2010 NFL Draft: Is Dan LeFevour the Next Buffalo Bills Franchise Quarterback?

Dan LeFevour, the standout MAC quarterback from Central Michigan, has recently announced that he will show up at the NFL Scouting Combine, but that he will not participate in any throwing drills.

When is a quarterback not a quarterback? Only at the NFL Combine.

LeFevour joins a growing list including Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford, as all three are going to refrain from having their passing scrutinized in front of all the scouts and coaches in attendance at the combine.

Bradford and Clausen have an excuse, as they are coming off surgery.

LeFevour, on the other hand, prefers to wait for the Pro Day at Central Michigan, where he can throw at his own stadium and to his own receivers.

While many experts and draft analysts will be quick to note that this decision will cause LeFevour's stock to drop considerably, it might play directly into the hands of the Buffalo Bills' needs.

When we were asked to conduct a mock draft for the Bills back in January, I had LeFevour going to the Bills in the fourth round of the draft.

With all of the changes that have occurred in the Bills organization since I wrote that article, namely the announcement of switching to a 3-4 defensive alignment and Brad Butler's surprise retirement from football, the Bills will need to identify not one, but two starting tackles, a nose tackle for the new defense, and then a QB, in that order.

So if the Bills do not choose to trade down in the first round to secure additional draft choices in the second or third round, they might have to wait and pray that LeFevour is still there when the Bills' turn rolls around in the fourth round. That is why his decision to not do any passing at the NFL combine could be a blessing in disguise.

Why is LeFevour so Special?

For those of you not that familiar with LeFevour, he is a gifted and talented QB. LeFevour is out of the Mid-American Conference, and before you say so what, just note that he shares that distinction along with Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich, and Chad Pennington, who could be the veteran QB the Bills sign to mentor Dan.

During his career at Central Michigan, LeFevour put up some staggering numbers. He is the all-time NCAA leader with 149 touchdowns in his career. He is second all-time in career yardage leader with 15,898 yards gained.

For an offense that has been down as long as the Bills' has, the fans will have to exhibit more patience than is probably possible, while waiting for him to learn the NFL game before he is thrown into the fire.

He's a good-sized QB at 6'3" and 229 pounds. He is a good runner as well, having gained over 700 yards in his senior year with 15 rushing touchdowns.

By the way, LeFevour began his football career as a running back in his freshman year in high school. Injuries forced him to become a QB, but his initial choice at running back has been demonstrated by his running totals amassed as a Chippewa.

Long Laundry List of Awards and Accomplishments

Here is just a partial list of some of the awards that LeFevour has amassed during his years at Central Michigan:

2007 All-MAC first team selection
2008 All-MAC second team selection
2009 MAC Offensive Player of the Year
2009 All-MAC first team selection
2009 Elite Quarterback Performer, College Football Performance Awards
2009 Elite National Performer, College Football Performance Awards
2009 MVP of the MAC Championship Game
2010 MVP of the GMAC Bowl
2010 Senior Bowl North team most outstanding player

How Did He Progress During His Four Years at Central Michigan?

Looking at his four-year statistics, you will note that LeFevour showed positive development and continued to excel as he gained experience.

His freshman year (2006): 26 TD passes to 10 interceptions. QB Passer Rating of 146, and he rushed for 523 yards with seven rushing TDs.

His sophomore year (2007): 27 TD passes to 13 interceptions. QB Passer Rating of 133 and his career high of 1,122 rushing yards along with 19 rushing TDs.

His junior year (2008): 29 TD passes compared to only six interceptions. QB Passer Rating of 144 and 592 rushing yards to go along with six rushing TDs.

Finally, his senior year (2009): Again a whopping 28 TD passes to only seven interceptions. A QB Passer Rating of 150 and 713 rushing yards with 15 rushing TDs.

Chan Gailey has been known to enjoy working with mobile QBs. If this kid isn't the working definition of a mobile QB, then who is?

If you want to learn more about him, you can check out a web site that has been put together by fans of LeFevour. It can be found at danlefevourfans.org.

Dan LeFevour, thanks for the decision to skip passing at the NFL Combines. Now, if only we can be assured that you will drop to the fourth round of the draft, we will be there waiting for you with open arms.