2014 NFL Draft: Finding the Best Schematic Fit for Top QB Prospects

With the 2014 NFL draft approaching, the nation's top quarterback prospects have been dissected, analyzed and debated by just about anyone who has a vested interest in the process.

By now, most fans understand that becoming a franchise quarterback isn't as cut-and-dry as just stepping into the spotlight and thriving from the get-go. It's about embracing the subtle nuances of the pocket, learning how to read a defense, understanding route tree/concepts and then putting it all together. That is what makes guys truly special.

Throughout the course of history, the NFL has seen its fair share of elite, good and system quarterbacks, as well as everything in between.

It's time to put pen to paper and figure out the ideal landing place for each top QB prospect on this list.

We utilized an extensive film study session on each prospect and then paired him up with the team that schematically makes the most sense.

Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

He may not be the biggest, strongest or fastest quarterback in the 2014 draft class, but Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater is the most complete prospect by a country mile.

His film doesn't lie. Whether he's moving the chains with three-step drops or rolling out and making impressive throws on the run, Bridgewater is a fluid athlete who always does a fantastic job of keeping his eyes downfield.

When you talk about collegiate systems dictating performance, he is a guy who has taken multiple reps out of a variance of formations. Watching the tape of his showdown with the Miami Hurricanes, in the first quarter alone, he took snaps out of the shotgun, I-formation and pistol.

If you put his smooth mechanics and athletic ability aside, the thing that stands out the most is how confident he looks out while making throws in the pocket.

Rarely flustered by pressure, he always gives his wide receivers a chance to make plays when the time is right.

The argument surrounding him has been his lack of "ideal" size at 6'2", 214 pounds, which in turn spawns the question: Can his body hold up under the grueling conditions of the NFL?

Those concerns have fueled the ideology that Bridgewater needs to fry NFL scouts brains during his pro day if he wants to remain a high draft pick.

Talking about that in a column he wrote, Bleacher Report's Matt Fitzgerald said: "To make himself stand out from the crowd and put to rest any concerns about arm talent or being able to deliver all the throws required in the pros, Bridgewater needs to be borderline flawless."

My personal belief has always been that the body of a work on film should ultimately decide where a player gets taken.

Bridgewater's strengths as a passer make him a scheme-versatile quarterback prospect.

Though there would be quite a few ideal landing places for the Louisville QB, the Houston Texans seem like the perfect fit.

Being the most polished and NFL-ready QB in this year's class, he would jump into a team that is already loaded with talent. His arrival would make head coach Bill O'Brien's first season with the team a lot more pleasant.

The second-highest QB prospect that B/R's Matt Miller has scouted in the last 10 years, Bridgewater would be the safest pick for the Texans.

Best Fit: Houston Texans

Blake Bortles, UCF

From a physicality standpoint, UCF's Blake Bortles has everything you'd want in a quarterback. At 6'5", 232 pounds, he is a dominant presence in and outside the pocket.

Like most of the quarterbacks who are perceived to go in the first round, projections surrounding where he will end up have been all over the place.

If you go by CBSSports.com's Pat Kirwan, the Cleveland Browns are going to move up for the UCF Knight and select him No. 2 overall. 

On the flip side of the coin, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks has the QB falling all the way down to the Arizona Cardinals at pick No. 20.

Because of his impressive size and mobility, Bortles will naturally draw comparisons to Pittsburgh Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger. But as B/R's Matt Miller highlighted in his pro comparison video, "because of accuracy issues and a slower elongated release," Bortles may actually bear more of a resemblance to Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker.

So, what is the best fit for him?

For a host of reasons, the team that would make the most sense right now would be the Houston Texans.

Having players like Arian Foster, DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson on the roster is going to help any young quarterback improve.

Marrying Bortles' skill set to that established core of players would be quite the formula for success. Incorporating mounds of play action would allow him to use his legs to bootleg out of the pocket and stretch the field.

