The quarterback position is the most important one in the NFL. This year, there will be several potential future superstar quarterbacks entering the league through the NFL Draft. Let’s see the top 5 Draft quarterback prospects so far.
1. Teddy Bridgewater
Everyone is expecting Johnny Manziel to be drafted first overall. Honesty, Johnny Football is a solid player, but he is nowhere near ready to be a starter in the NFL. Teddy Bridgewater is a different story. The small-handed QB from Louisville not only has the accuracy to be a great NFL QB, but he is also regarded as one of the smartest football players in recent history. What sets Bridgewater apart from the rest is his pocket-presence. If RGIII’s stint in Washington has taught us anything, it’s that the read option doesn’t work in the big leagues. If you want to be a successful QB, you need to work in the pocket. That is where Teddy Bridgewater truly excels.
2. Blake Bortles
After all the hype of Johnny Football blew over, it became clear that he might not even be a top-3 QB pick. This is where Blake Bortles comes in. Comparatively, Bortles and Bridgewater are very similar players. They are both clutch and have a great deal of pocket presence; however, Bortles needs to work on a few things. His footwork, football IQ, and throwing motion are almost as bad a Tim Tebow’s, but he definitely has potential. His arm is possibly the best since Andrew Luck, and he’s known to be a hard worker. With a good coach, Bortles can be a solid NFL starter next season.
3. A.J. McCarron
Word around the NFL is that McCarron is the future replacement for Tom Brady. Judging by Brady’s draft position, anything is possible. The Alabama QB is hailed by many to be the best game-managing QB in the draft. At Alabama, McCarron seemed limited in their fixed system, but judging from his combine success, he has a lot of potential. Within the pocket, he is one of the mentally strongest quarterbacks, and if he is able to increase his speed, he could be a starter next season.
4. Johnny Manziel
If you love draft upsets, stay tuned. Johnny Manziel will fall on draft day. In college, Johnny Football was known as one of the most clutch, creative, and intriguing passers in the game. Again, this won’t work in the NFL. Manziel lacks the pocket presence that is needed to succeed in this league, and his decision-making skills are almost as bad as Tony Romo’s in the fourth quarter. Having said that, he has the ideal build, hand-size, and drive to play in the NFL. If he is drafted by a team who is willing to spend time forming him into a great player, then he has a shot. If not, expect him to be another RGIII.
5. Derek Carr
Derek Carr makes it onto this list based on potential alone. His arm is fantastic, but his accuracy is brutal. In college, Carr seemed to struggle with his decision making skills in the pocket and avoiding the sack. He has also been known to become distraught when routes fall apart, which is a huge issue for a QB at any level. Going forward, Carr can be an Alex Smith type of player if he is drafted by the right team.
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Thank you for reading. Ron Leyba is the lead editor of Fantasy Football Overdose, and a LastWordOnSports Analyst. For more of his NFL articles, follow his updates at NFL Fantasy Football Rankings Facebook or follow him on twitter @ronniedare. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
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