The Case For John Parker Wilson

The post-Cutler era in Denver has begun. With 5 days until the draft a quarterback must be on the mind of rookie head coach Josh McDaniels.

So much so that it must drive him crazy. Whispers around the NFL have the Broncos moving up to get the much hyped Mark Sanchez from USC who has become the poster child of this year's draft class.

I take a different perspective; a more conservative approach.

The sacrifice of ousting Jay Cutler for draft pick must go to re-shaping the worst defense in Denver Broncos history. With five picks in the first three rounds of the draft the Broncos have the potential to change the entire landscape of the defense for the next five years. 

So why should anyone be talking about drafting a first-round QB?

Good question and it's one I can't answer. I hope McDaniels has his thinking cap on come draft time cause if he doesn't he wont have a job next year.

Denver needs a QB but they don't need to take one in the first three rounds. They don't even need to take one in the fourth or fifth. In the "projected" sixth round there lies a hidden gem by the name of John Parker Wilson hailing from the University of Alabama.

Some of you have a pre-concieved notion that Wilson is soft, un-athletic, and can't take a hit. When you search John Parker Wilson on YouTube.com the first video that comes up is LaRon Landry's monster hit on Wilson in 2006.

What they don't show you is the 121.53 passer rating his senior year as well as leading his Alabama squad to a 12-2 record. Now his stats aren't Heisman worthy but he was a great starter at Alabama for three years and set almost every significant pass record throughout his tenure there. Straight up, the kid is a winner. 

Most "experts" have him being a 3rd rate QB that doesn't posses the adequate athleticism to play the part of a starting QB but the growing trend around the NFL is to conform the QB to fit the coaches system. This is a kid you could shape and mold to whatever you wanted him to be.

And you don't have to move up to get him.

He will sit patiently amongst the sixth and seventh rounders waiting for his opportunity to be the next franchise QB taken late in the draft. If Matt Cassel could do it then you better believe John Parker-Wilson could as well.