If head coach Bill O'Brien and the Texans want a quick turnaround and don't have any interest in Teddy Bridgewater, their best bet would be to make Bortles the No. 1 overall pick in May's draft.

Best Fit: Houston Texans 

Derek Carr, Fresno State

If you want a quarterback prospect who can make every throw at the next level, Fresno State's Derek Carr is your guy.

He is a late-riser in the draft process. NFL Network's Albert Breer tweeted, "I was surprised to hear one veteran personnel man I respect a bunch say Derek Carr was the best QB in the group."

From a measurables standpoint, it's easy to understand why NFL scouts like Carr. At 6'2", 214 pounds, the Fresno State gunslinger has a sturdy frame that supports his cannon-like arm strength.

He is climbing draft boards. Sam Farmar of the Los Angeles Times recently mocked Carr to the Oakland Raiders at pick No. 5. That position could have been perceived as a "reach" just a few months back, but the sentiment that he could be a top-five pick has been gaining traction.

Talking about the draft on The Dan Patrick Show (h/t Marc Sessler of NFL.com), NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah said: "Their guy is (Fresno State quarterback) Derek Carr and they're going to take a different player with the fourth pick and they want to take Derek Carr with their second one (at No. 26). ... I heard that from several different places."

The question now becomes: Where would his skill set translate best at the next level?

If you watch the tape, the biggest issue with his game is the way he struggles to handle pressure. When the pocket starts to crumble, he can get flustered, which leads to a breakdown in his mechanics.

Using his strengths and weaknesses as a guide, the perfect fit for Carr would be the Cleveland Browns.

They are in desperate need of a franchise-caliber QB. Despite having talent on both the offensive and defensive side of the football, a constant wave of mismanagement from the front office has led Cleveland down a sad path.

One thing we do know is that Carr needs to be protected while he learns how to better deal with pressure.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the Browns offensive line finished the 2013 season as the fifth-best ranked unit in the NFL. Staying upright would allow Carr to embrace the weapons in the Browns offense.

Wide receiver Josh Gordon and tight Jordan Cameron are two hyper-talented young players who can make any quarterback's life a lot easier—just look at the numbers they put up with Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer under center last season.

With a stellar offensive line protecting his every move, Carr would boast enough athleticism and arm strength to stretch the field and help Cleveland's offense make a splash in the always competitive AFC North. 

Best Fit: Cleveland Browns

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

The term that seems to get thrown around most when describing Texas A&M field general Johnny Manziel is "polarizing."

Fresh off ESPN's Darren Rovell reporting that Manziel just got done inking a deal with Nike, the young quarterback who made a legacy by tearing defenses up in College Station is now just a few months away from finding out where he's going to play in the NFL.

Out of all the top-tier quarterback prospects in the 2014 draft class, he is the most difficult to judge.

On one hand, his brilliant display of bravado when maneuvering around the pocket makes him arguably the most exciting collegiate quarterback to ever make the pro transition. On the other hand, the iconic Johnny Football has his fair share of detractors because of his "creative" ways on the field.

Sharing his feelings, NFL Films producer Greg Cosell said on the Midday 180 radio show that Manziel looked "undraftable" at times.

No matter where you fall on the Manziel argument, the fact is he's going to get drafted. And, if you go by most of the mock drafts drifting around the Internet, he's going to hear his name get called at the lectern within the first 10 picks of the upcoming draft.

Determining a great fit for him is almost as hard as judging his ability to be a long-term NFL starter. But if you had to pick one place where he could succeed, that would be with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The ingredients are all there for success. Led by a talented head coach in Gus Bradley, Manziel would be part of a culture that, as Vito Stellino of Jacksonville.com put it, is centered on "improving rather than winning."

Add in the fact that the Jaguars have Jedd Fisch—one of the most dynamic offensive coordinators in the game—and Jacksonville offers an atmosphere where Manziel can thrive.

Best Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois

STEPHEN HAAS/Associated Press

Eastern Illinois product Jimmy Garoppolo is a small-school prospect with a lot to offer as an NFL quarterback.

