NFL Draft 2011: Top 10 Quarterbacks after the NFL Scouting Combine
With the combine past and gone, the top quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft look to impress or prove something more on their pro days.
Some quarterbacks really impressed and took part in the passing drills, while other quarterbacks had their stocks plummet and didn't participate in the drills.
After the combine, who are the top 10 quarterbacks entering this year's draft?
10. Nathan Enderle, Idaho
1 of 10
Enderle was the star of the Idaho Vandals football team for four years.
He had a shaky start his redshirt freshman year, throwing just 10 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
But afterwards, he went off and finished his career with 10,084 yards passing and 74 touchdowns.
Enderle had a good combine. He proved himself in the passing drills, was pretty accurate with his passes and displayed great arm strength.
Ryan Mallet, move over: Here is your arm strength equivalent.
Combine Results
40 Time: 5.15 seconds
Vertical: 25.5 inches
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240 pounds
9. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
2 of 10
Ever since the East-West game, Stanzi's stock has taken a huge hit.
He wasn't exactly the best quarterback in the passing drills, and his 40 time isn't all that great either. But hey, he's a pocket passer and won't beat you with his feet.
Stanzi had a solid senior season for the Iowa Hawkeyes, so basing it off just pure stats alone, he should be higher. But, he didn't impress anyone in the passing drills.
I still think Stanzi could be a good quarterback someday, but he's moving closer and closer to backup territory. His Pro Day is going to have to be phenomenal.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.93 seconds
Vertical: 32.5 inches
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 230 pounds
8. Pat Devlin, Delaware
3 of 10
Devlin came into the combine with a highly touted comparison to Joe Flacco. He left with a lot of questions.
It may just be the Delaware connection to Flacco, but his inaccurate throws in the passing drill should lead many to be worried.
It could be the jitters that got to him, performing in front of the guys who could make or break you, or it could be a serious concern. His deep ball isn't exactly where it should be, but he has the legs to move.
We'll just have to wait until his Pro Day to see how the small school quarterback impresses everyone.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.86 seconds
Vertical: 33 inches
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220 pounds
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7. Andy Dalton, TCU
4 of 10
The fiery quarterback who helped lead TCU to a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin did a lot this weekend to help improve his stock.
There is no question that Dalton is a proven winner and is not easily intimidated by the bright lights.
Not only that, but in the passing drills, Dalton did everything he needed to do to prove he could perform at the next level: accurate passing, good mechanics, he did it. His arm strength could continue to be an issue, though.
He was a great quarterback in college and could be a good quarterback in the pros.
Dalton definitely did nothing but help himself at the combine.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.87 seconds
Vertical: 29.5 inches
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 215 pounds
6. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
5 of 10
A lot of questions have been raised about the pistol offense quarterback from Nevada.
Can he make a transition to a pro-style offense? How long would it take to develop him?
Kaepernick was definitely a standout at the combine. No one questions his speed, and with a 4.53 he was the fastest quarterback at the combine.
He proved he could be a quarterback at the next level with some help. Of course the normal mechanics issue came into play, as he needs help with footwork and his throwing motion.
Kaepernick gets a good grade here. Everyone shouldn't be worried about having him on their team. He could prove to be a versatile asset.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.53 seconds
Vertical: 32.5 inches
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 225 pounds
5. Christian Ponder, Florida State
6 of 10
Alright, I am absolutely in love with Christian Ponder and have completely jumped on his bandwagon.
He was big for Florida State in his time there and could be a sleeper pick in this year's draft.
Ponder's participation in the passing drills, combined with the combine stats he piled up, have pushed many to make him a late first-round pick to a early second-round pick.
He was the East-West Shrine Game MVP on top of everything.
Ponder displayed great arm strength and was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the drills.
He seriously is a sleeper for whoever drafts him. He went from a third- or fourth-round pick all the way to early second. His stock is improving.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.65 seconds
Vertical: 34 inches
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 227 pounds
4. Jake Locker, Washington
7 of 10
I still feel Locker is behind Mallett even though there are some people who believe that he is not only ahead, but could be a top-15 pick.
I highly doubt he could be picked that high, but a late first, early second round pick seems to befit him.
He can't really disprove his injury concerns, but he did say he was sticking with football even though he has a baseball contract waiting for him with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
He wasn't exactly the model quarterback we came to expect at last month's Senior Bowl. Not to mention, he was once battling Sam Bradford to be the top overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft before deciding to return to Washington to try and finally play in a bowl game.
Locker is a great quarterback. If you're willing to take a risk on an injury-concerned quarterback, Locker is your man. He could be a serious top quarterback in the NFL.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.59 seconds
Vertical: 35 inches
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 230 pounds
3. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
8 of 10
Okay people, let's stop with the Ryan Leaf comparisons. Not everyone who has a bad press conference is the next Ryan Leaf.
A big concern for him is his past drug use. Need I remind everyone that Dan Marino went through the same thing leaving Pittsburgh?
Look how that turned out.
Mallett displayed his great arm in the drills and was deadly accurate. He could leapfrog into the top 10 of the draft after his combine workout.
There is no questioning Mallett's ability as a quarterback, as he is as ready as they come. It's his character issues that have everyone jumping ship on the Arkansas quarterback.
Combine Results
40 Time: N/A
Vertical: 24 inches
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 238 pounds
2. Cam Newton, Auburn
9 of 10
I'll admit this right now, I have never and am still not a fan of Cam Newton.
With that being said, he did pretty well at the combine in everything but the quarterback drills. He reiterated that he is the most athletic quarterback coming in, but honestly, who didn't know that? The guy is athletically gifted.
Now let us take a look at his quarterback drill. He went 11-for-21, completing just over 50 percent of his passes.
Newton needs work as a passer, and that's been a big concern coming out of Auburn's offense.
Now with that said, I still think someone would take him top five.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.59 seconds
Vertical: 35 inches
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 250 pounds
1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
10 of 10
I still don't understand how someone like Gabbert can come out of nowhere and become the top quarterback in the draft. But, that's the NFL draft for you.
There's not much to be said about Gabbert. Instead of doing the passing drills at the combine, he opted instead to throw at his Pro Day. Smart choice. That decision seems to have hurt Newton.
Besides that, he ran well and his interviews went exceptionally well.
Gabbert is definitely a top-five pick and some places have him going first overall.
Combine Results
40 Time: 4.62 seconds
Vertical: 33.5 inches
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 235 pounds
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