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The clock has struck midnight which means… the NFL Draft in Cleveland is finally this month! It is now time to take a deeper look at this year’s prospects before getting into mock drafts.
Here are my top Quarterback prospects:
- Trevor Lawrence – Clemson
Lawrence is an elite QB. In many ways it just seems like he has it all – he is accurate, has a strong arm, is tall and can run. The only downside for Lawrence is that all of the hype surrounding him could lead to not quite meeting expectations set at the next level. That being said, he is still going to be a franchise quarterback.
Pick Range: Number 1 without a doubt
- Justin Fields – Ohio State
The toughness and running ability of Fields makes him a playmaker. His athleticism has given him an unfair comparison to Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III. I believe Fields is actually best in the pocket. The zip he can put on the ball allows him to rifle throws into tight windows and he is good at working through his read progression. The only downside for him is that his athleticism makes him feel unstoppable at times and he holds onto the ball for too long.
Pick Range: Top 5
- Zach Wilson – BYU
Wilson turned heads this season. He has been a huge talking point lately and that has resulted to lofty evaluations and comparisons. His side arms across his body do not make him Patrick Mahomes… He is a nice looking QB though. Most of his throws are on the money and he is quicker than fast. He reminds me of a less athletic Kyler Murray. Of the top three, I question his longevity in the NFL the most.
Pick Range: Top 5
- Trey Lance – North Dakota State
The film on Lance brought the word “physical” to mind first. Lance is a runner who initiates the contact first like Josh Allen, so watch out for some big hits being delivered. From his film, he always passed best in play-action while rolling to his right. It seems like he will best fit with a run heavy team where he only throws 15-30 times per game. I can’t see him succeeding in an air-raid/west coast type of offense.
Pick Range: 6-20
- Mac Jones – Alabama
The athleticism drops off big time from the top four to Jones. He is without a doubt a pure pocket passer. Jones appears to be a fairly smart QB though and even during his time at Alabama, kept himself from getting leveled. Similar to Brees and Brady, quarterbacks who were not known for athleticism, Jones is not afraid to release the ball quickly and checkdown to running backs.
Pick Range: Mid to Late 1st Round
- Kyle Trask – Florida
Trask did not do himself any favors against Oklahoma in his final game as a Gator. Trask has a good arm coupled with some nice size. He is also a solid red zone QB, who is not afraid to just run right up the middle. Trask reminds me of Carson Wentz coming out of college but much more under the radar. He could be a crucial backup for a team in contention.
Pick Range: 3rd-5th round
- Jamie Newman – Wake Forest/Georgia
Newman did not actually play for Georgia this past season. His first game action was in the Senior Bowl and was quite average. The potential is there with Newman if he can learn from a veteran quarterback but he needs to knock off some rust. His best trait might actually be the floated ball over the top that Russell Wilson is known for throwing. Newman’s film shows some great touch to just drop the ball in right over the defender.
Pick Range: 4th-7th round
- Kellen Mond – Texas A&M
Mond is quite comfortable in the pocket and on the run. His long, thin frame makes me think of Deshaun Watson. If this were a month ago, I would have said Mond would have made the perfect backup for Watson. Instead, I look to another part of Texas and this could scream backup to Dak Prescott. Wherever Mond goes, he needs some time to learn and develop but once he is ready, he could air it out 40+ times per game regularly.
Pick Range: 4th-7th round
Honorable Mention:
- Sam Ehlinger – Texas
- Feleipe Franks – Arkansas
Pick Range: 5th round – undrafted