Invited to this year's East-West Shrine Game as well as the Senior Bowl, he displayed a lightning-quick release and smooth mechanics to the scouts and media personalities who were in attendance.

He doesn't have the biggest arm, but if you watch him drive the football downfield, he displays good zip and touch on his passes.

Shedding the label of being a "small-school" guy could be tough for some players. But that didn't stop former Indianapolis Colts general manager and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian (h/t NFL on ESPN's Twitter) from projecting Garoppolo as a first-round selection.

Mechanics aside, what makes the Eastern Illinois QB a captivating prospect is the room he still has to grow as a football player. He is a relatively inexperienced quarterback in the grand scheme of things, as Chris Johnson of Sports Illustrated reports that Garoppolo didn't even play the position until high school.

Finding a ton of flaws in Garoppolo's game isn't easy. He didn't play against a sound level of competition during his time in college and was protected by a well-structured offense. But a few moments did raise a few red flags in his tape.

Going up against Tennessee State, the 22-year-old looked like a deer in headlights at times. When the offensive scheme broke down and extra bodies found their way through the line of scrimmage, he froze, and for once, looked human.

In the NFL, we all know that pressure is a way of life. If moments like that are indicative of how he plays when he's taken out of his comfort zone, it's a troubling sign for his future at the next level.

The ideal scenario for him would be to land with a team like the Houston Texans. Having an abundance of weapons on offense and a head coach with a pedigree of grooming quarterbacks would help him to develop quickly.

If the Texans decide to pass on a field general with the first overall pick, looking at Garoppolo in Round 2 or possibly late in the first round would be an interesting decision for general manager Rick Smith.

Declaring no commitment to taking a QB No. 1 overall, in the interview he gave at the NFL combine (h/t Josh Katzowitz of CBSSports.com), Smith said:

"

We're still in the process of ranking and evaluating. The bulk of the evaluation is done. We put the real onus on the guys' film as in, is he a good football player? You have these other parts of the process that augment that evaluation, whether you're talking about their performance here, the interviews, the medical, the pro days, when we bring guys on our campus. The bulk of it is done. We know how we feel about all these prospects.

"

Best Fit: Houston Texans

Zach Mettenberger, LSU

Before tearing his ACL against the Arkansas Razorbacks , LSU's Zach Mettenberger was making all the throws you'd want to see out of a professional quarterback.

His 6'5" size makes him a viable candidate to be a quintessential pocket passer in a vertical passing attack. Under offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, the big man out of LSU was able to learn the intricacies of a pro-style offense.

In a phone conversation with Cameron talking about what he saw in Mettenberger when he first arrived in Baton Rouge, Brent Sobleski of USA Today quoted the coach as saying, “I saw great arm talent. He was very similar to guys I’d been around. He’s better than some that were really good.”

B/R's Matt Miller praised Mettenberger in his pro comparison segment, pointing to his bodacious arm strength, solid footwork and ability to place the football wherever he wants.

If he can overcome his injury, the LSU product has the potential to be a first-round talent.

Without great athletic ability to carry him, he projects well to the Minnesota Vikings.

For offensive coordinator Norv Turner, having a player who can nuke the football downfield jibes with his offensive scheme. Turner loves to stretch the field with big wide receivers and tight ends while relying on a grueling ground attack to get the offense moving.

Exuding all of the qualities needed to fit comfortably in Turner's system, a healthy Mettenberger wouldn't be a bad haul for the Vikings.

Best Fit: Minnesota Vikings 

AJ McCarron, Alabama

Polarizing in his own right, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron is another player who grabbed the attention of a nation.

Winning two BCS National Championships during his time in Tuscaloosa, he was the catalyst of Nick Saban's cherished Crimson Tide football program.

Figuring out where his skill set would work best in the NFL is a task that many scouts and analysts have tried to decipher.

