In the coming days, NFL scouts will gather around the nation’s most prestigious college football players to try to find the next Pro Football Hall of Famers among the prospects. One big debate in this year’s draft, which is a big debate in every year’s draft, are the quarterbacks. Quarterback is the most important position on any football team, so who are the top quarterbacks in the draft this year?
Since the end of the college football playoffs, there has been nothing but buzz about which signal callers could succeed at the next level. Below, we break down the top quarterback prospects by strengths, weaknesses, and what the scouts are looking for.
What NFL Scouts look for: Accuracy, strength, vision, leadership, pocket presence, mechanics, size.
Breaking Down the Top Quarterbacks in the NFL Draft
Jared Goff, Cal
Strengths: Deep arm velocity and accuracy, pocket mobility.
Weaknesses: Accuracy, footwork.
Projection: Round 1
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
Strengths: Size, pocket delivery.
Weaknesses: Trajectory, footwork.
Projection: Round 1
Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Strengths: Size, pocket mobility.
Weaknesses: Accuracy, progressions.
Projection: Rounds 1-2
Connor Cook, Michigan State
Strengths: Rhythm, arm strength.
Weaknesses: Accuracy, footwork.
Projection: Rounds 2-3
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
Strengths: Strong arm, leadership.
Weaknesses: Accuracy, judgement.
Projection: Rounds 3-4
Cody Kessler, USC
Strengths: Progressions, arm strength.
Weaknesses: Move accuracy, size.
Projection: Rounds 3-4
Vernon Adams Jr., Oregon
Strengths: Progressions, footwork.
Weaknesses: Small hands, ball placement.
Projection: Rounds 5-6.
Kevin Hogan, Stanford
Strengths: Size, competitiveness.
Weaknesses: Mechanics, accuracy.
Projection: Rounds 4-5.
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Strengths: Frame, arm strength.
Weaknesses: Footwork, pocket pressure.
Projection: Round 5
Teams with QB needs
Cleveland Browns
It’s no news that the Cleveland Browns are once again in the market for a franchise quarterback. After drafting former Texas A&M quarterback, Johnny Manziel, with the 22nd overall pick, the Browns saw Manziel’s impressive draft potential soon thrown in the trash due to his off-field antics. And let’s not forget about the disastrous results of having Colt McCoy, Brian Hoyer, and Josh McCown under center.
San Francisco 49ers
After his dreadful 2015 season, Colin Kaepernick could potentially be on the market after requesting that the 49ers trade him. It’s being reported that Kaep is interested in playing for the aforementioned Browns. With a new head coach and the possible loss of their #36 pick in the 2011 draft, the 49ers could be looking for a new quarterback this offseason in free agency or the draft.
Denver Broncos
On March 7, 2016, one of the best, if not THE best, quarterbacks to play football retired; Peyton Manning. On March 9, 2016, the Broncos lost their backup quarterback, Brock Osweiler, who started seven games in the 2015 season (5-2 record) in free agency to the Houston Texans. It has been reported that the Broncos will sign Mark Sanchez, but they will most likely look to add another signal caller this off-season.
Houston Texans
On March 9, 2016 the Houston Texans signed former Denver Broncos quarterback, Brock Osweiler, who was decent in seven starts in 2015, with a whopping $72 million contract. But it’s a possibility that the Texans may look elsewhere for a backup quarterback. Besides Osweiler, the Texans have B.J. Daniels, T.J. Yates, Brian Hoyer and Tom Savage on their roster.
New York Jets
Geno Smith is no safe bet for this struggling AFC East team. With Ryan Fitzpatrick, the man who nearly led the Jets to a playoff berth in 2015, on the market, the Jets could potentially take a quarterback in this year’s draft.
Buffalo Bills
It’s unclear if the good performance of Tyrod Taylor will continue beyond 2015, and with E.J. Manuel not showing strong potential in his three years, the Bills could be looking for another quarterback with their third or fourth round picks.
San Diego Chargers
After Philip Rivers and the San Diego Charger’s disappointing season, where will they look to get their quarterback of the future? Could the Bolts start planning for their next franchise signal caller this off-season?
Dallas Cowboys
It’s quite clear taht the Dallas Cowboys have been struggling. After back-to-back injuries to starter Tony Romo, (now former) Dallas quarterback, Matt Cassel, took the reigns but only helped the Cowboys finish 4-12, last in the NFC East. It’s no guarantee that Kellen Moore or Jameill Showers are capable of bringing the Cowboys back to their former glory. The Boys definitely need to consider drafting a quarterback with their second or third round picks.
Who, in this year’s draft, looks like they could be the next potential franchise quarterback? Who will be an NFL bust? The next few weeks are crucial in recruiting the NFL’s next generation of stars. On April 28, the 2016 NFL Draft will begin.
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