John Beck: Redskins' Starting Quarterback and the Next Aaron Rodgers?

As all of Redskin nation knows, head coach Mike Shanahan opted not to draft a quarterback in last month's draft. When questioned about the surprising decision, he fully endorsed the inexperienced John Beck. This means the likely starter heading into this season (if there is a season) was the third-string quarterback last year.

There isn't much NFL game tape to study of Beck because he hasn't thrown a pass since his rookie season where he lost all four of his starts on the abysmal 1-15 Dolphins.

This is only his fifth season in the league, but he started college late and will be turning 30 in August. With such an unimpressive resume, why is Shanahan trying to sell him as the next great leader of the Redskins?

He is doing so because he doesn't pay attention to age, rookie statistics or criticism. What he does pay attention to are ability and football knowledge. He is a brilliant football mind, and he sees something in Beck he feels is worth giving him a shot.

In Beck's junior year at BYU, he completed an outstanding 64 percent of his passes. In his senior season, he went even higher by completing 69 percent. His senior season completion percentage and quarterback rating were both better than Aaron Rodgers' coming out of college.

While at BYU, Beck showed a great understanding of timing routes and throwing his receivers open. Throwing the ball to an open window before your receiver finishes his route is a critical tool to success in the NFL. Also, BYU ran a pro-style offense which made the learning curve to the NFL that much easier for Beck.  

Beck has been waiting patiently for his next opportunity to prove himself, and Shanahan is giving him one. Taking full advantage, Beck has been working with the receiving core during this lockout and preparing for the season as if this is his team.

For all we know, he could be the next Aaron Rodgers. Like Rodgers was, Beck is a work-a-holic type of player who feels he is now ready to be the cornerstone of a franchise.

If you look at Beck as a 30-year-old rookie then you may be skeptical, and for good reason. On the glass half-full side though, if you look at him as a second-round talent who is now ready to lead a team you will feel confident in Shanahan's decision.