The one guy who did a remarkable job of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of McCarron's game was none other than B/R's own Matt Bowen. Talking about what he saw on tape, he said, "McCarron isn't in the discussion with the top-tier quarterback prospects (Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel) in the 2014 class. However, the Alabama product is well-coached, ready to run a pro system and has the SEC tape to back up his overall game."

McCarron isn't a "top-flight" prospect by any stretch of the imagination. His lack of velocity, creativity and arm strength labels him as a mid-round pick.

But as Bowen put it, "if he can develop within the right scheme, McCarron has the ability to transition into a starter at the NFL level."

A good place for him to undergo a NFL-style metamorphosis would be in Kansas City with head coach Andy Reid.

Reid's interpretation of the West Coast offense would allow McCarron to make timing reads that eventually would open up running lanes. Just like Alex Smith in 2013, McCarron's football smarts, accuracy and stellar touch on the ball would mesh well with Reid's philosophy.

Best Fit: Kansas City Chiefs

Tajh Boyd, Clemson

Clemson's Tajh Boyd is a classic dual-threat quarterback who can keep defenses honest with his athleticism and impressive vision.

On film, he shines when he's able to lean on the read-option. While it's hard to determine just how many of those plays were designed runs, he looked confident with that wrinkle in the Clemson attack.

He has to improve in staying in the pocket and going through his progressions. At times when you turn on the tape, he has a tendency to leave the pocket and head for greener pastures when his first read isn't there.

B/R's Matt Miller compared him to Jake Locker in his pro comparison segment because he's "more athlete than quarterback" right now.

If he can be groomed the right way, despite his 6'1" frame, Boyd has a shot to be a quality contributor for an NFL franchise.

Because of his experience working with the read-option and extending plays with his legs, a team that makes a lot of sense for Boyd is the San Francisco 49ers. 

With all of the chatter surrounding Colin Kaepernick's desire to rake in some serious dough, the time to pursue a young signal-caller with a similar skill set is now.

Boyd has a lot to work on if he wants to be an effective asset for an NFL franchise, but falling into a great situation like San Francisco would bode well for his future.

Best Fit: San Francisco 49ers

Aaron Murray, Georgia

Like Zach Mettenberger, Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray suffered a season-ending injury late in the 2013 season.

Despite being another SEC native, he doesn't have the size (6'0") or arm strength of Mettenberger. What he does have is good lateral quickness and an instinctive feel for how to hit his wide receivers across the field.

When you watching him work on tape, you get a sense that he understands how the game is played.

Breaking down the challenges he will face at the next level, Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout (h/t CBSSports.com) pronounced:

"

While there are plenty of positives to note when discussing Murray, one obvious concern is his lack of preferred size. The success of Drew Brees and Russell Wilson proves that shorter quarterbacks can be successful in the NFL. The greatest concern with short quarterbacks is their ability to see beyond the behemoths at the line of scrimmage and too many of Murray's passes over his career have been knocked down at the line of scrimmage. Durability is also an added concern with smaller quarterbacks

"

Though Carlos "Big C" Holmes of the Dayton Daily News recently reported that the Cincinnati Bengals have expressed interest in drafting Murray, that may not be the best fit for the Georgia Bulldog.

Murray's affinity for throwing the football on the move while still being able to sit in the pocket and go through his progressions makes him an appealing option for the majority of teams with a need at QB. Still, if you were to select one program where he could hone his skills, it would be the one that Sean Payton and Drew Brees have put together down in New Orleans.

Joining Brees would give Murray an inside track on how to improve his arm strength, study the minutiae of the position and comprehend a complex offensive scheme.

While not every "short" QB is going to turn out to be the next Brees or even Russell Wilson, for a guy projected to fall between the fourth and fifth round, Murray brings enough positive qualities with him for a team like the Saints to take a gamble.

Best Fit: New Orleans Saints

Brett Smith, Wyoming

Dave Weaver/Associated Press

Johnny Manziel may be the most exciting QB in the 2014 draft, but Wyoming's Brett Smith isn't far behind.

