NFL Draft Preview: Top Ten Quarterbacks

This year's class of quarterbacks is not deep in elite talent, and teams looking for a number-one QB for next season will only have a couple of options. That said, the 2007 draft crop does feature a wealth of second tier prospects who could develop into starting NFL signal callers over time.

1. Jamarcus Russell, LSU

Russell is like a bigger and stronger version Daunte Culpepper. Playing in the SEC, Russell proved his mettle against some of the most athletic defenses in the country. His upside will help put the inconsistencies he displayed at LSU on the back burner. His physical stature and big-play ability will make him a hard player to pass up.

2. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame

Quinn is a natural leader with experience in big games. The protégé of offensive guru Charlie Weis, Quinn will have a leg up on the other quarterbacks in this class with two years of experience in a pro-style system.

3. Kevin Kolb, Houston

Kolb's stock rose quickly after a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He is one of the few quarterbacks with a chance to go in the first round. Lack of experience against elite competition may hurt Kolb in the eyes of the scouts.

4. Trent Edwards, Stanford

A very intelligent player with all of the physical tools to be a success at the NFL level. Edwards missed the majority of his senior year due to injury, and that will play a role in where he is taken in the draft.

5. Drew Stanton, Michigan State

At the beginning of the season, Stanton was a surefire first round pick—and considered by some to be the best quarterback prospect in the nation. Stanton's star has fallen some after a rocky season at Michigan State, but a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl put him back on the rise. The first round is still a possibility.

6. Troy Smith, Ohio State

The Heisman Trophy winner will be hindered by his lack of height. Smith has a strong arm and good pocket presence, and he knows how to a win. Still, he'll have to show the scouts excellent downfield vision and an accurate arm at the combine and in individual workouts if he wants to go early.

7. Jordan Palmer, UTEP

Good size and strength will put him on the board for teams looking for a quarterback of the future. A good week at the combine could elevate his status.

8. Jared Zabransky, Boise State

The plucky quarterback splashed onto the national scene upon slaying the Sooners in Boise State's first ever BCS bowl game. Zabransky's improvisational skills are his strength.

9. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh

A likely NFL backup, Palko is a solid player who makes good decisions. Palko played under a former NFL coach at Pittsburgh and is one of the more polished quarterbacks in the draft.

10. Chris Leak, Florida

The signal caller for the national champion Gators seems destined for a backup role in the pros. His size—under six feet—will hurt him in the eyes of many teams.