2011 NFL Draft : Top Ten Quarterbacks

The 2011 NFL Draft Class has arguably the deepest group of quarterbacks since the class of '83, that included Dan Marino, Jim Kelly and John Elway. Christian Ponder, Jake Locker, Andrew Luck and Ryan Mallett all have a shot at the first round, while a handful of others are pushing for that achievement.

The following rankings are based on how I believe these quarterbacks will translate to the next level. I have based my evaluation on my own analysis of game tape as well as a number of scouting reports. Here are my top ten quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft Class.

10. Blaine Gabbert: University Of Missouri

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: Blaine Gabbert #11 of the University of Missouri Tigers looks to pass against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri.

I doubt Blaine Gabbert declares for the 2011 NFL Draft, because he still needs some work. Gabbert has the size and arm strength necessary to play in the NFL, the problem is he lacks any sort of pocket presence.

Playing in a spread offense, he operates exclusively out of the shotgun and flushes the pocket too early. He is a clutch player with great intangibles but will need good coaching at the next level to succeed.

9. Nick Foles: The University Of Arizona

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TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Nick Foles #8 of the Arizona Wildcats drops back to pass during the college football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Arizona Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Hawkeyes 34-

Foles has great bulk and decent enough arm strength to succeed at the next level. He runs a lot of shotgun offense at Arizona and is unpolished as a result. That being said, I think he has the talent to warrant a mid-round selection as a developmental backup.

8. Andy Dalton: Texas Christian University

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 04: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs at Cowboys Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

TCU gets a lot of attention for their defense, but Andy Dalton often flies under the radar.

I really like Andy Dalton as a mid-round prospect. He gets the ball out of his hands quickly and makes good decisions.

I think he makes a great pick in the middle rounds and projects as a solid game manager and quality second string quarterback.

7. Terrelle Pryor: Ohio State University

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Pryor is a flashy prospect who does not amount to a whole lot on tape. His accuracy is questionable and his feel for the position is borderline at best. His athleticism is excellent but he is too inconsistent to be drafted in the first round. However, I am sure some front office will take a shot at him in the first few rounds.

6. Nathan Enderle: The University of Idaho

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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 11: Idaho Vandals quarterback Nathan Enderle #10 throws a pass down field over Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive tackle Jared Crick #94 during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Lincoln,

Nathan Enderle has tons of experience as a four-year starter in a pro-style offense. He is an intriguing prospect, possessing great leadership qualities and solid accuracy. In addition Enderle has displayed above average decision making and a quick release during his tenor at Idaho.

5. Pat Devlin: The University Of Delaware

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Pat Devlin #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hands off the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 25, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Devlin is drawing comparisons to Joe Flacco because of his Delaware roots. Devlin is not quite the prospect Flacco was, however he has a quick release and is very decisive with the football. He has adequate arm strength but questionable accuracy that could keep him out of the first round.

4. Ryan Mallet: University Of Arkansas

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansa Razorbacks throws a pass over Rahim Alem #84 of the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Ge

After this past weekend Mallett's stock has taken a significant hit in my book. The difficulty of his offense is not impressive and he failed to step up at crunch time.

Meanwhile he has zero mobility and will get chewed apart by NFL blitzes.

3. Andrew Luck: Standford University

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PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Stanford Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Andrew Luck has a natural ability to play the quarterback position. He has great mechanics and decision making. Meanwhile, he operates a pro-style west coast attack with great efficiency.

However, he lacks the arm strength and accuracy for me to grade him as an elite prospect. That being said he will make some team very happy in the first round.

2. Jake Locker: University of Washington

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 18, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Cornhuskers defeated the Huskies 56-21. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Gett

The Locker and Luck debate is close, and I like them both as top fifteen prospects. You have to look at more than just the box scores. Locker has the better arm and athleticism without question. Locker arguably has the better accuracy, and Luck throws an ugly deep ball that tends to float.

Also do not overlook the fact that Locker plays on a far worse team. Luck has the better wide receivers and offensive line as well as defense. Locker is doing everything he can with the team he has.

The Nebraska game was not as bad as the box score would let you believe for Locker. His receivers were constantly blanketed and he was under pressure all day. He made some bad throws, but he was playing against arguably the best defense in the country with no talent around him. He can only do so much.

Locker displayed some of the concerns I have with him, which is that he tends to lock on to receivers occasionally and that he lacks a feel for the position at times. However I remain confident that the tools are there.

There is no need to look at the Nebraska game and immediately say Locker is the worse quarterback. Let's see how he bounces back. He is still a more talented prospect than Luck and only slightly less polished.

1. Christian Ponder: Florida State University

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NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

Ponder showed me a lot in 2009. On film I see a tough poised quarterback who is more than capable of making all of the throws. He has a quick release and tremendous pocket presence. In addition, he has excellent foot work and a natural feel for the position.

Ponder showed a great deal in bouncing back from that tough game against Oklahoma. His leadership, intelligence, and toughness give him the intangibles to make him a top notch quarterback prospect.