My Crystal Ball for 7 QB’s in the 2013 NFL Draft

All, I have rated my top 7 QB’s in the 2013 NFL Draft below. These ratings reflect the QB’s best fit, given their skill set AND what round they will be selected in. 

Round #1

 1.    Matt Barkley- Cleveland Browns

 How this will happen? Barkley is a pro style passer and Mike Lombardi (Browns GM) is an “old school guy” who believes that the pro style QB is still the way to go.  No other QB in this draft ranks higher in that skill set than Barkley. 

Side note: Many believe Barkley would have been the 4^th pick overall if he had come out last year.

Round #1

 2.    Ryan Nassib- Buffalo Bills

 How this will happen?  Nassib is also a pro style passer with strong athletic ability/strength.  With Nassib’s knowledge of Doug Marrone’s system, the transition would be easy.  Even though some have him projected as a possible 8^th pick overall based on his relationship with Marrone, I don’t believe that even Bills can take him that high.  My guess is that Bills will trade down for additional picks or trade back in to the latter part of the first round for Nassib.

Side note: The next two QB’s on my list are a toss up in terms of how the QB position is being played today.  Personally, I would give more upside to EJ Manuel, but that is open for debate.  The real hand of poker will be played between the Eagles and the Raiders.  If these are truely the two QB’s they covet, expect one to possibly sneak back into the first round.  With this scenario, I would guess that Geno Smith will be taken in the first by the Eagles. (Below is my prediction based on each team moving forward with their original picks).

Round #2

 3.    Geno Smith-Oakland Raiders

Round #2

 4.    EJ Manuel-Philadelphia Eagles

Round #3

 5.    Tyler Wilson-Kansas City Chiefs

How this will happen?  Pro Style guy that I assume reminds Andy Reid a lot of Nick Foles.  I think if Wilson had come out last year, he may have been a first rounder.

Round #3

 6.    Landry Jones-Jacksonville Jaguars

How this can happen?  Big guy, big arm, and great pocket awareness.  First round talent but lacked signature wins in his college career.

Round #3

7.    Tyler Bray-San Diego Chargers

How this will happen?  First round talent with a few drawbacks: questionable leadership skills and maturity.  Given the chance to go back to his hometown and learn from Philip Rivers could do wonders for his future NFL career.

 Ty

I’m always open for comments and questions…

-Steve Clarkson

QB Guru’s Sound Off on QB Draft Class

Check out today’s Bleacher Report article; “QB Guru’s Sound Off on QB Draft Class.” By Josh Gleason

Thank you Bleacherreport.com and Josh for including my thoughts and evaluation.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1601566-2013-nfl-draft-quarterback-gurus-sound-off-on-draft-class

Enjoy!

2013 Quarterback Draft Diagnosis

Several months ago, I wrote about the impact a proper game plan can have for quarterback prospects heading into the draft.  I also noted some of the more important things to add to their “to do successfully “checklist.  At this time, I’d like to give my most recent report on how a few of the top QB prospects performed, and how their preparation affected them.

Geno Smith 

I thought Geno did the best overall.  Smith was the top QB heading into the draft and didn’t do anything to drop from his spot.  However, he may not go as early as people thought due to free agency signings, and recent trades to “quarterback hungry teams”.  For the most part, Smith’s workouts were solid, but he did leave many pundits questioning his ability to grasp NFL offenses.  I find this a bit premature, and feel that if given the right situation, Smith has a chance to be a solid NFL Quarterback.

Notes to consider for Geno Smith: (Strong arm, has shown the ability to throw a variety of touch passes, teams must be careful in thinking he is the next Kaepernick….Smith is not nearly the athlete.) 

Matt Barkley

This one is a little closer to home so it’s a bit difficult to say the following.  I think the world of Matt and he’ll go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in school’s history, but clearly not the best (when compared to former Trojan alums such as Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer).  I make this statement based off of what these players brought to USC Football.  Palmer and Leinart will always get higher marks due to their outstanding achievements i.e. Heisman Trophy winners and National Championships, (and of course, ultimately they were 1^st rounders in the NFL Draft).  I wish I could say this about Barkley, but his senior season and his Pro Day workout would make that a “reach” at this point.

Notes to consider for Matt Barkley: (4 years starting quarterback for both programs he played with i.e. Mater Dei HS (first 4 year starter) and USC , despite senior year…he should not be undervalued, Barkley is an intelligent player and has a  ”Manning” like control & feel for the game)

Ryan Nassib

This guy could be a sleeper in this year’s draft class.  Nassib has a very strong arm with Steve Young like athleticism.  While in college, Nassib lead his undermanned Syracuse football team to a bowl game in 2012.  He ended his college career breaking the school total passing yards record (9,060), pass completions (780), and passing yards per game (201.3). Clearly, with this much talent, the early 2^nd round if not late 1^st would be a realistic choice for someone of his skill set and upside.

Notes to Consider for Ryan Nassib: (He may be a steal in the 2^nd round, his old coach from Syracuse, Doug Marrone is now head coach for Bills, Nassib has a gunslinger mentality similar to a famous 2^nd rounder who played for the Packers…Brett Favre ring a name??)

Sounding Off:

Unfortunately and interestingly, the best quarterback in this draft may be a veteran.  If all indicators are correct about the Philadelphia Eagles leaning towards drafting Geno Smith with their 1^st round pick, then Nick Foles will be a hot prospect!  Remember Matt Hasselback’s early career?  Matt started his career in Green Bay before he was traded to Seattle and there his Pro Bowl career began!

On the surface this quarterback draft class appears to be weak, but I’m betting that after all the dust is settled…these guys will be solid productive starting quarterbacks in the NFL……. in the very near future.

The Sabotage Of The Quarterback