2009-2010 NFL Draft Prospect Preseason Rankings: Quarterbacks

Late August has arrived and that can mean only one thing...my birthd - I mean college football. So, before the season begins, I'd like to issue my preseason positional rankings of potential 2010 NFL Draft prospects. These rankings will likely change throughout the season, but we'll cross that wobbly, poorly built bridge when we come to it.

Where else would we start but with the quarterbacks? The 2010 class looks to be at least the best since 2004 and likely the best since 1999 (let's leave out comparisons with the 1983 class for now). With most positions of which there is only one on the field at a time, I will offer up my top 5. However, with quarterback being such a vital position and with 2010 being such a terrific class, I'll broaden my top 5 to a splendid 7 (as well as a Dark Horse or two).

Also, keep in mind that these rankings are based not on college efficacy or proficiency, but on projected success or productivity in transitioning to the professional level - the NFL.

Anyway, here they are:

2009 - 2010 NFL Draft Prospect Preseason Quarterback Rankings (The Splendid 7)

1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, (6-4, 218)

What to Like
Bradford has superlative accuracy, excellent vision, a quick release and an undeniably attuned sense of timing.

What to Worry About
Bradford's inexperience with both pre-snap reads and leading teams against superior ones engenders questions about his transition to the NFL – specifically playing for a team deficient enough in talent to be selecting him with a top 5 or 10 draft pick.

Bottom Line
If Bradford can answer the few questions attached to him, he could truly be something special. It may, however, take a few years for him to be absolutely ready to assume the role of a starting signal caller in the NFL.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
If Bradford answers the few questions surrounding him, he could be very productive in just about any NFL offense – excluding the Wildcat or Single Wing.


2. Jevan Snead, Ole Miss (6-3, 215)

What to Like
Snead is a good size for an NFL quartergback and displays good accuracy, arm strength and presence. In addition, Ole Miss employs a more pro-style offense than the other top prospects at quarterback.

What to Worry About
After transferring from Texas, where he was forever to be Colt McCoy's backup, Snead has somewhat come out of nowhere as a college star and will need to have a solid 2009 season to prove that 2008 wasn't a fluke and that he belongs in the upper tier of 2010's draft prospects. My feeling is that he will and is a future surefire 1st round pick.

Bottom Line
While Snead needs experience and another year of college football under his belt to be considered a top 2010 draft prospect, he looked every bit the part of an NFL quarterback in 2008. If he improves in 2009, he's a sure first rounder in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
Snead would be a perfect fit in a vertical passing scheme. That is not to say, however, that he would be a poor fit in a West Coast-style offense. Like Bradford, he should be a solid fit in most NFL offenses excluding the Wildcat or Single Wing.


3. Colt McCoy, Texas (6-3, 210)

What to Like
McCoy is a tough, athletic, improvisational leader who is poised in the pocket and who possesses the 'it' factor in abundance.

What to Worry About
McCoy's lack of superior arm strength and downfield accuracy (his mid-range accuracy is more than adequate) could render him a poor fit for some vertically focused NFL offenses. He'll also likely have to add a little more weight and bulk if he is to withstand NFL defenses for the long (or even mid) haul.

Bottom Line
If McCoy improves his downfield accuracy and arm strength just a tad and his mobility translates to the NFL, he could make a very quick and successful transition to the NFL. Even if he doesn't improve in those areas in 2009, he could likely be counted on as a starting NFL quarterback by middle or late 2010.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
McCoy's best fit would be with a West Coast-type offense that uses mostly short to mid-range patterns predicated on timing and smart quarterback play while also affording the signal caller some creativity as far as moving out of the pocket and making decisions and throws while on the run. These elements in an offensive scheme would fit McCoy to a tee and see him make a relatively quick impact on an NFL team.


4. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (6-3, 228)

What to Like
LeFevour's arm strength, poise in the pocket and mobility out of it are everything an NFL front office could want in a franchise quarterback. It's cliché, but he has all the physical tools.

