2011 NFL Draft: A QB Class The Redskins Will Ponder

Not to beat the issue or sound dramatic, but the Washington Redskins desperately need to find a starting quarterback before next season in order to keep the world from vanishing into thin air.

Okay, so maybe it’s not that big of a deal, but it’s certainly a top priority for a Redskins team with nothing more than John Beck under contract for next season and Rex Grossman as a possible shoo-in.

Although the upcoming offseason is said to be one of the juiciest free agent classes in league history, the NFL and its players are scrambling to avoid a lockout and keep the 2011 season alive.

With the lockout lingering and head coach Mike Shanahan in search of “his guy”, we’ll take a look at the incoming rookie quarterback class (in order of quick-predicted draft position)...

Ryan Mallett

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew

Ryan Mallett (6’7 / 238 lbs / Jr.) - Along with his incredible size, the Arkansas Razorback record-smasher has a cannon for an arm. Mallett’s height is positive in the sense that he can see the whole field over lineman, but his mobility is limited and his footwork isn’t great when stepping up in the pocket. With the inability to escape the rush and some reported character issues that question his commitment, Mallett doesn’t appear to fit in Washington.

Blaine Gabbert

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers drops back to pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (P

Blaine Gabbert (6’5 / 235 / Jr.) – At the ripe age of just 20, Gabbert’s name will climb draft boards as time goes by, and many teams will have him as their No. 1 passer come April. Gabbert is an accurate passer and comes from the spread offense system at Missouri. While many question the transition from a college spread to the professional offensive system, Gabbert appears to be a quick learner who is committed to doing what it takes to be a really good pro. Some have compared Gabbert to Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, but his fit in the Shanahan offense is still a toss-up.

Cam Newton

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates the Tigers 22-19 victory against the Oregon Ducks in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Ar

Cam Newton (6’5 / 250 / Jr.) – By now, we all know about Cam Newton and his unbelievable season, which ended with a National Championship for the Auburn Tigers. Newton’s athleticism and size go without saying, but many are weary of his ability to read defenses and his off-the-field troubles. Newton has a huge arm with underestimated accuracy, and he’s an extremely raw talent.

Although a major project, Newton’s potential is through the roof, and he’d fit perfectly with Mike Shanahan, assuming he could act responsibly and learn to read a defense. When people argue that Newton is far from an NFL quarterback, just remember that the almighty Tim Tebow wasn’t an NFL quarterback come draft time either.

Jake Locker

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies drops back to pass during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 4

Jake Locker (6’3 / 223 / Sr.) – Had Locker entered last year’s draft, he would have been a sure-fire top-15 pick and could have even rivaled Sam Bradford. Instead, Locker decided to return for his senior season—  a season that really stunk and may have actually frightened some front offices.

Regardless of his senior campaign, Locker has all the tools to become a good quarterback in the NFL. Locker’s combination of mobility and awareness places him amongst the elite rookies in terms of understanding the game. Cons to Locker’s game could be his sporadic inaccuracy (see: McNabb) and his sometimes indecisiveness in the pocket.

After having to go through four years of college with a weak supporting cast, I’m not ready to give up on this kid completely. No doubt that Locker fits Shanny’s system, and he’s probably the best fit on this list so far—although Newton’s potential is seriously out of control.

Christian Ponder

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up before a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Christian Ponder (6’3 / 220 / Sr.) – This guy isn’t going to blow you away or make you do a double-take after a big play, but Ponder appears to be a prospect that can get it done at the next level. While playing at Florida State, Ponder gained experience playing in a pro-style offense and he can stand tall in the pocket to make good throws.

Although his arm strength won’t top the charts at the Combine, his accuracy could. Ponder is very intelligent and is said to be a great leader in the huddle. Because of his accuracy and mobility, Ponder is a very nice fit in Shanahan’s offense. One major part of Ponder’s resume is his injury history, which is the last thing the Redskins need.

Pat Devlin

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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)

Pat Devlin (6’4 / 220 / Sr.) – Not a huge arm for the Delaware Blue Hen, but he can put a ball on the numbers a majority of the time.

Although starring at Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco’s alma mater, Devlin’s level of competition comes into question. Devlin has good speed for a quarterback and his pocket presence is well-documented. Because of his touch, accuracy, and mobility, Devlin fits the Redskins offense. The Penn State transfer doesn’t have great velocity on his passes, his mechanics (including release) need improvement, and his long ball is suspect.

Andy Dalton

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs throws a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Andy Dalton (6’3 / 215 / Sr.) – After leading the TCU Horned Frogs to a Rose Bowl victory, Dalton has officially put his name on the map. Dalton is an accurate passer with good zip and the ability to scramble.

Although Dalton is a four-year starter, it comes within the spread offense, and he’d have to learn how to take snaps from under center. Dalton’s athleticism isn’t anything to get excited about, but his winning attitude and leadership is. While he may not be selected in the first two or three rounds, Dalton is deserving of a shot in the NFL, and he’ll get one.

Yes, he fits the Shanahan mold.

Ricky Stanzi

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes warms up before the Insight Bowl against the Missouri Tigers at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Ricky Stanzi (6’4 / 225 / Sr.) – Another guy that won’t leap out of the gym with his athleticism or physical gifts, Stanzi does come with an accurate arm and the ability to manage a game. The longtime Iowa starter has the tools to work with at the next level, and solid coaching could polish his skills after a few seasons. Stanzi understands the game and can also escape a pass-rush, making him a possible target for Shanahan. However, due to lack of upside, it isn’t likely that the Redskins take a stab.

Scott Tolzien

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Scott Tolzien (6’3 / 205 / Sr.) – The two-year Wisconsin starter has the arm strength and accuracy to succeed at the next level, but his decision-making and mechanics will make him a late-round pick. In terms of fit, Tolzien could work in Shanahan’s offense, but the team doesn’t appear prepared to take on that big of a project at this point.