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Here we are again at the time we football fans have come to know and love as “silly season” where all kinds of information and misinformation are being spread throughout the NFL world. With it come evaluations of the various prospects coming out of college and into the NFL, which is followed by the inevitable comparisons of one quarterback to another. The intent of this article is to help shed a little light on those prospects coming into the NFL that play the most important position on the field – the quarterback. I hope that you find it both entertaining and informative. With that said, let’s get on with the show.
Jameis Winston – Redshirt Sophomore – Florida State
POSITIVES: At 6’-4” tall and weighing in at 232 lbs. Winston has the height and frame of an NFL quarterback. The cannon attached to his right shoulder attests to the fact that he’s more than capable of making all the throws required at the next level and do them with accuracy. On the field he shows the ability to read defenses and lead his troops down the field for the winning score at the end of the game. Winston also shows the ability to scramble out of the pocket and buy time for his receivers, but is at his best throwing from the pocket; which is essential in the NFL of the 21st century. Winston is arguably one of the greatest college athletes to play the position in at least the past ten years.
NEGATIVES: Lack of maturity off the field is Winston’s greatest downfall. Evidence of his immaturity includes – but is not limited to – stealing crab legs from a local Tallahassee restaurant and the sexual assault of a female Florida State student where the investigation was “conveniently” botched by Tallahassee Police. The latter incident will likely end up in the courts as a civil case, thanks to the ineptitude of the Tallahassee Police Force investigators.
THE BOTTOM LINE: NFL teams slotted to draft early in the first round will have to do their own diligent research and evaluations to determine if Winston is worth the risk of selecting in the top five. As for me, I would pass on Winston if I were the GM of one of these teams because he comes off as the “ME GUY” type of person whose off-the-field behavior will only take a turn for the worse once he receives his signing bonus check. Yet, some team very early – possibly with the first overall pick – will select Winston because they think that they’ll be able to coach him up and keep him on the straight and narrow path. This is my reasoning for having him listed as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selection with the first overall pick in my most recent mock draft. In doing so, the Bucs will need to have a full time mentor/babysitter with him day and night to ensure that Winston stays out of trouble off the field. From a pure football perspective though, Winston is the best quarterback prospect coming out this year. It’s the off-the-field stuff that scares me.
WUNKLE’S RATING: TOP TEN PICK
Marcus Mariota – Redshirt Junior – Oregon
POSITIVES: At 6’-4” tall and weighing in at 215 lbs. Mariota has the height of an NFL quarterback and the frame that will allow him to add muscle mass over time to withstand the pounding that is the NFL season. In terms of arm strength, Mariota is quite capable of making all the throws required at the next level. Mobility and agility are perhaps Mariota’s greatest assets; possessing the ability to beat a team with either his arm or his legs. His work ethic is by far the best of any quarterback in this year’s draft class. The management of the NFL team that drafts Mariota certainly won’t have to worry about how he’s spending his time away from the field. Marcus Mariota is an intelligent, hard working young man with deeply rooted respect and love of family. In short, he’s the kind of young man that mothers and fathers want their daughter to bring home and meet her parents.
NEGATIVES: Mariota has the label of being a “system quarterback”, meaning that he’s more the product of an offensive system than a quarterback that can adapt to any of a number of systems. I’m not convinced that this is necessarily true. One legitimate concern of mine is that he doesn’t appear to be the type of quarterback that can beat you strictly from the pocket on a consistent basis because he has shown periods where he’s not an accurate passer in that scenario. Some of this may be driven from a mechanics standpoint, which can be corrected. However, I do believe that – in the process of time – this kid’s intelligence, work ethic and desire to be the very best player he can possibly be will make him one of the top five to ten quarterbacks in the league.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Because of the dearth of talent at the quarterback position on the NFL level, Marcus Mariota will be taken somewhere within the top half of the first round – possibly in the top five. With that will come the big dollars and immense pressure to play him before he’s truly ready. The best thing for Mariota will be to draft him, then let him learn the system and get acclimated to the speed of the NFL game by getting his reps with the second unit during his rookie season and THEN have him compete for the starting position in year two; much like what the Cincinnati Bengals did when they drafted Carson Palmer. The only exception to this thought would be if the Philadelphia Eagles were to move up in the draft to take Mariota – where he already knows the system that Chip Kelly runs. Make no mistake about it. Marcus Mariota will be a very good NFL quarterback. It’s just that his success won’t happen overnight.
WUNKLE’S RATING: TOP TEN PICK
Bryce Petty – Fifth Year Senior – Baylor
POSITIVES: At 6’-3” and 230 lbs. Petty is just short of the prototypical height teams are looking for, but his frame is definitely suited for the NFL. His arm strength is such that he’s able to make all the throws on Sundays. Petty is also one of seven fifth year Senior quarterbacks that may be drafted this year. On the field, Petty has shown himself to be an excellent leader and a solid teammate. In the right system, Petty could in time become a solid starter at the next level. He’s also a very good (but not great) athlete.
