No single prospect is perfect. As elite as they may come, it is impossible for a prospect to truly be without flaw. Most prospects are dominant in one or a few select areas, though. Theoretically, there is a “prototype” player to be made at each position in each class. The quarterback “prototype” for 2016 blends together quarterbacks of all styles and sizes; quarterbacks that can not normally be put on the same plane as each other
By: Derrik Klassen
Arm Talent – Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
As a freshman, Hackenberg looked like one of the most promising young quarterbacks that we have seen in a long time. After then head coach Bill O’Brien left the program, Hackenberg’s play suffered, but he still showcased elite arm talent from time time. This is not only a reference to arm strength, either. Hackenberg does have a rifle of an arm that can easily fit any throw all over the field, but he can also muster up unbelievable touch from time to time. With the number of absurd throws he has made over his career, Hackenberg’s top few throws likely look better than anyone else’s in the class. The best of Hackenberg’s arm talent does not rear its head often, but the results are stunning when it does.
Poise – Vernon Adams, Oregon
Nobody handles pressure like Adams. Not only does Adams handle the chaos, he thrives in it. Adams is perfectly comfortable being forced off of his spot and out of the pocket. He knows how to control traffic downfield and throw comfortably on the move. Adams has shown he can use any degree of movement to nullify pressure, whether it be one short jab step to mislead a rusher or bailing the pocket entirely, Adams knows what every situation calls for and executes accordingly. He has an uncanny ability to keep broken plays alive.
Mechanics – Vernon Adams, Oregon
Many would likely point to Goff for this crown out of habit. The problem with that is that Goff’s mechanics tend to falter much more often than is advertised; it is just that his motion looks quite pretty when he is hitting it in rhythm. Adams, on the other hand, consistently shows that he can square his shoulders and fire with velocity regardless of the situation. Adams is a brilliant quarterback in that he understands his shoulders are more important to his throwing process than his feet are. Adams may have to reset his feet or leave them entirely to make a throw, but that does not stop him from squaring up his shoulders when he goes to throw. Though, Adams still does his best to comfortably keep his feet under him and in position to adapt. As hectic as his play style may seem, Adams is always aware of keeping his body in a good position to throw.
Accuracy – Jared Goff, California
Goff does not dominate every part of the field, but he works the middle of the field like a champ. Be it crossing routes or deep seam routes, Goff can be trusted to hit his man in stride and allow for plenty of yards after the catch. With as many quality skill players as Cal had, it is no wonder so many of these throws turned into touchdowns or explosive plays. If he needs to drop a throw in the bucket over a defender or two, he can do so with ease. For crossing routes and other in-breaking routes, Goff quite often hits his receiver in a position that allows him to catch the ball and turn up field without altering his path. If Goff gets the time he needs, he can throw darts as consistently as the best of them.
Mobility – Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
There are not any particularly special athletes in this class, but for Wentz to be able to move the way he does at roughly 6’5”, 235 pounds is impressive. He has enough long speed to be a legitimate threat to create a big play at any time. Wentz’s frame also allows him to shed off a defender from time to time. Though, his real calling card as a runner is his quick-twitch and agility. Wentz can bob and weave through the middle of the field like a gazelle, which is quite the spectacle with his long, lanky legs. He is not an outstanding athlete, but he is reminiscent of Jake Locker in that regard.
Intuition – Vernon Adams, Oregon
Adams has a knack for finding the big play. He takes calculated risks that others likely would have dismissed as an option early on in a play. Part of this ability roots in Adams ability to always know where his deepest routes are. Though, Adams also knows how to control the defense and get them to do what he wants. In other words, Adams knows how to scramble and pull defenders away from his desired target. Adams can move defenders with his eyes as well as his legs and has the confidence to fire down the field without fear. He is the definition of a playmaker.
Mental Make-Up – Paxton Lynch, Memphis
This feels like an odd answer on the surface. Many question Lynch’s mental ability because of the system he comes from, but it is not that simple. For one, Lynch only threw 4 interceptions over the course of the season. His sense of when and when not to pull the trigger is admirable. It goes beyond that, though. Lynch has shown that he can adapt quickly to what defenses are doing. Namely, if Lynch is stumped by a certain defensive call, he is seldom beat the second time around. He remembers where the weaknesses in the call are and exposes them. Like any great quarterback, Lynch dictates how the defense has to adjust to him, not the other way around.
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