Navigating through the Mountain West Conference, he showcased his ability to not only throw the pigskin but also use his legs to hurt opposing defenses. Racking up 1,529 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground, he channeled his inner Johnny Football all the way out in Wyoming.

Unlike Manziel, Smith hasn't garnered any attention from the mainstream media. Without the luxury of an iconic collegiate program to fall back on, the kid from Salem, Oregon is still a name a lot of football fans don't quite know yet.

He is a wiry player with fantastic instincts who displays solid accuracy when he's spraying the football across the field. At 6'2", 206 pounds, he does a great job of going through his progressions and making the right decision without bailing on plays.

Deciphering his weaknesses as a prospect, Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com (h/t CBSSports.com) mentioned:

"

Smith is extremely confident, but almost to a fault as he tests small passing windows too often, throwing into tight coverage and hoping for a positive play. He has good enough arm strength for the next level, but lacks elite velocity especially when he can't step into his throws. Smith can get jumpy and skittish in the pocket and needs to get his footwork under control.

"

Holding a clipboard and learning how to improve behind a guy like Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers would give Smith a chance to clean up his flaws and transition into a quality NFL QB.

The timing for Smith to Green Bay makes a lot of sense. In a conversation with Weston Hodkiewicz of GreenBayPressGazette.com, head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his desire to pursue a backup QB in the draft.

Currently projected to fall between the fifth and sixth round, Smith would be a coup for a Packers team that is looking to solidify the backup QB position.

Best Fit: Green Bay Packers

David Fales, San Jose State

Watching David Fales on film during his time at San Jose State, it's easy to see that he would be a fantastic fit for any team that runs a West Coast offense.

Breaking down what made him such a success in college, Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com (h/t NFLDraftScout.com) said: "Quick-footed in his drops with an excellent feel in the pocket to step up and maneuver while keeping his eyes downfield. smart pre-snap reads and understands exactly where he wants to go with the ball, using his above average peripheral vision."

That's a very accurate depiction of allows Fales to pick defenses apart.

One major concern that could hamper his long-term projection in the NFL is his lack of premier arm strength. Unlike some of his peers, if he is asked to drive the football downfield, there appears to be a big drop-off in his velocity.

Still, if you can get him in the right system with the right coaching staff, his efficiency throwing the football, decision-making and high football IQ would give him a realistic chance to be a starting quarterback.

A natural fit would be with the New York Jets. Reminiscent of Chad Pennington, Fales is smart enough to guide an NFL offense despite his shortcomings in arm strength.

As detailed by Conor Orr of NJ.com, Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s scheme is predicated on timing. That type of system is exactly what Fales needs to make his presence felt.

Fales is projected to be a fifth-round draft pick. Head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik would be smart to scoop him up and give Geno Smith some competition entering the 2014 season.

Best Fit: New York Jets

Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

Out of all the quarterbacks in this year's class, Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas is the biggest development project.

A ridiculous athlete by design, the 6'6", 248-pound prospect ran a staggering 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the combine.

To help put that that kind of speed into perspective, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash in 2011.

From a sheer physicality standpoint, Newton and Thomas match up remarkably well.

The stark difference between the two quarterbacks comes down to Thomas' issues in throwing the football. As Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com (h/t CBSSports.com) put it:

"

Inconsistent footwork and mechanics are a big reason for his erratic passing, struggling to reset his lower body when moved from his spot. Needs to stay balanced through his delivery. Suspect field vision and questionable passing instincts. Needs to speed up his eyes use and decipher his reads quicker. Seems to have a handful of mind-boggling decisions each game. Throws too many fastballs and needs to develop touch and timing to deliver more catchable balls.

"

Thomas has to grow in leaps and bounds as a passer if he wants to make it in the pros. As B/R's Matt Miller mentioned, the problems he's had improving at the position have led some teams to consider choosing him to play tight end instead.

But in a league enamored by physical prowess, he should generate a ton of interest from NFL teams that are looking to harness and mold his natural gifts into something special.

With the arrival of Mike Zimmer as head coach and Norv Turner as offensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings would be a nice fit for Thomas.

