Top Quarterback Prospects

Deshaun Watson
 Clemson QB #4

Player Profile

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 221 Lbs
10,168 passing yards, 90 TD, 32 INT
1,934 rushing yards, 26 TD
2x Davey O'Brien Award Winner
2016 2nd-Team All-American
2016 2nd-Team All-ACC
2015 1st-Team All-American
2015 ACC Player of the Year

Strengths

A born leader and a proven winner.  Rises to the occasion and plays his best when the lights are brightest.  Has that "It" factor that can't be taught.  Adequate desired height and weight for the position.  Strong and poised in the pocket.  Can make all the throws and flashes the ability to anticipate passing windows down the field.  Excels in the short to medium passing game and back shoulder throws.  As a runner he demonstrates above average vision, elusiveness and power.  Fights for every inch on the football field.  A touchdown machine near the goal line.

Weaknesses

Inconsistent accuracy stems from his feet.  Overall accuracy is decent, but ball placement can be spotty at times.  Struggles when he is asked to push the ball down the field.  Trajectory of the ball is a bit low and will overthrow his receivers.  Interceptions (17) rose in 2016 due to some predetermined reads and forced throws.  At times will get caught in bad protections by complex defenses/blitzes.

Final Verdict

Watson is one of the most decorated college prospects entering the 2017 Draft.  The two-time Heisman Trophy Finalist and 2017 National Champion shows promise as a franchise quarterback.  Intangibles are off the charts and impresses with his overall demeanor and poise.  Has shown that he can play his best and rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.  In a perfect world he would sit and learn for a year, but I wouldn't bet against this kid to be a starter week one.

Draft Projection: 1st-Round

Mitchell Trubisky
North Carolina QB #10

Player Profile

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 222 Lbs
4,762 passing yards, 41 TD, 10 INT
1-Year Starter
2016 3rd-Team All-ACC

Strengths

Wide bodied frame with broad shoulders.  Underrated athleticism and strength in the pocket.  Extends plays, evades pressure and keeps eyes downfield.  Compact over the top delivery.  Enough arm strength to push the ball downfield and make all the throws.  Is quick and deliberate with his reads.  Makes anticipatory type throws in tight windows.  Accuracy is his best trait (68%).  Intermediate throws between the numbers is where he excels.  Can zip it through or sneak it over the top with great touch.  Throws one of the most accurate deep balls in this class.

Weaknesses

His experience is the biggest issue.  A 1-year starter that didn't win the job until 2016.  Footwork from under center is something he will need to get used to.  Took most of his college snaps from the shotgun.  Interception total (6) can be deceiving.  At times can boast a gunslinger-type mentality and force throws into windows that are not there.  Caught staring down his number one receiver resulting in unnecessary contested catch opportunities.  Arm strength is great, but doesn't spin in consistently.  Deep balls hang up in the air forcing the receiver to slow down and wait for the ball.

Final Verdict

While playing in the shadow of two other ACC quarterbacks for most of the year, Trubisky could very well be the first signal caller off the board in April.  He is much like Alex Smith.  Armed with both accuracy and pocket mobility.  Like most quarterbacks coming into the league, he needs some time to improve his footwork and overall knowledge of NFL defenses.  However, because of his skill-set, he will probably go in the top half of the first round.

Draft Projection: Top 10

DeShone Kizer
Notre Dame QB #14

Player Profile

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 233 Lbs
5,805 passing yards, 47 TD, 19 INT
997 rushing yards, 18 TD
2015 ND Offensive Newcomer of the Year

Strengths

Prototypical size for the position.  Arm is more like a laser than a canon.  Whip-like action on the release.  Ball explodes out of his hand and gets to its target in a hurry.  Can make any throw with easy and has a fastball that can zip into the tightest of windows.  Strong and gutsy in the pocket.  Is willing to stare down the gun barrel and take a hit.  Will break out and run when he feels pressure.  An explosive strider in the open field.  A high level prospect that has a lot of potential.

Weaknesses

A promising player with raw skills.  Career accuracy (61%) isn't great.  When feet and arm aren't married together, the ball will sail on the easiest of throws.  Balls thrown near the sideline have a tendency to nose dive before reaching the receiver.  At the moment is a one read and throw passer.  Will get into trouble when first option isn't open.  Takes off and runs too quickly instead of looking to his secondary reads.  Lost his starting job multiple times in two years.  Consistency is a big issue.

Final Verdict

15 years down the road, we could be telling one of two completely different narratives on Kizer.  Has boom or bust written all over.  Ceiling is very high, but the floor is also quite low.  Needs to sit for a year or two to work on refining technique.  Sky is the limit for this kid and has top 10 potential.  Possesses all the necessary traits to get there, but the tape isn't consistently strong.

