As a special note here, I do believe that Pat White can make it as a quarterback in the NFL. In fact, I admire his resolve and determination to stick with his position, the same way he did when he decided on West Virginia because it was the only school in D1A that would allow him to remain a passer. But, due to his versatility, and the fact that I believe he will be drafted by a team that runs the Wildcat formation, he is ranked by himself as an athlete. Here are his measurables. Followed by the other QBs.
Pat White, West Virginia, 6000 197, 4.49 (2)
White has surpassed all expectations as a quarterback, again. Coming out of high school White was heavily recruited…as a defensive back/athlete by guys like Nick Saban. White was sure that he could play QB at the FBS level, and proved it time and again at West Virginia. After hearing that he’d have to switch positions again, White decided to workout as a QB anyway, and it has really paid off. He has been extremely accurate and has shown better arm strength than I expected. Still, I feel that White’s best chance at success is playing for a team that runs the “wildcat” formation. It would be awesome to see a playmaker at the helm of that formation who actually has the ability to throw the ball. Here’s hoping the Dolphins grab him.
1. Matt Stafford, Georgia, 6022 225, 4.84 (1)
Strengths: Stafford has elite arm strength…he shows nice zip on his deep passes including the all-important deep out route…can fit the ball into tight spaces and has nice touch on deep passes…played in a pro-style offense at Georgia…touchdown to interception ratio improved every year…three year starter…prototypical size…doesn’t have blazing speed but can move adequately to buy time…not a quitter…great when playing from behind…good mechanics…high release point…quick release…good feet
Weaknesses: Has a tendency to force some throws…relies too much on arm strength…accuracy can suffer when he moves out of the pocket…can fade in big games…too many interceptions
2. Mark Sanchez, USC, 6021 227, 4.88 (1)
Strengths: Great intangibles, he’s a leader…entusiasm…great arm strength…excellent touch on deep passes…played in a pro style system…moves well enough…not sacked often…above average pocket presence…great winning percentage
Weaknesses: Not a lot of experience…only one year as full time starter…history of knee injuries…has disappeared against heavy pass rush (Arizona St game)…possible that his stats are inflated by talent around him
3. Josh Freeman, Kansas St, 6056 248, 4.97 (1)
Strengths: Has elite size…massize quarterback, think Jamarcus Russell…big time arm strength…moves well for such a big frame…hard to knock down…can make throws with defenders hanging off of him…played hard for a team with little talent…great intangibles, and seemed to be a good kid in the interview room
Weaknesses: Horribly inconsistent…will force a lot of throws…has been an underachiever for most of career…never a big winner…interceptions come in numbers…has a hard time overcoming mistakes
4. Nate Davis, Ball St, 6013 226, 5.01 (3-4)
Strengths: Is a flatout playmaker…mobility exceeds 40 time…can keep plays alive with his feet…great leadership skills…strong enough arm…very accurate…throws more touchdowns than picks on a consistent basis…led a mediocre team out of obscurity…moves the ball well when he gets into a rhythm
Weaknesses: Played against subpar competition at Ball St…struggled a lot to complete passes against top competition…lacks elite size…arm strength is not as good as top three prospects
5. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston St, 6022 225, 4.82 (4-5)
Strengths: Strong arm…top prospect out of high school…flashed talent in short time at Oklahoma…mobility is good…can make plays and buy time with his feet…plays with emotion…shows strong desire to win
Weaknesses: Dismissed from Oklahoma because of off-field actions with a booster…played against subpar competition at Sam Houston…not productive…threw only 10 touchdowns against 10 interceptions against bad teams…not very accurate…less than elite size…has underachieved since high school
6. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M, 6027 225, 4.66 (4-5)
McGee has really helped himself this offseason. He’s looke athletic, and has shown the ability to make all the throws. Still, he always seemed to be a step behind his talent, and never produced at a high level.
7. Brian Hoyer, Michigan St, 6020 215, 4.97 (5)
Another guy who has seen his stock rise. Film review of Hoyer shows that much of the reason for his low completion percentage was due to bad receiver play and drops. Still, needed more numbers paired with a great rushing game.
8. Tom Brandstater, Fresno St, 6050 220, 4.95 (5-6)
Brandstater has all the tools, but never really put it all together. He looks the part with great height and a strong arm, but he will take a lot of developing before he’s ready to contribute in the NFL.
9. Mike Reilly, C Washington, 6030 214, 4.92 (6)
Reilly, who claimed to be the best QB in the draft, put up great numbers after transferring from Wash St. He has marginal arm strength though, and will struggle unless he finds a west coast system to play backup in.
10. Nathan Brown, C. Arkansas, 6005 219, 4.94 (6)
Brown was rated higher when the season ended, but he is a small guy who was timed much slower than his athleticism would lead you to believe. He’s a backup at best. Reminds me of a less productive Josh Johnson of the Bucs.
11. Mike Teel, Rutgers, 6031 230, ??? (6-7)
Teel is another guy who has the size and arm, but really struggled until the final six games of his senior year. I think he is worth a late round look, and definitely has the skill set to possibly develop into a starter. He needs time though.
12. Cullen Harper, Clemson, 6030 225, 5.01 (7)
After 2007, I had Harper pegged as a third round guy at worst, but his senior season was abysmal. He struggled to find any sort of rhythm, and he was horribly inaccurate. He could develop nicely though in the right system.
13. Hunter Cantwell, Louisville, 6043 235, 5.17 (7)
I’m still not sure why so many scouts had Cantwell ranked so high despite not earning a starting spot until his senior year. He looks like a QB, until he starts throwing. He is horribly inaccurate, and will take mucho patience in the NFL.
14. John Parker Wilson, Alabama, 6014 219, 4.87 (7-FA)
Wilson had a nice pro day, and his arm was much stronger than I expected. He is probably nothing more than a career backup, but he possesses good football intelligence, and can manage a game as long as he not asked to win it.
15. Drew Willy, Buffalo, 6031 215, ??? (7-FA)
Drew Willy benefitted from Buffalo’s magical season. He’s got a decent arm, good size, but he’s missing something. He played against awful competition in college and still failed to put up big numbers, but did lead Buffalo to a bowl win. That’s impressive.
16. Curtis Painter, Purdue, 6027 225, 4.92 (FA)
I don’t like Painter as an NFL prospect. Outside of Brees, Purdue QBs often struggle, and I don’t think Painter is any better than Kyle Orton who is just awful. He’s got an outside chance to make a roster.
17. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech, 6021 223, 5.07 (FA)
Harrell looked pretty bad at the Senior Bowl. The whole offseason has been unkind to him. He is going to be hurt by Texas Tech QB perceptions, and the fact that he made a lot of mistakes against some top competition this year (Oklahoma, Ole Miss, etc.) outside of the Texas game.
18. Willie Tuitama, Arizona, 6025 229, ??? (FA)
Tuitama is an intriguing prospect to me. Not just because he likes to get wasted and drive places. He has a good arm and, like Drew Willy, led a mid tier team to a bowl win. I think he’s got a legit shot to become a backup.
19. Chase Daniel, Missouri, 6000 218, 4.92 (FA)
I hope Chase Daniel makes it. He reminds me of Drew Brees some, but doesn’t have quite the same arm. If he finds the right short passing system, he could contribute and overcome his small stature.
20. Chase Holbrook, NM St, 6041 242, 5.08 (FA)
Holbrook is a big guy who plays like a little guy. He never really impressed me, but he does have a big frame, and he can hum the ball.
Draft Zoo
