2008 NFL Draft: QB Rankings

There are some interesting quarterback prospects in this upcoming NFL draft. The group boasts players who have a lot of upside if they keep on improving.

Brian Brohm could’ve been the first pick in last year's draft and came into the season as the top returning QB.

The season put together by Matt Ryan has catapulted him up the charts this season, and should make him the first QB picked in the Draft.

Andre’ Woodson started strong and has slipped of late but should still be picked in the first round. Colt Brennan of Hawaii set a ton of NCAA records and Joe Flacco of Delaware has the size and big-time arm that NFL teams covet.

QB Rankings 

1.     Matt Ryan                  Boston College           6’5”-220

Ryan is an accurate passer with a strong enough arm to make all the throws necessary in the NFL. Has NFL scouts raving about his intangibles, leadership skills and his ability to remain calm under pressure. He played in a pro-style offense in college. Has a solid skill set with no weakness in any category. Does not have tremendous upside, but he will be a solid NFL QB.

 2.     Brian Brohm               Louisville                    6’4”-225

Brohm has all the tools to be a franchise QB in the NFL. Some say he is the product of a pass-happy offense, but Brohm is the real deal. Has good size and football knowledge. Has a great arm and is extremely accurate. There are concerns about his durability, but as long as he remains healthy he will be a fine NFL starting QB.

3.     Andre’ Woodson        Kentucky                    6’5”-235

Woodson is an ideal pocket passer with excellent size. Has a big-time arm and can make every throw possible. Woodson has put up impressive numbers the last two seasons. Refining his footwork and mechanics will improve his accuracy. He has an awkward throwing motion and worked mostly out of the shotgun in college, but has the most upside of any QB in this draft. Is slipping in the eyes of some scouts, but will be a 1^st round pick.

4.     Chad Henne               Michigan                    6’2”-225

Henne is a battle-tested four-year starter at Michigan. He is extremely talented whose best attributes are his accuracy, poise and decision making skills. Has a good arm and is capable of making throws all over the field. Lacks the height teams look for at the position, but has a sturdy frame. While he’s talented, he never won a big game leading some scouts to question his ability as a leader.

5.     Joe Flacco              Delaware (1-AA)             6’6”-235

Flacco is a classic drop-back passer. Has the prototype build of an NFL QB. Has the strongest arm in this draft and also displays good accuracy. The ball explodes out of his hands. He is a natural leader. The biggest concerns about Flacco are his inexperience and how he’ll do when the pace of the game is much quicker. He is very raw and his mechanics need a lot of work, but his ceiling is extremely high.

One to Watch :            

Erik Ainge                  Tennessee                  6’6”-220

Ainge is an intriguing prospect. He had a good freshman season, struggled as a sophomore, but flourished his last two seasons. His height allows him to see the entire field and he’s good at reading defenses. Has a big arm, is very accurate and can make all the throws. At times he can get sloppy with his mechanics and fundamentals leading to inconsistency. Needs to add weight to withstand the constant hits he’ll face in the NFL. Has a ton of upside and can be a steal if he develops consistency.

Others of Note : 

John David Booty      USC                            6’2”-215

Booty is an intelligent pocket passer. Has adequate arm strength and good accuracy. Makes good pre-snap reads, sets up quickly and has good mechanics throwing the ball. Needs to show better poise in the pocket and not rush things. Booty lacks ideal height and struggles throwing the deep ball. Booty is a good fit for a team that runs the West Coast offense.

Colt Brennan             Hawaii                        6’3”-200

Brennan has a quick release and good pocket presence. Is extremely confident in his abilities as a QB and is not afraid to take risks downfield. He has shown good accuracy, but struggles on the deeper throws. Has a slight frame and needs to add weight. Brennan has an unorthodox throwing motion, but that can be corrected with proper coaching. He must improve his mechanics and footwork before he can contribute in the NFL.

Josh Johnson           San Diego                   6’3”-195

Johnson was a three year starter in college who has rare athletic ability. He has a good arm, makes good decisions and is a quick learner. He has good speed and can be a dual threat QB. Put up great numbers running a pro-style offense in college but against questionable competition. Has the skills and athleticism necessary to play the position, but must improve his mechanics and needs a lot of coaching.