2011 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Quarterback Prospects
Everyday we inch closer and closer to the 2011 NFL Draft. As with every draft, the quarterbacks are a hot topic of discussion.
This year there will be a lot of teams searching for the next great NFL quarterback, and according to my scouting, there are as many as five quarterbacks that can go in the 1st round.
The following slides will count down my top five quarterbacks with thoughts on each. You can read more in-depth scouting reports at www.nflmocks.com
No. 5—Christian Ponder
1 of 5
Christian Ponder has been in the top quarterback discussion since the beginning of the season and he remains there. His year hasn't been eye opening, but injuries and his supporting cast have attributed to his performance.
Ponder is a very technically sound quarterback that has great pass anticipation. The knock on Ponder is that he doesn't possess elite arm strength. He has a lot of game experience, which means he could step on the field right away.
I personally feel that Ponder would make a good 2nd or 3rd round selection for a team looking to get someone on the field early. Look for at team like the Cardinals, 49ers or Raiders to take a close look at Ponder.
No. 4—Cam Newton
2 of 5
Newton has enjoyed one of the better seasons in College Football history, but the recent pay for play controversy could lead to an early jump to the NFL.
Watching Newton play, there is no doubting his physical talent, and that is what will ultimately result in his 1st round selection.
Watching film on Newton has raised a lot of questions in my mind. Newton relies heavily on his offensive coordinator to relay coverages and audibles— this is going to be something he struggles with as he adjusts to the NFL. He also needs a lot of work refining his mechanics.
No. 3—Jake Locker
3 of 5
Locker has lost millions of dollars by returning to school for his Senior season. Last year, it would have been very unlikely for Locker to get past the Washington Redskins, but he now faces the possibility of falling out of the top 15.
Locker has great athletic ability and the arm to make all the NFL throws, however, he has struggled with his decision making. The Senior Bowl will be key to Locker getting his stock moving upward.
The bottom line is that you can't ignore his struggles this season.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 2—Ryan Mallett
4 of 5
Mallett has benefited from the fall of Jake Locker. He has all the tools you look for in an NFL quarterback, and there is no doubt he has the strongest arm in this draft.
However, he has been lax on his mechanic, which have some experts questioning his concentration. After it is all said and done, I don't see a scenario where Mallett falls out of the top 10 of the draft (unless he returns to school).
No. 1—Andrew Luck
5 of 5
There are a lot of people in NFL cities holding their breath hoping the redshirt Sophomore declares for the NFL Draft. Luck is coming out of Stanford's NFL style offense under the tutelage of ex-NFLer Jim Harbaugh.
Luck possessed good athleticism and has shown excellent poise and decision making in his young career. Overall this is the top quarterback prospect and player eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
