2011 NFL Draft: Jake Locker, Andrew Luck, and The Best of The Rest
While it may be a little premature to begin evaluating 2011 QB prospects, especially since most teams have just finished their warm up games, we're going to take a look at the top QBs of this year's draft class. This list is derived in part with help from our friends at ESPN's Scouts Inc. As far as I can tell, this class will hardly be as deep as many classes from year's past, most notably the 2004 draft class which produced guys like Philip Rivers, Matt Schaub, Eli Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger. Despite this classes lack of depth, there are certainly still some promising prospects.
Let's take a look.
Jake Locker
1 of 6
Scouts Grade: 95
2010 Statistics (3 games)
626 Yards 6 TDs 2 Ints
Locker is hailed as the top draft prospect in the 2011 class by ESPN's Scouts Inc. Saddled with a Washington team that is not positioned to capitalize on their quarterback's ability, Locker is sure to lose a few games against a surprisingly deep Pac-10 field. Locker failed his first major test of the season against a vicious Nebraska defense, with a less than pedestrian 4-20 two interception performance. Despite this disappointment, expect Locker to bounce back against the rest of a tough schedule. He can begin his quest for redemption this weekend against 18th ranked USC. I expect Locker or Andrew Luck to be the first choice in the 2011 draft.
Andrew Luck
2 of 6
Scouts Grade: 93
2010 Statistics (4 games)
912 Yards 11 TDs 2 Ints
Playing for a surprisingly strong Stanford team, Luck has picked apart opponents. He hasn't put up the same kind of passing numbers as some other spread offense quarterbacks (Ryan Mallet most notably), but he has been efficient enough to net four comfortable wins. Twice already this season he's gone into hostile environments, Notre Dame and UCLA, and come out with wins, though he did throw two interceptions in the 37-14 victory over the Irish. Luck, a draft eligible underclassmen, will certainly benefit from head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who is a former NFL quarterback. Luck has also surprised many people with his mobility, after taking off on a 52 yard touchdown scamper against Wake Forest. He has a big test this weekend against Oregon. He'll surely get plenty of opportunity to showcase his arm in what figures to be a high scoring affair.
Ryan Mallet
3 of 6
Scouts Grade: 92
2010 Statistics (4 games)
1,438 yards 10 TDs 5 Ints
Mallet is the prospect who I think will become the best NFL quarterback. He is a prototypical pocket passer with a cannon for an arm. His size and over the top delivery will allow him to survey defenses and make throws even without great passing lanes. He's also had the opportunity to play against some of the best defenses college football has to offer. He certainly does have room to improve. Despite throwing for gaudy numbers, Mallet threw two late game interceptions against Alabama which likely cost Arkansas it's chance to knock off #1. If Mallet can improve his decision making, he has all the physical tools to be a successful quarterback at the next level.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Blaine Gabbert
4 of 6
Scouts Grade: 88
2010 Statistics (4 games)
1,039 yards 5 TDs 3 Ints
There appears to be consensus that Locker, Luck, and Mallet are the top three prospects at the quarterback position. At a distant fourth stands the Missouri signal caller Blaine Gabbert. Though he has strong numbers and an impressive 68.2% completion rate, I am reserving my final judgement until after he plays serious Big 12 opponents. Once the Big 12 season starts, it will be easier to get a feel for the progress that Gabbert has made in his second season as a starter. At 6'5, he fits the mold of the NFL QB. However, his draft status will surely suffer from the spread offense he has run in college. Rarely under center, Gabbert may be called a "system quarterback" and his transition to a pro style offense will likely be bumpy. Ultimately, it would be wise for a guy like Gabbert to remain in college for another year and hone his ability before making the leap to the NFL.
Christian Ponder
5 of 6
Scouts Grade: 85
2010 Statistics (4 games)
1,039 yards 7 TDs 3 Ints
It feels like this guy has been around forever. Well on his way to a career season last year, Ponder suffered a season ending injury and shelved his professional hopes until after his senior season. He has started the 2010 campaign strongly, despite a poor performance against Oklahoma. He has redeemed himself in subsequent games and will have plenty of opportunity to prove himself against elite competition with Miami and Florida looming on the schedule.
Kellen Moore: Sleeper Pick
6 of 6
Scouts Grade: (Shockingly, he did not make Scouts Inc. top 48)
2010 Statistics (3 games)
873 yards 8 TDs 1 Int
Kellen Moore, the Boise State signal caller is generating very little draft buzz. His 29-1 record as a starter speaks to his credentials as a leader (and maybe to a weak schedule). Additionally, his 65.3% completion rate is a testament to his accuracy. Unfortunately, Moore is hamstrung primarily by his diminutive stature. At 6'0 ft and 190 lbs, most believe that Moore is too small to succeed as an NFL quarterback. And, like Gabbert, he is considered a "system quarterback."
Perhaps, however, some team will take a chance with him and be rewarded. Though he probably doesn't have the arm strength of a guy like Drew Brees, his stature is very similar. I'm not suggesting that Moore is the next Brees by any stretch, but it does seem like a guy who is this effective in college in conquering nearly ever opponent he has faced, may be able to bring some of his winning ways to the NFL.
If you like this and other stories, follow me on twitter here
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