NEGATIVES: Baylor’s one read offensive system is one that takes a lot of pressures off the quarterback’s shoulders. During the week of practices at the Senior Bowl, Petty struggled mightily. The transition from college to professional will take some time for him to make.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Bryce Petty has the tools and work ethic it takes to become a successful NFL quarterback. However, he’s at least two full seasons away from making any impact on the field. He needs to learn how to read defenses and get comfortable with taking the snap from center and making the three, five and seven step drops.
WUNKLE’S RATING: THIRD TO FIFTH ROUND PICK
Brett Hundley – Redshirt Junior – UCLA
POSITIVES: At 6’-3” and 227 lbs. Hundley doesn’t quite have the prototypical size teams are looking for in a quarterback, but he’s certainly big enough to play the position. His arm strength is also good enough to make all the throws at the next level. Hundley also possesses the athleticism you’re looking for in a quarterback.
NEGATIVES: There’s something lacking in Hundley’s game on the mental side. He does not appear to read defenses well and seems to lack a killer instinct that is so critical for the player who’s supposed to be the field general for his team’s offense. I seriously doubt that Hundley is a true leader of men, which is quite disappointing considering the position he plays. I also question his ability to process information.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Brett Hundley will be another player to benefit from the dearth of talent at the position, insomuch that he will be drafted before he should be by some NFL team in need of a starting quarterback – possibly as early as round two if the team is that desperate. I’m just not sure that he’ll develop into one.
WUNKLE’S RATING: FOURTH TO FIFTH ROUND PICK
Garrett Grayson – Fifth Year Senior – Colorado State
POSITIVES: At 6’-2” and 215 lbs. Grayson is another one of those quarterbacks that falls short of the prototypical size, but is still big enough to play the position. Arm strength is adequate as well, but not overwhelming. He does use his lower body well to deliver the ball with zip and has good touch on the deep ball. Overall maturity is not an issue with him being a fifth year senior. Grayson is tough and poised in the pocket.
NEGATIVES: Has a small hitch in his throwing motion which lengthens delivery time. He’s also slow in getting into his drops and often locks onto his primary target. He also needs to work on his decision making and the time it takes for him to process information.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Garrett Grayson is a project that could develop into a decent backup quarterback one day.
WUNKLE’S RATING: FOURTH TO FIFTH ROUND PICK
Brandon Bridge – Fifth Year Senior – South Alabama
POSITIVES: At 6’-4” and 224 lbs. with a frame that can add more muscle mass, Bridge has the prototypical size teams are looking for in a quarterback. He also shows great arm strength and athleticism. On the field, Bridge appears to be a good leader and teammate.
NEGATIVES: As a three quarter sidearm thrower, Bridge’s mechanics need serious work – as does his accuracy.His footwork is a mess as well. Although he can throw the football through a brick wall, nobody seems to know where it’s going – including Bridge. Touch on his shorter passes needs quite a bit of work. His ability to read defenses is also questionable at this point.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Brandon Bridge is an extremely gifted athlete who just happens to play quarterback. If he tests well, he could be one of the best quarterback prospects that practically no one has ever heard of, or just another face in the crowd. Many draftniks such as yours truly will be interested in finding out how he scores on the Wonderlic test. If he scores well, that may cause some team to take him off the board earlier than expected. I’ve seen ratings on him that range anywhere from the second round to seventh or even URFA. At any event Brandon appears to be a project that will need several years to develop into an NFL quarterback. The team that drafts him will be taking a risk, but the upside potential is there.
WUNKLE’S RATING: FOURTH TO SIXTH ROUND PICK
Blake Sims – Fifth Year Senior – Alabama
POSITIVES: Well put together at 223 lbs., Sims waited his turn to play only one year at Alabama. Possesses quick feet and is accustomed to playing in a pro-style offense. An accurate passer, Sims shows the ability to make all the throws required at the next level with good anticipation. Play action passes well and has the ability to extend plays and make things happen when protection breaks down with either his arm or his feet.
NEGATIVES: Short at 6’-0” in height, Sims will need to utilize passing lanes when dropping back to pass. Only started his Senior year, so real game experience is lacking. Too up and down as a player, he needs to be more consistent game to game.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Blake Sims lack of playing time gives scouts a very small body of work to evaluate. A strong throwing arm, good mechanics and solid work ethic will help accelerate his growth at the next level. He should develop into at least a quality backup, but will need time to make that happen. I for one will be interested in seeing his Wonderlic test results because it’s an indication of how quickly one can process information correctly.
