2011 Quarterbacks: Who are the Real 1st Rounders?

In this year's NFL Draft, there are many names of quarterbacks that have recently shot up draft boards. Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton have been the big ones - both thought to be within the first 5 picks and Newton supposedly the Panthers frontrunner with the first pick. However, new names have crept onto the scene as of late.

There is Christian Ponder of Florida State, who has shown me the ability to read defenses, step up and run when pressured out of the pocket, and also enough accuracy and arm strength to get the ball down the field. The thing that worries me is his lack of a big name until draft season and the Senior Bowl, which he lit up. He might need a year to adjust to an NFL playbook, needs to fix some footwork, and could improve his decision making, but in time should become a solid pick. However, I feel he is a second rounder.



Washington's Jake Locker can run and his football intelligence is there, along with decent arm strength. However, his accuracy is a huge issue and he is actually more accurate when rolling out, which is not typical. In 2 games against Nebraska, Locker struggled to complete even a third of his passes and that was against a defense that boasted 2 of the better cover corners in the nation. He could've been last year's #1 pick, but instead I see him slipping until at least #12 to the Vikings and will still need a year or two to completely become a starting NFL quarterback. Boom or bust potential.


Next is Ryan Mallett of Arkansas, a transfer from Michigan. Mallett impresses with his arm strength and for rejuvenating a Razorback team that was falling apart until he took the starting role. Many things scare me with Mallett and they aren't involved with the drug-related issues and immaturity usually talked about by the media. He is terribly inaccurate on the run and his decision making, especially in crucial moments of the game, can be questioned many times. No doubt he is a gun-slinger, but he is not mobile and could have used another year in school, as he will need at least half a year to adjust to NFL defenses. Another mid-second round pick grade.



Nevada's Colin Kaepernick is unknown to many. He is a scrambler, but also has a decent arm and can fling it down the field and with decent accuracy. How well he will adjust to the pro game coming from a shotgun offense remains to be seen, but his ability to not let the pressure of the big stage get to him (win against Boise St.), gives you a feeling that Kaepernick could become a decent starter. I think he's more of a second rounder, though, and wouldn't take him in the first.



Finally, TCU's Andy Dalton has recently been one of the biggest risers. Though I see him as a early second round pick, Dalton benefited from TCU's great season and really has no standout trait. He is not overly accurate, has only good arm strength, and has decent mobility. Surely Dalton can become a quality game managing quarterback, but when you consider drafting a quarterback in the first 3 rounds, you have to be sure, you are getting a 5-6 year starter. I'm not sure Dalton is that guy.

So, overall, I can only see Gabbert and Newton going in Round 1. There are no guarantees with either, as I see both needing more than a year to get a feel for the game. After all is said and done, Gabbert, in my eyes, will be a bust and may show you things from time to time, but will not be the perennial Pro Bowler you are led to believe. Newton, on the other hand, could transform the QB position and become one of the league's most difficult players to defend if he can be consistent as a passer.