NFL Draft 2011: Quarterbacks, What Teams Are the Perfect Fit
This article is an attempt to try and match the top QBs in the 2011 draft with the team where they seem to be the perfect fit.
This is not an attempt to predict where they will go, but my subjective thoughts about where they should go.
I would like to think there is some kind of objectivity in my matchmaking - but maybe that's just an illusion.
Feel free to differ and please post you great arguments as to why some of them might be a better fit elsewhere.
The QBs are presented in order based on the prospect ranking from cbssports.com
Blaine Gabbert: The San Francisco 49'ers
1 of 9
Blaine Gabbert couldn't wish to land in a better place than the San Francisco 49'ers.
He would have a HC that knows how to get the most out of a young QB and would land on a team that has all the pieces in play to plug and play a great rookie QB.
Blaine Gabberts short to medium range accuracy, his ability to read defenses and go through his progressions is perfect for the WCO.
Blaine Gabbert probably wont last until the 49'ers pick at number seven - but they would have to at least consider trading up for Gabbert.
How will Gabbert end up with the San Francisco 49'ers:
The 49'ers will definitely have to trade up to get Gabbert. You could easily argue that i might be worth it - unless he is picked by the Panthers at no 1, because Gabbert might be the missing piece the 49'ers need to win the division and be a play-off contender.
The 49'ers could address their needs for a starting corner and pass rusher in free agency.
Cam Newton: The Washington Redskins
2 of 9
Mike Shanahan loves a strong armed, mobile QB that can run play action and boot legs and excel in the vertical passing game.
Enter Cam Newton and Shanahan will be salivating with the tangibles that Newton brings to the game.
Cam Newton would love to go to a high profile franchise like the Redskins - where he can be an icon and entertainer (upps sorry) - where he will have an experienced coach that can teach, mentor and keep him on the straight and narrow.
With the Redskins porous O-line Newton will have to use all his elusive skills to make plays and the Shanahans will know how to build the offenses around him.
Grossmann would be able to start until Cam Newton is ready to go.
On a note I think that if Shanahan values the intangibles higher, Jake Locker would maybe be a better fit. But I'm going to give Newton credit here.
How will Cam Newton end up with the Washington Redskins:
Because of character issues Newton might actually fall to the Redskins at no 10. I don't think the Redskins will be able to trade up for Newton - but you never know, it doesn't seem like the Redskins will be able to rebuild their team through the draft anyhow.
Jake Locker: The Seattle Seahawks
3 of 9
Just the mere fact that Jake Locker is the home town kid that could end up as the franchise QB for his favorite football club - should make Jake Locker a match prospect for the Seahawks.
Jake Locker has all the intangibles to be the franchise QB for the Seahawks and although he has some accuracy issues he would fit very nicely in the Seahawks / Pete Carroll 3-5 years development plan.
As Locker fine tunes his accuracy he could sit behind Hasselbeck or Whitehurst until he is ready to take over in 2012.
Jake Lockers mobility, his accuracy on the run and his ability to make plays with his feet would need some re-tailoring of the Seahawks WCO as they would have to play to Lockers strengths.
How will Jake Locker end up with the Seattle Seahawks:
If Locker makes it past the Redskins, the Vikings and the Jaguars then the coast is clear for the Seahawks to grab Locker with pick 25.
.png?w=256)
Christian Ponder: The Minnesota Vikings
4 of 9
Christian Ponder is the most pro-ready of the 2011 QB class, and the Vikings need a QB that can step in right away and lead the team.
Ponder is a great fit for the Vikings WCO and can lean heavily on the Vikings great running game.
Ponder is a smart QB, that can learn the system quickly and has the intangibles to step in as a leader on and off the field.
The Vikings have an experienced team that can protect Ponder and Ponder will not have to carry the team, but he can be the game manager that follows the game plan and let the great play makers around him do their magic.
How will Christian Ponder end up with the Minnesota Vikings:
If the Vikings are really set on Ponder as their QB of the future, they will probably have to trade up for him in the bottom of the first round or the top of the second round. The Vikings must be trying to get to be very good friends with Belichick in New England.
Ryan Mallet: The Tennessee Titans.
