Well it’s pretty obvious, at least in my opinion, that there is no clear-cut head of this quarterback class. There are, however, several prospects who have the potential to be quality starters in the NFL. Each prospect seems to have a glaring hole or two that, if improved upon, could be the difference between a franchise quarterback and career backup.

1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri: Despite several question marks, Gabbert definitely has the skills to get the job done effectively and efficiently at the next level. Sure, he doesn’t have a rocket for an arm and he spent the last couple of years working out of a spread offense, but all of the physical and mental tools are present. Add in some outstanding athleticism, and you’ve got a pretty well-rounded quarterback who could definitely be a difference-maker for an offense that is looking for a young gunslinger to lead Keep Reading…

Jordan Todman

Position: RB School: Connecticut Height: 5’8 7/8" Weight: 203 lbs Class: Junior 40 time: 4.40 All-Star Game: None Team Captain: No Draft Projection: Third Round

Summary

In today’s NFL, most teams use running back’s in a rotational way since it’s so hard for just one guy to carry the load for an extended period of time. In a way, this makes backs like Todman very valuable to NFL Teams. Todman is a smaller, shifty back with elite vision and quickness. He’ll find success in the NFL by being a change of pace back with big play potential.

Inside Runner

As an inside runner, Todman isn’t the best. He needs to have more patience and wait for a hole to open before he runs into the backs of his blockers. He isn’t quite strong enough to break the arm tackles of bigger defensive lineman.

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Jimmy Smith

Position: CB School: Colorado Height: 6’21/4" Weight: 211 lbs Class: Senior 40 time: 4.46 All-Star Game: None Team Captain: No Draft Projection: Top 20 Pick

Summary

Jimmy Smith probably has the best natural cover skills of any of the cornerbacks in this draft, yet for some reason some think he would make a better fit at safety. Smith is abnormally tall for a corner, but in today’s NFL that’s something a lot of teams look for, especially when they have fluid hips to match. Smith’s character has been questioned this offseason, which could ultimately push him down further than his talent would suggest.

Ball Skills

Smith didn’t get much of a chance to showcase his ball skills, especially his senior season when he was barely tested by opposing offenses. He did play WR in high school and showcased good hands at the combine. Keep Reading…

At the Illinois Pro Day, there were approximately 40 scouts and coaches in attendance (30 teams, Tampa Bay and Arizona were missing), including New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan. There were three top Junior prospects that people had their eyes on; RB Mikel Leshoure, LB Martez Wilson, and DT Corey Liuget. Unfortunately, all three of those guys decided to sit on their numbers from the combine. However, all of them went through positional drills run by the scouts.

Martez Wilson was the first to perform the drills. He was asked to show his coverage ability quite a bit, and ran a mock wheel route down the sideline – catching the ball over his shoulder several times (and dropping a few). He looked decent changing directions, but he did look be running very upright. His 4.28 and 7.04 in the 20-yard-shuttle and 3-cone drill at the combine are only Keep Reading…

Blaine Gabbert

Position: QB School: Missouri Height: 6’4 3/8" Weight: 234 lbs Class: Junior 40 time: 4.62 All-Star Game: n/a Team Captain: 2010 Draft Projection: Top 10 Pick

Summary

Although there are questions about his college offense and development as a quarterback in that offense, he has prototypical size and strength to go along with outstanding athleticism. He is one of the best pocket passers of the class and has all of the physical tools to get the job done at the NFL level. He possesses the athleticism to keep the defense honest and the arm to tear apart a secondary when he is on his game. A strong defense that can keep constant pressure will be his biggest enemy in the NFL, but with proper coaching and a talented offensive line, Gabbert shouldn’t have too much trouble overcoming this downfall in his game. With a Keep Reading…