Draft Projection: Late 1st-Round

Patrick Mahomes II
Texas Tech QB #5

Player Profile

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225 Lbs
11,252 passing yards, 93 TD, 29 INT
2016 Sammy Baugh Trophy Winner
2016 2nd-Team All-Big 12
Led NCAA in passing yards and total touchdowns in 2016
NCAA record 819 total yards in a single game

Strengths

Prolific college football passer with top end production.  Not your typical "air it out" college quarterback.  Has a sturdy frame that can take the punishment if needed.  His arm is his best trait.  Can dip and change arm slots to create clean passing windows.  Arm strength allows him to throw across the grain without loosing velocity.  Flashes the ability to drop it in a bucket.  Keeps calm under pressure and escapes the pocket with ease.  A duo-threat outside the pocket and a willing runner with the football.

Weaknesses

All of his snaps in college were from the shotgun.  Accuracy numbers benefited from running a high percentage of RPOs (Run-Pass Option plays).  Will need to learn the footwork and verbiage that comes with running an NFL offense.  Weight transfer and incorporation of his lower half into his throws is inconsistent.  Throws off of his back foot and loses velocity far too often.  Breaks the pocket in a hurry and looks to freelance.  Improvisation skills can get him into trouble and make him turnover prone.  Many of his bad decisions stem from his "Manziel" play-making skill-set.

Final Verdict

Another prospect with great potential.  A body and arm that is more prepared for the NFL than his predecessors at Texas Tech.  At times he can look special and have complete control over a defense.  Every now and again, he will get into trouble and do too much.  In the future he needs to understand the value of each possession.  Maholmes has the talent to become a top-end starter in the league if he fine tunes his game.

Draft Projection: Late 1st-Round to Early 2nd-Round

Davis Webb
California QB #7

Player Profile
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 229 Lbs
9,852 passing yards, 83 TD, 34 INT

Strengths

Tall lanky frame with good bulk.  Can flick his wrist and throw it a mile.  Quick delivery for a player his size.  Prototypical pocket passer that does damage when he has a clean pocket to work with.  Arm strength is very good and will drive it between the numbers with plenty of zip.  Decent deep ball accuracy compared to the other QBs in this class.

Weaknesses

A project player with tons of potential.  Like many college players at the position, he will need to learn to take snaps from under center.  Stats benefited from the "Air Raid" offense ran at Cal.  Sloppy/sluggish footwork.  Doesn't incorporate his lower half or use his legs for power.  Trust in his arm strength alone gets him into trouble when squeezing balls into tight windows.  Ball placement issues also stem from poor weight transfer.  Improvements in this area will prevent his accuracy from running hot/cold. 

Final Verdict

Another high ceiling prospect with a lower floor.  He can make all the throws on the field.  Consistent accuracy and ball placement will follow the progression of his footwork.  At times he will run into trouble and trust his arm too much.  Forced throws lead to a good percentage of his interceptions.  For a quarterback of his size, there are far too many balls that get tipped at the LOS(line of scrimmage).  Lack of depth at the position will make his draft stock soar.

Draft Projection: 2nd-Round

Brad Kaaya
Miami QB #15

Player Profile
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 214 Lbs
9,968 passing yards, 69 TD, 24 INT
2015 3rd-Team All-ACC
2014 ACC Rookie of the Year

Strengths

Comes from a pro style system and is used to navigating from under center.  Above average ability to scan the field and go through progressions.  Usually on time with his throws in the short to intermediate passing game.  Knows when to check the ball down.  Stands tough in the pocket and is willing to take a hit to make a tough throw.  When he is decisive, the ball comes out clean and the placement is adequate.  Is able to anticipate windows and throw receivers open.  Has a nice back shoulder fade in his arsenal.

Weaknesses

Tall thin frame that might not hold up to NFL level punishment.  Arm strength is not a weaknesses, but it's not a strength either.  The ball didn't reach its target quick enough against more athletic defenses.  A rhythm passer that needs time to set his feet and let it go.  Accuracy over his career (61%) isn't up to par.  Ball comes up short far too often.  Tends to aim the ball instead of letting it rip. 

Final Verdict

Kaaya falls into the "Kirk Cousins" category of career backup or late round steal.  One of the only top prospects in this class to have multiple years of experience from under center.  Will need to improve his overall accuracy and anticipation to overcome his lack of elite arm strength.  Barring injury, Kaaya probably won't be a starter in 2017, but could end up having a very successful NFL career.

Draft Projection: 3rd-Round

Nathan Peterman
Pittsburgh QB #4

Player Profile
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 226 Lbs
5,236 passing yards, 47 TD, 17 INT
Transferred from Tennessee in 2015

Strengths

Solid height and weight for position.  Tough hard-nosed leader that will stand strong in the pocket.  Willing and able to stare down the gun barrel and take a hit.  Short compact delivery that gets the ball out quick.  Arm strength is above average.  Can push the ball down the middle of the field with accuracy.  Athletic enough to escape the pocket and extend plays.