5 of 9
Ryan Mallet has been under a lot of scrutiny because of the alleged character issues and off field incidents - but you cannot question this kids arm.
The Titans have a history of not shying away from troublesome players, and I really think that on a tough Titans team with veteran leaders Mallet will be contained so that he can do what he does best - throw the football.
The Titans need to have a QB who can stretch the field and threaten defenses deep to open up for Chris Johnson and and another 2000+ yds season.
Mallet will have an upper tier O-line to protect him and with the less than stellar secondaries of the Jaguars, Texans and Colts Mallet could put his great arm to good use.
How Will Ryan Mallet end up with the Tennessee Titans:
Mallet could very well be available when the Titans pick in the second round. But to be sure the Titans will also be one of the teams trying to trade up in the bottom of the first round or bottom of the second round.
Colin Kaepernick: The Jacksonville Jaguars
6 of 9
Colin Kaepernick bring a huge potential to the table and has surprised scouts and commentators on his speedy rise on many draft boards.
He is still labeled as a project that needs time to grow into a starter - but his physical attributes, his intangibles and the fact that he is a winner makes him intriguing.
The Jaguars needs to start thinking about Garrards replacement and to me Kaepernick is the perfect QB to match up with Maurice Jones-Drew because of the dual threat in the running game they would be together, Kaepernicks mobility and ability to scramble on play-action passes and not least his big arm to stretch the field and open up the running game.
How will Colin Kaepernick end up with the Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jaguars will probably be able to land Kaepernick in the second round. But with his stock on the rise they also might have to trade up to get Kaepernick.
Andy Dalton: Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 9
Andy Dalton would arrive at the Cincinnati Bengals at the perfect time hand in hand with the new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. Dalton would be a perfect fit for Grudens WCO as Dalton has the experience, the leadership, the knowing how to win and not least the passing abilities to step right in as the starter if Carson Palmer is gone.
With the Bengals Dalton is stepping into a team that is ready to go, and if the Bengals go with A.J. Green in the first round he will have an elite young receiving core to throw to a good O-line and a power runner in Benson (if resigned) to take the pressure of him.
Dalton could have a Colt McCoy like impact with the Bengals as he knows how to win and that he will do anything not to let his team mates down.
Don't ever bet against winners.
How will Andy Dalton land with the Cincinnati Bengals:
On some boards and mocks Dalton has been rising into the second round. However the Bengals have a high pick in the second round and that could very well land them Dalton. This would be ideal for the Bengals as they could then use their first rounder on A.J. Green.
I think the Bengals could be lured to trading down in the first round, especially if they have their eyes set on Dalton.
Ricky Stanzi: Kansas City Chiefs
8 of 9
The Chiefs have committed themselves to Matt Cassel, but they definitely need a qualified backup as was evident when Matt Cassel went down with injury in 2010.
Stanzi has all the intangibles that the Bill Belichick scouting tree i Kansas City will be looking for. He has a lot of experience in a pro-style offense and skills that can be worked with an improved as he has done all through his career.
Stanzi can sit for a couple of years behind Cassel and at the very least become a good backup - but I wouldn't bet against him taking over at some point.
How will Ricky Stanzi end up with the Kansas City Chiefs:
The Chiefs will probably have to give up a mid round pick to land Stanzi, especially after his good pro day.
Tyrod Taylor: The Philadelphia Eagles
9 of 9
With Kevin Kolb out of Philly before the season kick off the Eagles are going to need a back up to Michael Vick - And who better than Michael Vick 2.0.
Tyrod Taylor actually comes from the same town as Michael Vick, they know each other and Vick offered his advice to Taylor in his process toward becoming a QB the NFL.
Except from being right handed Taylor is in many ways the second coming of Michael Vick, although he claims that he is more of a passer than Vick was when he came out of college (see interview on NFL.com)
Tyrod Taylor has shown an impressionable production in college with his feet and more importantly with his arm.
The biggest knock on him is his size 6'1'' and some has him projected more as a receiver.
How will Tyrod Taylor end up with the Philadelphia Eagles:
Andy Reed simply has to take a chance on him in the later rounds. He could always convert him to a Brian Westbrook 2.0 if the Vick 2.0 doesn't work out.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Rams Eagles Football")