WUNKLE’S RATING: FIFTH TO SIXTH ROUND PICK
Shane Carden –Senior – East Carolina
POSITIVES: Here’s another kid (6’-2” and 218 lbs.) that falls short of the prototypical size, but is big enough to play the position. Carden appears to be a good leader and teammate on the field. A three year starter, Carden also has a high football IQ that allows him to process information quickly as he scans the field.
NEGATIVES: Not convinced that he’s got the arm strength or accuracy required for the next level. Carden also needs to work on mechanics – particularly with his lower body to pick up some extra MPH, taking the snap directly under center and making the three, five and seven step drops. Word has it that pro scouts wish he were more of an athlete because his head skills are top notch.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Shane Carden is yet another project that may eventually develop into a decent backup quarterback one day – just probably not for the team that drafts him.
WUNKLE’S RATING: SIXTH ROUND PICK
Sean Mannion – Fifth Year Senior – Oregon State
POSITIVES: When you look at Mannion, the first thing to jump out at you is his height. At 6’-6” and 229 lbs., he’s got the prototypical height and a frame that can add some more bulk. As a four-year starter, Mannion currently owns 18 of Oregon State’s school passing records. He throws with a high release point and plays with good footwork. He’s capable of making pre-snap reads and is comfortable running a pro style offense – making three, five and seven step drops.
NEGATIVES: Everything Mannion does on the field will need to be accelerated significantly at the next level; from processing information to getting back in his drops and making decisions as to where and when to throw the football. In the NFL quarterbacks don’t have time to read “War and Peace” or any other novel for that matter while in the pocket. Everything about the next level is faster, and I don’t know if Mannion can make the adjustment in a reasonable amount of time.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Someone is going to draft this kid from his physical tangibles alone. I just hope that they’ve got the patience to work with him because the rewards could be quite interesting.
WUNKLE’S RATING: SIXTH TO SEVENTH ROUND PICK
Cody Fajardo – Fifth Year Senior – Nevada
POSITIVES: At 6’-2” and 222 lbs. Fajardo is another quarterback that’s not ideal in size but big enough to play the position. One of only two FBS players to throw for 9,000 yards and run for 3,000 yards during his career, he’s very effective as a runner or scrambler; which makes him a threat to score near the end zone. Fajardo also recognizes blitzes during pre-snap reads and is able to find the hot receiver. His attendance at the Manning Passing Academy indicates a desire to become a better passer.
NEGATIVES: Injured for most of 2013, Fajardo was forced to carry the majority of the load of the offense on his own shoulders. He’s habitually late in getting the ball to receivers – often leaving them susceptible to big shots by defenders. His mechanics are inconsistent with below average arm strength.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Possible role as a niche package player or third string quarterback because of his running ability.
WUNKLE’S RATING: SEVENTH ROUND PICK OR URFA
Connor Halliday – Fifth Year Senior – Washington State
POSITIVES: At 6’-4” and 200 lbs. Halliday has the height for the next level. He had great success in Washington State’s pass-happy offense and made significant improvement as a decision maker in 2014. He shows good anticipation on timing routes and good ball placement.
NEGATIVES: Slight frame may not be able to add the needed muscle mass for playing on Sundays. Footwork is slow and inconsistent. Suffered broken tibia and will not work out at the combine. Tends to show signs of panic when protection breaks down – partly because of his inability to consistently get outside the pocket. His arm strength is questionable for the next level.
THE BOTTOM LINE: His improvement over the past two seasons could be enough to justify some team using a late round draft pick on him, but becoming a backup in the NFL could be his ceiling.
WUNKLE’S RATING: SEVENTH ROUND PICK OR URFA
If your favorite quarterback didn’t make this list, then I’m afraid that he’s probably not going to get drafted. Sorry to hurt your feelings, but it is what it is. Let me say one more thing about this year’s quarterback draft class as a whole . . . projecting how a college quarterback’s play will grow at the next level is arguably the most difficult things to do in scouting. That said this year’s class is one of the weakest I’ve seen in recent memory. Maybe one of these kids will blossom unexpectedly, but it appears to me that if you’re not drafting in the top ten; then you have next to zero chance of getting your franchise quarterback of the future in the 2015 NFL draft.
Am I going mad, or did the word THINK escape your lips? You were not hired for your brains, you hippopotamic landmass!
I have a unique perspective on Jameis Winston; being an FSU alum and fan I’ve watched every game he’s played. What I can tell you is that if I were the GM of an NFL team that needed a QB, I wouldn’t even consider him in the 1st round. He’s a very good college QB but he needs major work to be a very good NFL QB. His problems on the field aren’t limited to what Wunkle wrote above; even on the field this guy is a head case. If he gets rattled in a game, he’s done. He almost got benched during his last game with FSU because he couldn’t control himself. Smart defenders can get in his head and cause him to get so frustrated that he makes mistakes and quits. Also he seemed completely disconnected in the first half of many games. He looked like he didn’t care whether they won or lost until the 2nd half. He’s not in great physical shape. You probably won’t see a picture of him with his shirt off at the combine because it’s not pretty. Also while he has a good arm, I’d say it’s just average for an NFL QB. Stronger than any QB on our roster for sure, but compared across NFL rosters he’s not a standout.
