NFL Draft 2011: Ranking the Top 5 Quarterbacks with No Bias

I'm not Todd McShay or Mel Kiper Jr., hyping some guys and being down on others for no reason. This list is a surprising, interesting and yet unbiased look at my opinion of the top five quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft.

I don't have a boss breathing down my neck to rate certain guys highly, I am just going to present the facts as I see them when I review this quarterback class.

Without further ado, here are my rankings for the top five quarterbacks in this draft.

1. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

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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

Yes, I just said that. Ryan Mallett is the top quarterback prospect in the 2011 draft class; there are a number of reasons why.

With the recent trend of vertical offenses having more and more success, Ryan Mallett's arm is in high demand.

Mallett has the strength to make every throw, and he has the experience in a pro-style offense to make the reads and progressions that most other quarterbacks in this draft class can't make.

Despite some off-the-field issues, Mallett is all business when he walks on the field and will inspire his players to do the same.

When watching Mallett, his intensity reminds me of Philip Rivers, and he has the moxie to be the guy to lead a franchise.

Depending on how Cam Newton pans out, Mallett is the only franchise quarterback in this draft class.

Media Draft Grade: Late first round

My Draft Grade: Top 10 pick

2. Cam Newton, Auburn

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during their game against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by C

Just because he's behind Mallett on my board doesn't mean Cam Newton shouldn't be the first overall pick.

Newton has an extremely high ceiling and may be the Panthers' only chance to get out of the basement; he's got a strong arm and the ability to make big plays with his feet.

Newton is a big, physical, downhill runner who is underrated throwing the ball.

While some questions about his accuracy will hold him back in his first few years, Newton has the potential to become a true enigma at the quarterback position.

Only time will tell with Newton, but he could step in and make an immediate impact.

Media Draft Grade: Top five pick

My Draft Grade: No. 1 overall pick

3. Andy Dalton, TCU

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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 is much better than some want to give him credit for; he led TCU to the Rose Bowl and beat a powerhouse in Wisconsin.

Dalton has tremendous accuracy and would be a perfect fit in the West Coast offense—despite a lack of elite throwing power, Dalton can have success in the right system.

While he isn't a plug-and-play quarterback, where he could go into any system and have success, Dalton brings a little of everything to the table.

He can evade the pass-rush, he can make all of his throws and he can hit on a few deep balls. The TCU product is no one-trick pony.

Don't be surprised if a team like San Francisco trades back into the first round to nab Dalton, or if the Colts pull the trigger on him with the 22nd pick.

Media Draft Grade: Late first round

My Draft Grade: Mid-to-late first round

4. Jake Locker, Washington

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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

I'm not terribly high on Jake Locker because I think his lack of accuracy will hinder him at the next level.

The biggest problem with rookie quarterbacks is that they enter the league, throw a number of interceptions and lose confidence.

I have Locker checking in at four on my board because he seems to have a good amount of confidence already, and I'm certain that he'll figure it out at the next level.

He recently hired some personal trainers to improve his accuracy, so he is taking the necessary steps to be a great quarterback.

With Locker's good arm strength and undeniable athletic ability, he could be a serviceable, if unspectacular, player at the next level.

Media Draft Grade: Late first round

My Draft Grade: Late second round

5. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

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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

Yes, Blaine Gabbert is fifth on my draft board.

Gabbert comes from a spread offense and has real trouble setting his feet and making NFL throws.

He has no experience dropping back and making NFL reads and progressions, and his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired.

To give an example, Gabbert threw 16 touchdowns in the same offense that Chase Daniel, a few years ago, threw 38 touchdowns in.

Gabbert has good, not great, arm strength and grades out well with intangibles.

His total package moves him above Colin Kaepernick, who played in a gimmick offense and will need time to adjust, and Christian Ponder, who doesn't have the necessary arm strength to succeed in the NFL.

Media Draft Grade: Top five pick

My Draft Grade: Mid third round