Re-Evaluating The 2006 QB Draft Class...

Now that Matt Leinart is on the bench with the Arizona Cardinals, I felt it was time to take another look at the 2006 NFL Quarterback Draft Class.

Here is the draft order:

Vince Young 3rd overall

Matt Leinart 10th overall

Jay Cutler 11th overall

Kellen Clemens 49th overall

Tarvaris Jackson 64th overall

Charlie Whitehurst 81st overall

Brodie Croyle 85th overall

Ingle Martin 148th overall

Omar Jacobs 164th overall

Bruce Gradkowski 194th overall

DJ Shockey 232nd overall

After all is said and done, it appears that Vince Young and Jay Cutler will be the main producers out of this draft class. Young seems to be coming into his own and fits the Titans offense well....

Cutler has much to prove in Chicago. He played well in Denver, but needs to produce under offensive coordinator, Mike Martz to be consider a solid NFL starter.

Seattle is really high on Charlie Whitehurst, so he may have a future as a starter once Matt Hasselback retires or is forced out. The fact that Whitehurst was drafted in the 3rd round prevents him from being considered a bust in my opinion.

Brodie Croyle looks to be a solid NFL backup in Kansas City. Matt Cassel is being paid starting quarterback money, so it appears Croyle will remain the backup for the 2010 season.

Bruce Gradkowski also appears to have some upside to him. He handled himself well when called upon with the Oakland Raiders. Once again, being drafted in the 6th round prevents Gradkowski from being considered a bust or even a disappointment.

This brings us back to Leinart. Not to pile on the guy, but he is most certainly in NFL bust territory. If he isn't traded out of Arizona to be the "man" somewhere else, it would appear that he is a bust.

Vince Young and Jay Cutler are not blowing up the NFL, but they are starting quarterbacks in the NFL and do seem to have some upside left to their game. Leinart's upside seems to be diminishing by the minute.