Tim Tebow Isn't a Prototypical Franchise Quarterback

In the coming weeks and months, no college player will have his draft prospects scrutinised than Tim Tebow.  Put all the hype and endless list of achievements aside for a moment.  And before I begin, could I just remind everyone that I believe Tim Tebow is a great guy and a dominant college player.  However, I can't see him as an NFL franchise quarter back in the mold of Rivers, Brees or Palmer.  He definitely (and this is no criticism) isn't in the Tom Brady/Peyton Manning/Brett Favre category.  Look at his statistics.  In most games, he has a good spread of running and passing yardage and touchdowns.  On the outside, this is great: a dual threat quarterback who can pass AND run to keep the defence guessing.  Yet this does not bode well for his NFL career.

Quarterbacks running is a good thing in college: for the most part it is an easier and more efficient way to move the ball with little chance of a turnover.  This is the same in high school football.  Defences at these lower levels aren't as strong, the linebackers and linemen aren't as big and not nearly as clever at reading the play as NFL players.  If Tebow does get drafted high (which, given his impressive stats is basically guaranteed) the franchise that decides to take him will have a conundrum on their hands.  Scrambling quarterbacks, in the rough and tumble world of the NFL don't last long.  Yes, Ben Roethilsberger occasionally scrambles but this is out of desperation or to give time to throw downfield.  And his recent concussion shows how dangerous this can be.  As a franchise quarterback, you need a good arm, agility in the pocket, a good eye for open receivers and a cool head.  Scrambling does not necessarily make you a better QB.  Tim Tebow undoubtedly possesses these characteristics of a franchise QB, but his scrambling will ensure that he will have a short career which may be blighted by injury and inconsistency.