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1. Matt Barkley, USC
Barkley is the prototype quarterback. His size is ideal for a starter (6-2 & 227 pounds), and he can make every throw with a good arm. His experience in a pro system at USC is a definite plus, but his accuracy will need work. The biggest red flag, however, is the regression from his junior year to his senior year. He’s a top 10 pick during his junior year. He’s a second rounder during his senior year. Which player are you getting?
Possible Destinations: Bills, Cardinals, Jaguars, Jets, & Raiders
2. Mike Glennon, N.C. State
Russell Wilson transferring to Wisconsin opened the door for Glennon at N.C. State. He’s a pure drop-back quarterback drawing comparisons to Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco. Like Flacco, he has an intimidating frame (6-7 & 225 pounds), a cannon for an arm, and throws a great deep ball. His accuracy needs work and he has a tendency to get wild (throwing the ball into double coverage). He also isn’t much of an athlete.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Cardinals, Jaguars, Jets, & Raiders
3. E.J. Manuel, Florida State
Because of his experience in the spread offense, a couple of teams will definitely value Manuel. He’s an accurate thrower of the football. He also puts a nice touch on his passes. There are lingering questions about whether he can operate from the pocket efficiently, but his Senior Bowl week helped answer some of those questions. Based on his body of work, he has a chance to become a competent starting quarterback, whose play will be elevated if the pistol offense proves more than just a fad.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Browns, Eagles, & Jaguars
4. Geno Smith, West Virginia
Don’t mistake Smith for a running quarterback. He operates from the pocket, looking to throw first. When he wants to run, he has the speed to turn into a playmaker. He needs good pass protection, as he panics under pressure. His size is ideal and everybody likes his arm strength, but his accuracy leaves doubts. His No. 1 wide receiver Tavon Austin made him look better. He also beat up on bad competition and was underwhelming versus quality opponents.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Browns, Cardinals, Jaguars, & Raiders
5. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse
Nassib‘s put together well (6-2 & 227 pounds). He’s a pocket passer with big hands, a strong arm, and perhaps the quickest release in the draft. He won’t offer much athleticism, and there are concerns about his ability to throw on the run. In addition, he often forces the ball into coverage and must do a better job of taking what the defense gives him.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Cardinals, Jaguars, Jets, & Raiders
6. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
In 2011, Wilson played like a future first-round prospect. He led Arkansas to 11 wins, including a victory in the Cotton Bowl. His 2012 season was disappointing, as the controversial departure of Bobby Petrino may have hindered his development. Nevertheless, he throws a tight spiral with good accuracy. He also does a decent job of going through his progressions, but he doesn’t have a big arm and he sometimes hangs on the ball too long looking for the big play.
Possible Destinations: Buccaneers, Cardinals, Chiefs, Jaguars, & Raiders
7. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
On paper, Jones looks the part of a starting NFL quarterback. He played at a major college program, and actually broke Graham Harrell’s Big 12 passing yardage record. However, he forces the ball too much, turns the ball over, and doesn’t offer much athleticism. There’s some starter’s upside, but only if he can overcome his turnovers. Otherwise, you’re looking at a career backup.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Jaguars, & Raiders
8. Tyler Bray, Tennessee
Bray compares with Glennon. Both have big arms and great frames (Bray’s 6-6 & 232 pounds). Nevertheless, Bray didn’t elevate the players around him. They elevated him. Specifically, wide receivers Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson helped him this year. Both are top 60 picks. There’s also accuracy issues that need work. If Glennon’s ceiling is Flacco, then Bray’s ceiling is Scott Mitchell.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Chiefs, & Jets
9. Matt Scott, Arizona
Scott’s coming out party came against Southern Cal last November. He out-dueled Barkley in a 39-36 win, throwing for 369 yards and three touchdowns. He’s an athletic quarterback with a good arm. He’s elusive as a ball carrier in the open field, but willing to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball while taking a hit. He’s an interesting project, but he has accuracy issues, sloppy footwork, and will need to transition to the pro game. He’ll also need to bulk up.
Possible Destinations: 49ers, Bills, Browns, Eagles, & Jaguars
10. Sean Renfree, Duke
With good size and a strong arm, Renfree has the makings of a good backup with the occasional spot start. He’s capable of making the spectacular throw ala Jay Cutler, but he’ll also follow it up with a boneheaded decision. Despite having all the physical tools, his decision-making will likely prevent him from developing into a starter.
Possible Destinations: 49ers, Buccaneers, Colts, Steelers, & Texans