Top 5 QBs

Let’s rock ladies and gentlemen! The off-season is here, and there is A LOT to talk about. Let’s start with the hottest topic.

They can make or break your team, but it would be wise to not go into the next season if you’re unsure about your quarterback. Let me just start by saying this, I am not impressed by many of these QBs this year, plain and simple. Many of these guys would be passed up by players such as Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Jayden Daniels, or Bo Nix. I could keep going too. These players have been drafted in just the last 7 years. Moving past that, there is some talent in this QB class, I just think it’s not who people expect. Let’s go from #5-#1, going from worst to best.

5) Shedeur Sanders. Everyone needs to take a deep breath before they jump down my throat. While a viable prospect, in my opinion, Sanders is not all he’s chalked up to. Now, Shedeur is a good football player. He is accurate, can spin it with velocity in the short to medium range, has a higher completion percentage than most QBs, (low 70%.) He is also very athletic and can use his legs to extend plays, which is huge. Where I have issues with Shedeur, is the media portrayal of how great he is… because he’s Deion’s son. Here’s my main issues that will be problematic in the NFL. He holds the ball WAY too long, going through multiple reads before deciding what to do. In the NFL, you on average have about 1-2 seconds to throw the ball. Next, many of his “best highlights” are wide open throws. Don’t get me wrong, make that throw, but I’d like to see some more balls thrown accurately when’s there’s less separation. To add to that, many of his throws, when his receivers are more covered, would-be INTs or pass deflections in the NFL. No question. Many of his deep balls lack zip or drive to continue to lead a receiver downfield. Many contested catches are because his receivers are making good plays. Finally, against varying competition at Jackson State and Colorado, Sanders seems to fluctuate between consistency versus these teams. Some games, he’s on, some, he’s not. With a whole host of playmakers and talent around him. He was never the star on his team, or the guy you know could come in and change the game. That was Travis Hunter. It’s awesome you can beat the breaks off unranked Colorado State, but you get blown out in a bowl game by BYU? (Sanders went 16/23 for 208 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs.) Here’s the bottom line. Is he going to come in and change your terrible franchise? I don’t think so. I think he needs time to adjust, to learn behind a veteran, and to work on his mechanics. I think his chance for success is higher the better team he goes to, but number 1 overall? Let’s not be crazy.

4) Will Howard. I heard former NFL QB Kurt Benkert compare Howard to Joe Flacco. Now, I don’t know about all that, but before that, Will Howard was nowhere near my top 5. Positives first. Will Howard is a physical, tough QB who will stand in the pocket and make throws accurately. He can extend plays with his legs and uses his eyes well to manipulate coverage. I will also add his ability to throw on the run and off-platform is pretty darn good. He had his best statistical year at QB playing for OSU, but spent the prior three years at Kansas State, where he did not play as well. Maybe the opportunity as a senior in a bigger program gave him some extra fuel to perform better, but this may just be on his ability. Now, some of the negatives. For one, I think some of his throws that he makes on tape will not work in the NFL. Not necessarily INTs, but higher difficulty throws where the coverage is trying to bait him. I do like the use of his eyes as mentioned, but he can’t try and force. Be smart with the football, don’t get anxious. He’s being labeled as a “pro-ready,” and I think if put in a proper position, like a team that needs a QB but isn’t horrible, he may find some success.

3) Kyle McCord. This guy has everyone talking as of late. Being labeled as one of the potential QB steals, this guy has been very impressive on tape. First thing I recognize off the bat, is an intangible. This guy led two well-respected programs to successful seasons. The main takeaway for McCord is his ridiculous accuracy. It’s probably the best in the class, with some other names up there for argument. But this guy can hit the center of a penny from long to short. There is no range too far for this man. Negatives first this time. McCord’s ability to extend plays aren’t fantastic, but not non-existent either. He is a little clunky with his throwing motion, and sometimes, his eyes lock into his first read. I feel his biggest detriments come in the form of his athleticism and physicality, because he is a pure passer. There is also some trouble for his pocket awareness, as he needs to be able to feel pressure better. There are some drawbacks in terms of his athleticism, but if you’re looking to sit a guy to become your next starter, I think he’s your guy. Accuracy is very hard to teach, and he’s a self-taught master.

2) Jaxson Dart. I love this guy. I believe in his ability, his extension of plays, his accuracy, his drive, his IQ. I believe in it all. I watched hours of tape for Dart, partially because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. How is he this accurate and getting no attention? He is now, but that always happens around the draft and combine. I’ll be quick, because I believe there are few flaws in Dart’s game. For one, I think he will struggle making some throws when he must improvise. It’s not that he can’t do it, but his ball seems to lose some juice and distance on these improvisations. Secondly, I think he will need to strengthen up a little bit. He’s not undersized, he’s listed at 6’2”, 225 lbs, but he’s not huge. I think some general strength training and maybe some off-platform mechanic work will vastly help. Finally, I think he needs to be careful when it comes to pro defenses. This could be said about anyone, but he is very comfortable reading defenses in college. It will get harder. Now, for the positives. I believe he is the most accurate passer in the draft. I also believe his ability to accurately throw on the run is so important. Give him time, and he’s not missing. It cannot be understated. His ball has zing and travels quick. He is also tough, hanging in the pocket in the face of a blitz and delivering an accurate ball under pressure. Give Dart the starting job day one, I think he’ll turn out pretty good. Give him time to sit and learn? The sky’s the limit.

1) Cam Ward. Number 1. Mr. Ward, I didn’t pass you up so remember that. What can be said that hasn’t been said about this man. This is the most cool, poised QB in the draft. Nothing phases him. Few negatives first. For one, is he tries to play hero ball, I don’t think he’ll find success. There’s a line between hero ball and making plays, and when he forces, it usually ends up in a turnover or an incomplete play. I also think he will need to brush up on his game knowledge. He is raw, but he will be technically tested every week. It’s not like he can’t but as I mentioned for Dart, he needs to be able to transition into reading NFL defenses and not relying on his legs if his first read is gone. All of these “negatives” can be corrected. The obvious draw to Ward is his arm talent. It’s second to none, maybe Jalen Milroe, but Ward has accuracy and decisiveness with that talent. There is nowhere on the field he can’t reach. His arm is a literal rocket, with many NFL executives believing he has the “fastest release in the NFL right now.” You read that right. Out of anyone playing right now. He is also extremely athletic and his ability to run and extend plays is mesmerizing. He glides smoothly, or he makes a nice throw to keep himself out of trouble. He is tough, determined, and has a chip on his shoulder, which some teams desperately need. He has the utmost confidence in himself, but is not arrogant, which is huge as well. He is an anomaly. There are some concerns with his improvisation, but his talent far outweighs his weaknesses. He is the best QB in the draft.