Turner's history with developing and getting the most out of quarterbacks has been his calling card. Detailing what he calls "The Norv Turner effect," Joe Fortenbaugh of NationalFootballPost.com said, "Turner has worked with aging veterans, journeymen, highly touted first round picks and future stars. He knows what it’s like to win and he’s familiar with what comes from losing."

Getting the chance to learn and soak up the knowledge of a quarterback guru like Turner could put Thomas in a great position to succeed.

Best Fit: Minnesota Vikings

Tom Savage, Pittsburgh

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Pittsburgh quarterback Tom Savage is one of the most under-the-radar prospects in the 2014 draft.

Discussing the crop of quarterbacks in this year's class on a conference call, NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said (h/t Dan Duggan of NJ.com), "The other kind of wild card I would say is (quarterback) Tom Savage that nobody talks about from University of Pittsburgh. He's a big, strong kid that can throw also."

The 6'4" QB can wing it when he has a clean pocket. Coming out of a variety of formations, he looks like a prototypical NFL quarterback from the moment he drops back in the pocket.

The biggest concern regarding his future at the next level is how he deals with the perils of pressure. In the face of oncoming defenders, he struggled with his decision-making.

Succeeding in the National Football League for Savage is going to come down to his ability to clean up his footwork, get a better level of comfort dealing with pressure and grow as a passer overall.

Knowing that, a good landing place for the Pittsburgh big man would be with Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals.

Arians' vertical passing attack is a natural fit for a guy with Savage's strengths. Expressing no interest in drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2014 draft when talking to Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic, Arians could use the later rounds to go after a "project" pick.

It wouldn't be the worst idea.

Slated right now to be a seventh-round pick, under the tutelage of Arians and his prolific offensive mind, Savage would have plenty of time to develop while sitting behind Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton.

Remember, Savage is the quarterback whom NFL.com's Gil Brandt compared to former Dallas Cowboys great Troy Aikman back in October 2013.

If he ever lives up to that comparison, you can be sure that Arians and everyone who loves the Cardinals would be thrilled to have him on the roster.

Best Fit: Arizona Cardinals

Connor Shaw, South Carolina

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Projected to be a sixth-round pick, University of South Carolina's Connor Shaw is a good athlete who could grow as a player if he's thrust into the right system.

At 6'0", he made his mark as the unheralded leader of Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks. But determining his potential at the pro level is a bit murky.

Talking about how he sees Shaw's skills translating over, Coach Spurrier told Tony Santaella of WLTX.com, "I think he's a lot like Russell Wilson. He can run, come out of the pocket, protect himself, he's an excellent passer. All he needs is the opportunity."

Like Wilson, Shaw can make things happen with his legs when he's asked to leave the pocket. Running a 4.66-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the Gamecocks field general showed off his speed to potential suitors.

Without all of the dominant physical attributes that most NFL quarterbacks have, Shaw's future could be predicated on his ability to win football games. When it was all said and done, he finished his illustrious career at South Carolina as the program's winningest QB.

Talking about Shaw's draft stock with Aaron Brenner of The Post and Courier, Gamecocks cornerback Vic Hampton said: "I mean, he's a winner. At the end of the day, isn't that what quarterbacks are about? Isn't that what you want as a quarterback, is a winner? He's not a guy who's gonna be rah-rah, but when he does speak, it's gonna mean a lot."

If you analyze his skill set and the intangibles he brings with him, a perfect landing place for Shaw would be Seattle.

Cutting his teeth in the invigorating culture Pete Carroll has built up there, Shaw would be a great understudy to Wilson. Learning how to unravel the mystery of being a smaller signal-caller, his time in a Seahawks uniform would give him the best chance to be a successful NFL-caliber QB.

Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks

All 2014 draft projections provided by NFLDraftScout.com (h/t CBSSports.com) unless noted otherwise. All college football stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise. All NFL combine info courtesy of NFL.com, unless noted otherwise.