2011 NFL Draft: Christian Ponder Will Be the Most Successful Quarterback

Surrounding the 2011 NFL Draft are names such as Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker.

Although these quarterbacks possess excellent talent and could very well be successful in the NFL, the quarterback that will succeed the most in this year's class is Christian Ponder.  

Over the last five years at Florida State, Christian Ponder has improved his game and became one of the elite quarterbacks in the ACC.

In 2009, Ponder began his season by putting up Heisman-type numbers by completing 68.8 percent of his passes and throwing for 2,717 yards and 14 touchdowns.  However, his season was cut short by four games with a Grade 3 shoulder separation on his throwing shoulder that he suffered against Clemson in early November.

In 2010, his completion percentage dropped, but still held his ground as one of the top senior quarterbacks in the NCAA.  He threw 20 touchdowns and led his Seminoles to the ACC Championship game.  

Since the completion of the college football season, Ponder's stock has picked up steam. His Senior Bowl outing was considered to be the best outing of the quarterbacks participating.  

He threw for 132 yards and two touchdowns while leading the South in a 24-10 victory over the North and was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

At the scouting combine, Ponder was the consensus top performer of the quarterbacks .  

Sports Illustrated draft expert Tony Pauline told the Palm Beach Post that Ponder "looked more like a first-round pick than Cam Newton."

Ponder posted a score of 35 in the Wonderlic Test, beating out quarterbacks such as Cam Newton, Ryan Mallet and Jake Locker.  

Ponder possess all of the qualities NFL teams are looking for in a franchise-type quarterback.  He showed off great accuracy in a FSU offense that contained a lot of quick slants and screens along with precision passing on deep throws.  In his two full years as starting quarterback he completed 65 percent of his passes.

Although Ponder does not have a Ryan Mallet-type arm, he still puts a strong enough zip on the ball to throw the football 50-plus yards with excellent velocity and trajectory.  

Scouts also rave about Ponder's ability to scramble and his effectiveness in throwing outside the pocket or on the run.  

Ponder, who compares himself to Aaron Rodgers, is confident that he is also capable of being extremely accurate while running in and out of the pocket. Ponder squares his shoulders on throws and does not sacrifice his excellent footwork and quick throwing motion while on the run.

During his years at Florida State, Ponder comfortably stepped up as a leader for the Seminoles and led by example on and off the field at FSU.  He carries himself like an NFL quarterback and his five years in the college ranks have given Ponder the much needed experience heading into April's NFL Draft.

Throughout this draft scouting process, Ponder has proven that he has what it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL.  

If he is able to have some time to develop, look for Ponder to have a big impact for several years in the league.