Positional Breakdown: Quarterbacks

The quarterback position in the 2016 NFL Draft leaves a ton of questions on the table. Of the twenty-five prospects playing the position, only three warrant a first-round selection. There are a select few beyond those three that could be the next diamond in the rough, and there will surely be someone elected early, that could wind up being the next draft bust. Here are my best player, overrated player, and a player to keep your eye on, as well as a list of rankings.


Best in the class: Jared Goff, California

Many people are writing Goff off as the best quarterback in the 2016 crop, but I am NOT one of them. I'll address Carson Wentz momentarily, but the census is he is the best of the bunch. I think Goff has the proven track record during his time in college, and has taken his share of beatings, losses, and tough games. Goff fought through adversity at Cal, and even after a shoulder injury, he was able to lead his team for a full season. He broke records, most of which were held by Aaron Rodgers. Goff is as pro-ready as anyone in the entire 2016 class. He can make essentially any throw on the field, showing precision when getting the ball anywhere on the field. He arguably has the bet deep ball out of all the quarterbacks. Has good pocket presence, and can make throws when forced out and on the run. The deciding factor between Goff and Wentz, for me, is simply that Goff has played against a higher quality of talent during his college career.



Overrated: Carson Wentz, South Dakota State

Here's the thing: I could look like a genius by saying this, or I could look like the biggest idiot in the world when all is said and done. Wentz is a bigger player than most of the other quarterbacks, and had arguably the best combine of the group. That is just on paper, though. If I were a NFL GM, i would be scared for my job to even consider taking a 1A college quarterback with a first round pick. Wentz shows very well in film, throwing very accurate passes, and most times is able to throw receivers open. He can pick apart zone coverage as well as, if not better than any other prospect. I don't like how he sails balls when throwing on the move, and he often times locks onto a target without making his reads. The real issue i have with him, is the lack of talent he played against in college. Playing at SDSU, he may not have ever played against a single NFL caliber talent. The bottom line here is simple, the kid can throw a ball, but any team that selects him with a first-round pick should be weary that he may wind up as fools gold.


Keep your eye on: Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech

After Tim Tebow left Florida, the reigns were left to Driskel. That inevitably led to a sub-par season, and he then was granted a medical red-shirt. He left Florida and picked back up at LA Tech, where he threw for 4,033 yards, with 28 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. Driskel has the prototypical size to play in the NFL, and tied Carson Wentz for the best 40-yard time among quarterbacks. Driskel does a lot of things I like when evaluating quarterbacks, including the ability to quickly set his feet before throwing the ball. He keeps active in the pocket, but not in a twitchy, goofy way. He can make most NFL throws, but lacks certain athleticism some other prospects have. He has a little accuracy issue, but with work could become a suitable starter. Be on the lookout for a team to grab him, and have him learn from the sideline until his name is called.


Top Ten Quarterbacks:

1. Jared Goff, California
2. Carson Wentz, South Dakota State
3. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
4. Connor Cook, Michigan State
5. Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
6. Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech
7. Jacoby Brissett, N.C State
8. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
9. Cody Kessler, USC
10. Cardale Jones, Ohio State