this into consideration, let's look at which quarterbacks would be perfect fits for teams in need of a new signal-caller. 

 

Note: I'm not attempting to say where these players will land as far as the draft order is concerned. This is just an exercise in matching up players to organizations—seeing which players would fit best with the talent currently on certain franchises. 

Additional Note: I'm not including the New York Jets in this list, because I don't believe any rookie quarterback deserves to get thrust into that situation at this current time. 

Geno Smith: Philadelphia Eagles

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The Philadelphia Eagles won't likely make a move to draft Geno Smith because Nick Foles has played well enough to earn consideration as the team's quarterback of the future, but he'd be a perfect fit in Philly. 

Especially if the team manages to lure Chip Kelly away from the college ranks, as the rumors suggest (h/t CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora). 

Smith isn't as fast or athletic as Robert Griffin III, but he's deceptively agile and can throw on the run. Put him behind center with LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, and you have the makings of an explosive offense.

All four playmakers excel on the edges and in the screen game—Smith's comfort zone. The West Virginia offense is primarily a quick-throw, easy-read game—much like what RG3 is doing for Washington—and a skilled coach like Kelly would work wonders with this group of talented players.

Tyler Wilson: Arizona Cardinals

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When I watch Tyler Wilson play, I think of a shorter, more athletic Ryan Tannehill. 

Both players have the ability to stand tall in the pocket—when the pocket is there, of course—and deliver strikes downfield. The biggest problem Wilson has had in 2012 is that he didn't have a strong team to play with. 

The general consensus around the league seems to be that scouts are more likely to see Wilson's 2011 campaign as more indicative of what to expect from him in the pros.

Wilson is the perfect man for the job in Arizona. the Arkansas Razorback has the arm strength and guts to fit balls into tight windows, and given a little bit of help in the mechanics department—especially his feet—Wilson will be making connections with Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd on a regular basis. 

This assumption is predicated, of course, on the assumption that the Cardinals will do something to shore up their horrendous offensive line in 2013. 

Matt Barkley: Kansas City Chiefs

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Matt Barkley and Mark Sanchez share many similar traits, and if Barkley ends up in the wrong situation, he could end up suffering a fate similar to what the fellow USC Trojan has experienced the past couple of seasons with the New York Jets.

On the other hand, if Barkley lands in the right spot, he will thrive. 

Barkley doesn't do well when he has to be the focal point of the offense. He needs a strong running game and a passing attack that is based on timing and misdirection, and the Kansas City Chiefs have the players to make that happen.

Jamaal Charles is one of the most talented, explosive running backs in the NFL, and the Chiefs offense needs to run through him, much like what the San Francisco 49ers have done with Frank Gore.

Tony Moeaki is a talented young tight end who will become Barkley's safety blanket in the middle of the field. Dexter McCluster and Jon Baldwin are talented playmakers on the outside, and a talented offensive coordinator will find creative ways to get them involved and keep the chains moving.

Mike Glennon: Jacksonville Jaguars

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Mike Glennon will be compared to Ryan Mallett by many scouts, simply because of his size (6'7" and 232 pounds) and his incredible arm strength. He is a more accurate passer than Mallett coming out of college, though, and given the lack of depth at the quarterback position this year, he'll likely come out sooner than Mallett did two years ago. 

The odds are low that the Jacksonville Jaguars will actually draft another quarterback just two years removed from moving up in the first round to pick Blaine Gabbert—especially if Tim Tebow lands in Florida.

That said, Mike Glennon is a perfect fit for the Jaguars. 

The North Carolina State product will have no trouble standing tall in the pocket to deliver strikes downfield to Cecil Shorts Jr. and Justin Blackmon, and Marcedes Lewis is an underrated tight end that will benefit from Glennon's strong arm. 

Once the Jags get Maurice Jones-Drew back and healthy, the offense has a chance to take off in a hurry with a quarterback like Glennon. 

Ryan Nassib: Cleveland Browns

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Don't fall asleep on Ryan Nassib as a possible first-round draft pick in 2013. 

And while I'm almost 100 percent positive the Cleveland Browns won't pick up another quarterback in the first or second round of the 2013 NFL draft, the Syracuse signal-caller would fit in with the current talent they have like a fish in water. 

Put him together with Josh Gordon, Greg Little, Travis Benjamin and Benjamin Watson, combined with a power rushing attack led by Trent Richardson, and you have the makings of a truly explosive offense.

Nassib's greatest qualities are his abilities to anticipate open windows in coverage and make quick decisions. He has an adequate arm and can make all the throws, but he won't blow you away like Mike Glennon. 

That won't hinder him from becoming an excellent quarterback in the NFL, though. Cleveland won't likely pick him up, but it should. 

 

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