What to Worry About
LeFevour's accuracy and decision making are inconsistent and he has very little experience against superior opponents playing at Central Michigan.

Bottom Line
LeFevour must refine his game by improving his accuracy, decision-making, and defense reading skills. If he does, he could be a very good NFL quarterback.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
If LeFevour refines his game, he'll be a great fit in any NFL offense. His talents may be raw, but as a passer, they are as wide ranging as any quarterback in this class.


5. Tim Hiller, Western Michigan (6-5, 228)

What to Like
Hiller has prototypical size and outstanding arm strength – probably the best in his class; he throws a beautiful and accurate deep ball.

What to Worry About
Hiller's delivery is a little slow, his footwork is a somewhat sloppy and his short to intermediate accuracy leaves something to be desired.

Bottom Line
The key for Hiller is his footwork and overall mechanics. If he can dramatically improve his mechanics, benefits would likely include improved delivery and better accuracy. If he can achieve those, the sky is the limit for Hiller, who is a fairly raw, but intelligent and coachable quarterback with unlimited upside.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
Assuming Hiller improves his weaker areas of play, he'll be an ideal pocket passer in a vertical passing scheme. His height and arm strength would allow him to see clearly over the offensive line and throw lasers to all areas of the field.


6. Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State (6-3, 212)

What to Like
Robinson is very elusive within the pocket and displays impressive accuracy and awareness.

What to Worry About
Aside from inexperience, Robinson hasn't shown that he has the arm strength to make all of the throws he'll need to be able to make consistently in the NFL.

Bottom Line
Robinson has plenty to prove and improve upon in 2009, but he's already a confident, poised and talented leader. With more experience and a consistent 2009, Robinson could make himself a first or second prospect in a very strong 2010 quarterback class.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
A West Coast offense would suit Robinson perfectly. Throwing short timing patterns and making quick decisions are his strengths and staples of the typical West Coast offense.


7. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (6-3, 217)

What to Like
Clausen has flashes of brilliance, displaying superior accuracy, touch and sense of timing.

What to Worry About
Still young and severely lacking maturity, Clausen suffers from intermittent lapses in focus and desperately needs experience.

Bottom Line
A very polarizing figure in college football (polarity augmented by an equal number of accessible lowlights to number of highlights), Clausen needs to get as much experience as a starting college quarterback as possible. If he does so, while improving his focus, consistency and mental makeup, he could be a phenomenal prospect; though most likely in 2011.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
It may be too early to tell. Thus far, he would fit best in a West Coast-type of offense with more deep patterns added to the playbook. He'll be easier to place when he physically matures into the quarterback he's ultimately going to be.


Dark Horse(s)

Jake Locker, Washington (6-3, 223)

What to Like
Locker is an extremely mobile, physical runner and has a very strong arm.

What to Worry About
While an undeniably superior athlete, Locker is far too reliant on his running ability and has a lot of improvement to make in the throwing accuracy and defense-reading departments.

Bottom Line
Locker reminds me of a less sensationalized Tim Tebow surrounded by less talent with better prospects as a pure passer. Nonetheless, he would probably be advised not to come out until 2011...at least.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
Locker would fit well in a Wildcat/vertical passing hybrid. Taking advantage of Locker's attributes will hopefully be the responsibility of a brilliantly innovative offensive coordinator.


Tim Tebow, Florida (6-3, 238)

What to Like
Tebow is a dynamic, willful leader with superior toughness and athleticism.

What to Worry About
Tebow's lack of NFL caliber accuracy and inexperience reading defenses are huge question marks heading into the 2009 NCAA Football season.

Bottom Line
While being a dynamic athlete and leader, Tebow will need to improve (and has apparently done a lot of work doing so) many quarterback-related areas of his game to prove that he's cut out for the NFL. His inadequacies as a quarterback along with his unorthodox skillset make him a difficult evaluation when it comes to assessing his prospects for playing and succeeding on the professional level...at least at the quarterback position.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
See Jake Locker.