April 10, 2008
It’s not the strongest or most talented class this position has ever seen. But there are some intriguing players in the middle of it that could have some serious upside for a team willing to be patient.
1 - Matt Ryan, Boston College– a solid player and a franchise QB – but not worthy of the very first pick. Best of the Qbs, though.
2 - Brian Brohm, Louisville – Has been argued Brohm is better than Ryan. I disagree – but a smart, talented Qb with good accuracy who makes few mistakes.
3 - Joe Falcco, Delaware– A cannon for an arm, quick delivery and accurate throws. Not very mobile though.
4 - Chad Henne, Michigan– Has really come on of late. Has a strong arm, lots of experience and is a good leader. Isn’t very accurate though, and sometimes makes some bad decisions.
5 – Andre' Woodson, Kentucky – While Woodson has a strong arm and prototypical size, he has a huge delivery and has some issues reading coverage. Bad Senior Bowl, shaky Combine still tough to overcome despite a good Pro Day. The first of what I call ‘Project QBs’.
6 - John David Booty, USC – Probably the most NFL-ready, having worked in a Pro-style offense at USC. Accurate on the short passes – seems to have some issue with accuracy on the long ball, though he looked good on Pro Day. Might have some upside, but likely not a ton. But in very short order, he could probably step in if needed.
7 - Josh Johnson, San Diego – People fell in love with him at the Combine. He has a solid arm, phenomenal speed and mobility, but isn’t a one dimensional running QB. Didn’t play against a high level of competition before the Shrine Game, but was MVP of it. Has the tools – will he reach his potential?
8 - Colt Brennan, Hawaii - The hip surgery is only the latest in a long line of concerns: system QB (run & chute)… worked out of the shotgun…. Unorthodox throwing method (side arm)…. Character concerns to name a few. But he’s owned up to his bad decisions, is accurate and a good athlete and leader. Is a project, but with the right QB coach, could be a starter.
9 - Dennis Dixon, Oregon– Phenomenal athleticism, good speed and mobility and was having a very good Senior year before he tore his ACL late in the season. That brings to the fore questions of durability and overall health. May need to bulk up to survive in the NFL. He’s a project coming off ACL surgery and that’s why he’s low on this list. But I love his upside – and that’s why he’s in the top 10.
10 - Erik Ainge, Tennessee – Has a good arm with normally good accuracy and timing. Played against some great talent at Tennessee. But he can be sloppy and wildly inconsistent. He’s got some durability concerns. If Ainge can play to his potential, he could be an excellent QB, but he hasn’t yet. Boom or bust type of guy.
