NFL Predictions 2011: Predicting the Stats for Every Rookie Quarterback in 2011

The 2011 rookie QB class is loaded with talent from top to bottom.

From a former Heisman Trophy winner to a 6'6" gunslinger from the University of Nevada, the sky is the limit for many of these first-year signal-callers.

In the following slides, I have predicted the stats for each of the rookie QBs that I believe will see the field this season.

Cam Newton: Carolina Panthers

Kent Horner/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 10: 2010 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton of the Auburn Tigers answers questions after his workout routine for the media at Cathedral High School's sports stadium on February 10, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Phot

G: 14

CMP: 255

ATT: 440

CMP %: 58.0

PASS YDS: 2,750

PASS TD: 16

INT: 14

ATT: 60

RUSH YDS: 360

YPC: 6.0

RUSH TD: 5

FUM: 6

Newton is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks to come from the college ranks in years.

He had one of the more remarkable college football seasons in recent memory last year, when he won the Heisman Trophy and national championship in the same campaign.

I expect him to have an up-and-down rookie season, as he will struggle with accuracy at times, but also show off his athleticism in many plays while leading the Panthers offense.

Jake Locker: Tennessee Titans

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Quarterback Jake Locker of Washington runs a passing drill during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

G: 16

CMP: 320

ATT: 560

CMP %: 57.0

PASS YDS: 2,510

PASS TD: 14

INT: 11

ATT: 43

RUSH YDS: 150

YPC: 3.5

RUSH TD: 4

FUM: 4

The Titans drafted former University of Washington star Jake Locker to become Vince Young's successor.

Although Young still hasn't been shown the door, he is as good as gone with the talented Locker ready to step in and become the next face of the franchise.

He is a far better player than some scouts and experts might think and he will show glimpses of this in his rookie season with Tennessee in '11.

Blaine Gabbert: Jacksonville Jaguars

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissoner Roger Goodell poses for a photo with Blaine Gabbert, #11 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, holds up a jersey during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo b

G: 8

CMP: 141

ATT: 240

CMP %: 58.7

PASS YDS: 1,520

TD: 12

INT: 6

ATT: 25

RUSH YDS: 56

YPC: 2.2

RUSH TD: 2

FUM: 2

Gabbert was one of the highest-rated QBs heading into April's draft

Jacksonville decided to take him with their first-round pick, putting the pressure on current Jags starting QB David Garrard to step up his game this season.

I expect Garrard to start out the years as the starter, with Gabbert taking over for him by midseason.

Christian Ponder: Minnesota Vikings

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Quarterback Christian Ponder of Florida State looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

G: 16

CMP: 270

ATT: 450

CMP %: 60.0

PASS YDS: 3,015

PASS TD: 16

INT: 15

ATT: 42

RUSH YDS: 85

YPC: 2.0

RUSH TD: 2

FUM: 6

Ponder looks like he will be the heir apparent to the departed Brett Favre in Minnesota this season.

He is a very high-IQ football player, which should help him out with part of his transition from college to the NFL.

I think he will struggle with accuracy this season by forcing some passes in places where they shouldn't go, which is something he had problems with in college as well.

Andy Dalton: Cincinnati Bengals

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 20: Andy Dalton attends the NFL PLAYERS Premiere League Flag Football Game at UCLA on May 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

G: 15

CMP: 341

ATT: 550

CMP %: 62.0

PASS YDS: 3,300

PASS TD: 18

INT: 12

ATT: 46

RUSH YDS: 147

YPC: 3.2

FUM: 3

Dalton is one of the most underrated QBs in this draft class.

He wasn't picked up until early in the second round of the draft, but has first-round talent written all over him.

The Bengals have already said that Dalton is their man at QB right now, and I look for him to have one of the best rookie seasons out of any of these quarterbacks.

Colin Kaepernick: San Francisco 49ers

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 20: Colin Kaepernick attends the NFL PLAYERS Premiere League Flag Football Game at UCLA on May 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

G: 5

CMP: 89

ATT: 148

CMP %: 60.1

PASS YDS: 746

PASS TD: 6

INT: 4

ATT: 39

RUSH YDS: 250

YPC: 6.4

RUSH TD: 3

FUM: 2

Kaepernick was taken in the second round in hopes he can someday take over the reins for the 49ers at the QB position.

Unfortunately, it will not be this season, as current starting QB Alex Smith appears to still have the job.

However, I expect Smith to struggle some this season, and that is when Kaepernick can get his big break.

Other Rookie QBs

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew

I predict that the following rookie QBs will not have any stats for the upcoming 2011 season, due to not receiving any playing time.

Ryan Mallett: New England Patriots

Ricky Stanzi: Kansas City Chiefs

T.J. Yates: Houston Texans

Nathan Enderle: Chicago Bears

Tyrod Taylor: Baltimore Ravens

Greg McElroy: New York Jets