Evaluating the 2013 crop of quarterbacks has been no easy task, both for those inside and outside of the NFL. Some feel it’s a poor class. Some (such as myself) are optimistic that this class could produce anywhere from four to seven future NFL starters.
However, after thoroughly evaluating each of these quarterbacks, I’ve come up with some NFL comparison for these future NFL passers. While not perfect, that can add to evaluations in projecting just what these young quarterbacks may become in the NFL.
Geno Smith, West Virginia – Alex Smith/Aaron Rodgers
The top quarterback in this class, Geno Smith has some deficiencies as a passer that he’ll need to develop before he can be a capable NFL starter. He’s still a bit slow in progressing through his reads, doesn’t always step up and adjust in the pocket well enough to work vertical, and still needs to improve his touch. However, his confidence, short-area use of his athleticism, and natural ball placement/velocity when he is set should allow to be a game manager-plus, just like Alex Smith has become. However, with his natural ability on the move and progressions throughout his college career, an Aaron Rodgers-like upside (minus some arm strength) isn’t out of the question.
Ryan Nassib, Syracuse – Matt Ryan/Chad Henne
Since evaluating Nassib mid-season, I grew to be wowed by his decisiveness, short area athleticism, and consistent display of high velocity throws in the short area. His velocity in the short area, decisive initial drop back footwork, and his sometimes questionable decision making instantly reminded me of another quarterback I liked quite a bit out of college in Chad Henne. However, what separates Nassib from (eventual NFL backup) Henne is his short area athleticism, ability to keep plays with his feet, and his decisiveness as a passer in his progressions, similar to what Matt Ryan flashed in college and has developed in the NFL.
Tyler Wilson, Arkansas – Tony Romo/Eli Manning
Wilson fell a bit off the map as a prospect this year, thanks to lackluster talent around him and his head coach (and overall Arkansas program leader) Bobby Petrino being forced to abruptly leave the team. Wilson’s gutsiness to hang in the pocket, arm strength through different foot platforms, and sometimes erratic accuracy reminds a bit of Eli Manning. However, he’s a bit reckless in his mechanics and footwork (unlike Eli Manning for the most part), and has more mobility to game, such as Tony Romo. If he can be some mesh between these two passers, along with his natural leadership characteristics, his eventual team will be very pleased.
Matt Barkley, USC – Marc Bulger/Chad Pennington
I tried to find a current comparison for Matt Barkley, but it proved too difficult. Andy Dalton has been made multiple times, but that doesn’t do Barkley’s cerebral play at quarterback any justice. Plus, Dalton has only been in the league 2 years, and hasn’t been overly impressive. Barkley’s arm strength concerns are a bit over-blown (like Bulger’s were), he can be very precise and accurate in the short area (like Pennington was), and can win games by being on time and diagnosing pre- and post-snap at an elite level.
Zac Dysert, Miami OH – Jay Cutler/Donovan McNabb
Dysert leads the next “tier” of quarterbacks in this class, and his arm strength, scheme versatility, and athleticism should make him a much desired target on Day Two of the draft, possibly coming off the board earlier than many imagine. His ability to generate velocity in the pocket and on the move and overall live arm remind of Jay Cutler, and utilizing him in a Shanahan-like offense would be exciting. However, he also has better-than-you’d expect athleticism, can make plays with his feet if need be, and also displays some erratic and untimely decisions/accuracy in the short area that reminds of Eagles-Donovan McNabb. However, if Dysert gets time to learn a single system in the NFL for a year, he could certainly develop into a more than capable starter.
EJ Manuel, Florida State – Vince Young/Russell Wilson
One of the most polarizing and intriguing prospects in the entire 2013 draft, EJ Manuel is likely being compared (by NFL teams and media alike) to Colin Kaepernick as a prospect. However, Manuel doesn’t have the same arm strength, natural running style, or NFL mechanics to develop (at least quickly) into Kaepernick. His mechanics (how stiff they are and the fact that his passes die at catch-point) and lack of passing concept development reminds of Vince Young, which, as a passer, is never a good thing. However, his mental make-up, work ethic, and ceiling as a passer reminded of Russell Wilson with one I person I spoke with (who has spoken to both prospects). If he’s athletically Vince Young and mentally Russell Wilson, then he could further the new breed of quarterbacks coming into the NFL.
Mike Glennon, NC State – Carson Palmer/John Skelton
How ironic is it that two current Cardinals quarterbacks compare to a 2013 draft prospect that the team is linked to? Actually, not THAT ironic. Glennon’s big arm, short area velocity, and ability to drive the ball across the field are very reminiscent of Carson Palmer with the Bengals. As for his lack of footwork polish, slow hip turn and overall foot-speed, and he could have the same problems as John Skelton has in avoiding pressure and being quick enough to make NFL-timed decisions.
Tyler Bray, Tennessee – Ryan Mallett
Finding a quarterback with all the “arm talent” possible, yet is reckless (on and off the field) and reeks of immaturity issues (on and off the field) would generally be a difficult task. However, Ryan Mallett (who actually had a better NFL build and was far more consistent in college) could show Bray what his NFL future leads to. If Bray can end up in a situation where he can mature and develop for a year or two, he could become a valuable young quarterback ready to start, just like Mallett has become for the Patriots.
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