2011 NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top 5 Quarterbacks in This Year's NFL Draft

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This is the first in a series of top-five breakdowns.

I will start with the quarterback position.

There are several options in this draft, some are ready for the show and others need a little seasoning before taking the helm of a NFL team.

Here is the top five quarterbacks in this years draft.

And here we go, counted down from number five to one, the top five quarterback prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft.

5. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada

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Strengths:

Kaepernick is an excellent blend of height, build and speed for a quarterback. He possesses toughness and leadership qualities. Tends to show flashes good accuracy on intermediate routes. Shows enough arm strength to make a majority of the NFL throws. He won't have many passes batted down. He has the ability to escape the pocket and pickup first downs with his legs

Weaknesses:

He plays out of the pistol and lacks experience under center. Has not been asked to make NFL progressions and reads. Not quick to check down or hit hot read against the blitz. Misses too many short passes. Doesn't have consistent touch on the deep ball. Release is somewhat elongated and can dip down to sidearm at times.

4. Ryan Mallet, Arkansas

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Stregnths:

Mallett possesses prototypical size. Has elite arm strength and can make all the throws. Displays smooth mechanics. Fluid, over-the-top delivery. Will fit the ball into tight spots and shows good overall accuracy. Has experience in the pro-style passing game. Good pocket mobility, can buy second chances and keeps his head down field. Fierce competitor and can command the huddle.

Weaknesses:

Flashes the ability to run through progressions but has lapses in judgment and can force throws when pressured. Accuracy is solid but needs to become more consistent. Ball will sail when footwork gets sloppy. Does not have the athleticism to pick up much yardage with his feet at the next level. Potential maturity and character issues.

3. Jake Locker, Washington

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Strengths:

Locker is tall enough with a sturdy muscular build and excellent athleticism for the position. He has a rocket arm to make all the throws and fits the ball into tight windows. Shows the ability to scan the field and check down with very good touch. Extremely mobile and can make plays with his feet. Fierce competitor and leader.

Weaknesses:

Does not show the ability to consistently make his progressions and find the open man. Misses on too many throws and his accuracy can be erratic at times. Abandons the pass early and relies too much on his feet. Plays a bit recklessly and has missed a lot of games due to injury.

2. Cam Newton, Auburn

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Strengths:

Newton has a rare blend of height, strength and speed. Fierce competitor and emotional leader. Flashes the ability to zip the ball into tight spots. Has a quick, over-the-top delivery. Puts a ton of revolutions on the ball and can make all the throws. Frequently evades the rush for second-chance opportunities. Threat to pick up large chunks when he tucks.

Weaknesses:

Not proficient at going through his progressions or making NFL reads. Doesn't anticipate receivers getting open, must see them in a window. Inconsistent accuracy due to poor footwork and falling away to avoid a big hit. Despite athleticism, needs to improve his drop mechanics and the finer points of pocket mobility. Numerous off the field issues worth investigating.

1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

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Strengths:

Gabbert has prototypical size and excellent speed for the position. Shows the ability to make the right pre-snap reads. Possesses a quick release and has the arm strength to make all the throws. Well-balanced passer that rarely misses on short-to-intermediate throws. Extremely mobile to extend plays and fast enough to move the chains. Vocal leader and hard worker.

Weaknesses:

Trusts his arm too much and puts the ball in harm's way too often. Does not show good touch on passes over the middle and needs to learn to take a little velocity off certain throws. Struggles to throw an accurate deep ball. Late feeling pressure at times which neutralizes his very good mobility. Will need to learn a pro style offense.