Weaknesses

Accuracy is very inconsistent (60%).  Especially considering that he benefited from a lot of RPO and screen calls.  Ball placement and anticipation needs improvement.  Lack of elite arm strength could be an issue.  Has trouble driving the ball outside the numbers.  Security with the ball needs to be addressed both as a passer and as a ball carrier.  Doesn't feel pressure from the backside resulting in too many fumbles.

Final Verdict

Peterman's career took a rough turn at Tennessee when he sustained injuries that held him back from winning the starting job.  Transferred to Pittsburgh in 2015 and had two solid years as a starter.  His skill-set comes with some upside, but needs refinement.  A tough competitor that has experience from under center.  Another mid-round pick that could develop later in his career.

Draft Projection: 4th-Round

Joshua Dobbs
Tennessee QB #11

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 216 Lbs
7,138 passing yards, 53 TD, 29 INT
2,160 rushing yards, 32 TD
2016 2nd-Team All-SEC

Strengths

A tough as nails three-year starter for the Tennessee Volunteers.  Motor runs on high for the entire game.  Elite top end speed for the position.  Not a lot of wiggle in his hips, but will still make defenders miss.  Can spin out of the pocket to escape pressure and take off.  As a passer, he possess an above average arm.  Capable of throwing on the run outside the pocket.

Weaknesses

Tall thin frame that will take a beating with his current play-style.  His competitive nature exposes his body to unnecessary hits.  Accuracy is a bit erratic.  Mixes in the occasional ugly throws with his Houdini-like plays.  The ball tends to sail outside the numbers.  Footwork inside the pocket needs work.  Doesn't open his hips to the receiver on a consistent basis.

Final Verdict

Dobbs is a true competitor.  Needs to develop as a pocket passer, but his feet make him a threat with the ball in his hands.  If he can clean up the accuracy issues and turnover problems, he has a chance to succeed at the next level.  A developmental project that is deserving of a shot.  Raw skill-set, but a lot to work with as a project player.

Draft Projection: 3rd-Round to 4th-Round

Chad Kelly
Ole Miss QB #10

Player Profile

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 224 Lbs
6,858 passing yards, 50 TD, 21 INT
958 rushing yards, 16 TD
2x 2nd-Team All-SEC (2015,16)

Strengths

Tough and gritty competitor.  Fearless gunslinger that is willing and able to push it downfield.  Big time arm that can make any throw on the field.  Excels on intermediate throws between the numbers.  Works the seams well and maximizes his tight end's ability.  Throws darts and puts ample velocity on the ball.  Athletic enough to break the pocket and extend the play.  Throws accurately on the run.  A threat to score once he breaks the pocket.

Weaknesses

Strengths can be his greatest weakness.  "Never say die" attitude makes him turnover prone.  Trusts his arm too much and will force balls into tight windows.  Has multiple "bad decision" throws per game.  Ball security in the pocket is an issue.  Needs to keep it high and tight when stepping through pressure.  Isn't able to stop the avalanche.  Tries to do too much and ends up hurting the team.  Off the field issues are also a concern.  Was dismissed from Clemson for multiple altercations with coaches.

Final Verdict

Kelly is a risky prospect to trust.  He has fringe starter skills and his style of play doesn't mirror the prototypical backup.  Production runs hot and cold.  He's not able to stabilize the peaks and valleys with consistent play.  When you add in the multiple injuries and possible character concerns, his draft stock is all over the place.  However, a team will take a chance on him because he flashes the ability to play at a high level.

Draft Projection: 4th-Round to 6th-Round

Jerod Evans
Virginia Tech QB #4

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 233 Lbs
3,552 passing yards, 29 TD, 8 INT
846 rushing yards, 12 TD

Strengths

Desired frame and bulk.  Had a great year of production as a first-time starter.  Big, strong and powerful athlete.  A threat to run and throw.  Big-time arm that can stretch the field.  Flashes the ability to throw receivers open and place the ball in tight windows.  An athlete in the open field.  Can make defenders miss and move a pile after contact.

Weaknesses

A 1-year starter at VT.  Will need to show he can replicate his 2016 season consistently.  Slow heavy feet in the pocket.  Took the majority of college snaps from the gun and will need to incorporate under center footwork into his game. Will throw a few "ducks" from time to time.  Doesn't put a lot of RPMs (rotations per minute) on the football.  Deep balls hang up in the air far too long.

Final Verdict

Another developmental prospect.  Has a high ceiling and low floor.  A big and sturdy duo threat quarterback that can move the chains in multiple ways.  If Evans can sit and learn for a few years, he can be the steal of this draft.  A lot of talent to work with and a short track record of production to look at.  A team that can afford a young backup on the roster will take a flier on him.

Draft Projection: 4th-Round
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