Off the field problems are even worse than what Wunkle stated. Winston shows a complete lack of intelligence, maturity, and morals. At one point he stood up on a table in the middle of the crowded FSU union right in the middle of campus and yelled at the top of his lungs “F___ HER RIGHT IN THE P____!” Why? Someone dared him to do it. While it was never proven, I’m positive that he’s thrown parts of games and shaved points to help his friends win money. He will require full time baby sitting once he gets in the NFL just to keep himself out of trouble.
To sum up even as an FSU fan I have never been a fan of Winston. Like EJ Manuel before him he’s a very good college QB on a fantastic college team.
In all candidness, Ice, I could’ve written and entire expose’ on Winston’s off-the-field exploits that would’ve taken up as much space as this article. I was all to well aware of them. However, I thought it would’ve been counterproductive to do so. I thought our viewers and fellow members would benefit significantly more by my taking the path I chose. As for me, I wouldn’t touch Winston with a ten foot pole. However, there’s at least one team drafting in the top ten that will take him thinking, “We can keep him on the strait and narrow”. I suspect and fear that team will be miserably mistaken.
Am I going mad, or did the word THINK escape your lips? You were not hired for your brains, you hippopotamic landmass!
Well said Wunkle. We won’t be getting him anyway so who cares. Unfortunately that’s what I said about Manziel….
So Wunkle, every year some unheard of QB jumps from not being talked about at all to being talked about as a 1st rounder. If you had to guess, who is it going to be this year?
To answer your question . . . I’m not so sure that he exists this year. By all accounts, Brett Hundley seems to be the third guy in the QB pecking order because he tics a lot of the boxes from a physical standpoint.
There IS one kid that I didn’t profile in my article . . .
JERRY LOVELOCKE – FIFTH YEAR SENIOR – PRAIRIE VIEW A&M
6′-4″ / 248 LBS. / 34 1/2″ ARMS / 10 1/2″ HANDSPrototypical and athletic body type, took snaps from under center and in shotgun formation. Strong arm to make all the throws. Ability to read defenses (both pre-snap and going through progressions) unknown. In limited footage, showed inconsistent accuracy in spite of statistics. Don’t know how consistently he can throw a receiver open or get the ball into a narrow window. Don’t know how many of those completions over four seasons were bubble screens.
PASSING STATISTICS
2011: 51.4% – 10 TD – 4 INT
2012: 65.3% – 5 TD – 4 INT
2013: 66.4% – 23 TD – 9 INT
2014: 57.6% – 16 TD – 9 INT
CAREER: 61.1% – 54 TD – 26 INTCBS currently lists him as a 7th round to URFA prospect. You make your own conclusions.
Am I going mad, or did the word THINK escape your lips? You were not hired for your brains, you hippopotamic landmass!
I believe Mariota has put on about 10 more pounds of wait – muscle while Winston has lost as much – they are almost identical at weigh ins at combine.
While I don’t want Mariota in the first round, I think he may be a good second round pick. He shows nothing but a positive attitude and seems to really want to succeed and work hard.
I like personally Sean Mannion just based on his size and his potential. He may be the best gem in the qb pack.
Hue Jackson is a loser.
There’s only one problem with that thought, Dude . . . Mariota’s probably not getting out of the top ten because of the dearth of talent at QB in this year’s draft.
Am I going mad, or did the word THINK escape your lips? You were not hired for your brains, you hippopotamic landmass!
There’s only one problem with that thought, Dude . . . Mariota’s probably not getting out of the top ten because of the dearth of talent at QB in this year’s draft.
You and I will have to disagree there Wunkle. As someone with a minor in economics I can tell you that lack of supply does not increase demand. Back in 2013 there was only one QB taken in the first round (EJ Manuel, 16th overall) even though many teams were desperate at QB. Pre-draft hype told Geno Smith that he’d be a top 5 pick because there was such a need at QB but when it came time for teams to turn their cards in they made the smart pick and Geno fell into the 2nd round.
I’ll say this about Mariota… he’s got everything you want in a QB except experience. He’s big, lightning fast, has all the brains, guts, and leadership you want in a QB, but the dude doesn’t know how to huddle or take a 5 step drop. Where do you draft someone like that? How do you try to project his skills? I don’t know. He may very well go top 10 and if he ends up on our team I’ll be a big fan of his, but he also may drop down because NFL teams haven’t seen him play NFL football.
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