Gunslingers: NFL Draft Quarterbacks

The 2008 Draft is still a good month away, but I think it's time to see who may have the stuff to get it done on Sunday.

As proven in the past, it isn't all about the numbers; it's sometimes about the toughness. The Sunday players are faster, stronger, tougher, and smarter as proven every week. Today, we examine the quarterback position and which teams are in dire need of these guys.

Matt Ryan, Boston College: Ryan showed just how tough it is to play in the ACC. He took a mountain of abuse from guys who wanted to make sure that the Eagles didn't finish flawless and earn a national title trip.

Strength: Fearless

At 6-foot-5 and 224 pounds, he can be just as dangerous as the guys in the more dominant conferences. Toughness and tenacity is what this kid has, and that's why he will most likely be a top 10 pick.

Weakness: Failure to capitalize

Not finishing what he started is what cost Ryan a shot at glory late last season. If he is not able to make himself into a fourth-quarter QB, he won't last long in the NFL. 

Teams in the Picture: Miami, St. Louis, Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City

Colt Brennan, Hawaii: No one made more noise this season that Brennan. He led the Warriors to an almost perfect season, an almost potential national title showdown, and he almost won the Heisman.

Strength: Arm Strength and Accuracy

Brennan may have been playing on an island, literally, all season, but he put up some pretty impressive numbers in all four of his seasons at Hawaii. If he can handle an altitude change, Denver and San Francisco would be a good spot for him.

Weakness: Clutch Performance

As Tom Brady figured out, almost just doesn't cut it in the pros. Brennan has the arm strength and accuracy to thread the needle. He has proven that he can get it done when it counts. But with the accuracy and strength of his arm, who could use him the most? 

Teams in the Spotlight: Miami, Minnesota and St. Louis

Matt Flynn, LSU: He is just as mobile as Tim Tebow, though his numbers don't show that. He didn't have as many reliable receivers on this year's Tigers team as he wanted, but apparently, there was enough to get the team another national championship.

Strength: Adaptation

With the right playbook, Flynn, can become a dangerous quarterback to have around. If champions truly flaunt to champions, then look no further than the New York Giants to pick him up to back up and help out Eli next season. Flynn has mobility and versatility to go with his 227-pound frame. Not to mention his 4.72 40 time was third-best among this class.

Weakness: Timing

Though Flynn can adapt to practically any playbook, he has times of inconsistency which no NFL coach likes to see out of their quarterbacks, veteran or otherwise. If he can't work through those kinks, he won't last long with whichever team is lucky enough to get him.  

Spotlight Teams: Buffalo, New York Jets & Giants, Chicago, Kansas City

Dennis Dixon, Oregon: Though he was slowed by injury, Dixon has exactly what teams in the league are looking for in this day and age: Speed, Accuracy, Strength, and Mobility.

Strength: Versatility

To say he'll be a top 5 pick is an understatement. Before the injury, the Ducks were en route to a Pac 10 title. His arm is just as good as another mobile quarterback: Tim Tebow. Dixon had been showing that he has speed of Vick and the accuracy of Brady and the Mannings. A team would do good in picking him up if they want a shot at making good of a bad situation. So who needs him more?

Weakness: Injury

His injury definitely came back to bite him. Because of that, scouts didn't get the full Dennis Dixon show. If his body has healed completely, he'll be ready to show his stuff by preseason. With a good offensive line to protect him, the least of his worries will be his left knee. 

Spotlight Teams: Atlanta, Indianapolis, Miami, Seattle 

Chad Henne, Michigan: The Wolverines' season started out so badly with a loss to Appalachian State, but ended so well with a win over the defending-national-champion Gators.

Strength: Perseverance

A determined Chad Henne led the Wolverines charge after two straight losses. Then, they finished their season with another loss to Ohio State and a win over Florida. Henne spent much of the season riddled with injury, which may have cost him a top 5 selection and the Heisman. But if Henne is anything like one of his predecessors (Tom Brady), he'll be looking to make noise this season with any team.

Weakness: Mobility 

Mobility will be the issue for him if his injury hasn't healed completely. If he thought James Laurinaitis was dangerous, wait until he meets Michael Strahan. His mobility was limited due to his early return from injury. Despite all that, Henne needs an offensive line that will keep him on his feet and give him time to make clear decisions instead of turnovers.

Spotlight Teams: Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, New England

Andre Woodson, Kentucky: If anyone can get things done when it matters, it's Andre Woodson. He had some key wins and close ones this season, but nothing could have been better for his draft hopes than knocking off LSU when they were No. 1.

Strength: Mobility, Speed, and Arm Strength

Woodson played all season and shined as the general of the Wildcats. His speed and mobility will get him to the dance, while his arm strength is a perfect fit for any deep-threat receivers.

Weakness: Arm Accuracy

Woodson had a severe problem with erratic throwing this season. His accuracy is what makes him a bottom five/high 20 pick. But then again, Michael Vick wasn't really known for his throwing ability when he emerged on the scene. If Woodson can learn to control his throws, he'll be good enough to get a team where they need to be. If he buckles under pressure, he'll have defenses wearing bibs every time they see him. 

Spotlight Teams: Atlanta, Carolina, St. Louis

Brian Brohm, Louisville: Despite losing his coach to the NFL briefly, Brian Brohm learned a few things while at Louisville.

Strength: Leadership

Brohm proved that he can coach on and off the field. He showed he is a natural-born leader and can get things done using his arm or his legs. His clutch playing is the reason the Cardinals did as well as they did this season. Coaches love guys who can adapt quickly and be the leader of the team. Unfortunately...

Weakness: Inconsistency

Brohm was at times inconsistent during last season. Either his coach couldn't adapt quickly enough to Brohm's playing style, or Brohm couldn't adapt to a new coach quick enough. Either way, he better be ready to do some play calling from the line. Which means, he needs to go to a team that could use a guy who can make things happen from the line.

Spotlight Teams: Indianapolis, Houston, Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota

John David Booty, USC: Though the Trojans had their problems this season, their quarterback did what he could to get things done.

Strength: Accuracy

Booty followed in the footsteps of Palmer and Leinart by being a true gunslinger. Pete Carroll is no stranger to producing NFL-ready quarterbacks as his last three have found success as well as failure in the league. Booty's accuracy is what makes him a good fit for any team in need of a quarterback. But...

Weakness: Strength

Booty was inconsistent the last two seasons. One week, you get a guy who could win the Heisman trophy, and the next, you get David Carr. His arm strength needs to get better in order to handle the faster receivers of the league. Short passes will only work half the time. The deep throw is a must for any team, but accuracy is also key. With that being said...

Spotlight Teams: San Diego, Minnesota, Chicago, Tampa Bay

That's the quarterbacks who will be in the spotlight and the teams that should capitalize on a good situation. Tomorrow, we examine the running backs who can make a lot of noise on Draft Day.