2014 QB Class Not That Great

[kingtexan]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2014-nfl-draft-supposed-one-233639213.html

Back in October, everyone was excited about the supposedly deep quarterback class in the 2014 NFL Draft.

One anonymous NFL scout told SI's Peter King, "It would not surprise me when we make our board if we have nine quarterbacks with first-round grades. Not at all. Obviously, that depends on which underclassmen declare, and you hear things out there. But I could see it."

Nine first-round quality quarterbacks! The most ever taken in the first round is six. Two were taken in the top-32 last year.

But things have changed dramatically in the last three months. In the latest expert consensus ranking of the 32 best prospects in the draft, there are only four quarterbacks.

So what happened? How does one of the most hyped QB classes ever fall apart before it even materializes?

In short, a few guys returned to school, a few guys got hurt, and a few guys underperformed a bit.

Decent commentary on where we are with the QB's.

Interesting comment about one source saying Bridgewater only deserved a 2nd round grade.

 

[bah007]

Teddy Bridgewater, who was always the consensus No. 1 offensive player in the draft, has been getting picked apart in the last few weeks. He had a good but not crazy-good season for a Louisville team that wasn't as strong as expected. He slipped from No. 2 to No. 4 in our expert consensus rankings in the last three months. One scout even called him a "second-round pick" last week.

LOL.

Really shows how good Bridgewater is when you can look at what he's done and say to yourself that he hasn't met expectations.

Still have yet to see any real criticism against him that doesn't involve just a gut feeling. If you don't like him, fine by me. But I'm getting the feeling that the people who don't like him don't even know why.

 

[LikeMike]

LOL.

Really shows how good Bridgewater is when you can look at what he's done and say to yourself that he hasn't met expectations.

Still have yet to see any real criticism against him that doesn't involve just a gut feeling. If you don't like him, fine by me. But I'm getting the feeling that the people who don't like him don't even know why.

Yeah, basically all the criticism is around 2 things:

1. Small and thin. Well 6 3 or 6 2, that`s still taller than Wilson or Brees and not really all that small - and a NFL conditioning program should help that 21 year old kid to fill out his body.

2. Subpar competition. Nothing he could do about that, but he excelled in big games against good competition.

If he shows up at the combine, proves he can do all the throws I am sure he will cement his status as number 1 QB this draft. He will definetly interview well...

 

[Playoffs]

That's just silly, 9 first round graded QBs.

The obfuscation begins -- everything said between now and the draft is strategy.

 

[bhsman]

There's no way they can all get picked, which is more of a reason to consider grabbing one in the second and trading down/grabbing Clowney or Barr.

 

[leebigeztx]

LOL.

Really shows how good Bridgewater is when you can look at what he's done and say to yourself that he hasn't met expectations.

Still have yet to see any real criticism against him that doesn't involve just a gut feeling. If you don't like him, fine by me. But I'm getting the feeling that the people who don't like him don't even know why.

Because he's fundamentally sound like Tim Duncan. Good,not great athlete. Good,not great arm. Good mobility, Great mobility,poise,pocket presence and will grade off the charts on the chalkboards.

 

[TexansSeminole]

There's no way they can all get picked, which is more of a reason to consider grabbing one in the second and trading down/grabbing Clowney or Barr.

On it's face that sounds like a good strategy, but it's doubtful even half of these guys pan out.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

Because he's fundamentally sound like Tim Duncan. Good,not great athlete. Good,not great arm. Good mobility, Great mobility,poise,pocket presence and will grade off the charts on the chalkboards.

Wouldn't want a Tim Duncan caliber player?

As far as the QB class goes, we only need one great one, all the better for us if the rest suck.

 

[Corrosion]

LOL.

Really shows how good Bridgewater is when you can look at what he's done and say to yourself that he hasn't met expectations.

Still have yet to see any real criticism against him that doesn't involve just a gut feeling. If you don't like him, fine by me. But I'm getting the feeling that the people who don't like him don't even know why.

Then you've missed some of my posts - These are only partial quotes , to take them in context you probably have to go back to the conversation's they come from.

Level of competition isn't the only questionmark for Bridgewater , his mechanics may be the bigger question.

No one else has separated themselves yet - tho its early pre combine.

Mariota is staying in school , Johnny Football is difficult to forecast as an NFL talent , Bridgewater played against a bunch of scrubs and has poor mechanics .... Mettenberger & Murray have injury questions and McCarron is difficult at best to diagnose .... then again he could be this drafts Aaron Rogers.

No , there are no character concerns .... I don't question his arm strength either. He has a plenty strong enough arm. The only question I have is about his mechanics and accuracy when he is forced to put velocity on the ball , which he will in the NFL.

The kid comes with no character concerns , has size , speed , arm , accuracy ... pretty much the total package other than the level of competition and his flawed mechanics.

You might have to sit him for a year but you do have the potential of a probowl caliber QB for the next decade if he does reach that potential.
If not , we'll do it again in a couple years .... with a new coach.


If you don't have a franchise QB , go get one.

My issue with TB is his mechanics and slow / long release / delivery. He'll have to work on his mechanics to make it in the NFL.


His pocket awareness is one of the things I really do like about him ... along with the physical traits.

If he can improve his mechanics he has a chance to be really special. If not , he'll look a lot like the QB's who have player for the Texans this season.


I do think he's a better overall prospect than Manziel .... but that dude has special ability in the way he escapes pressure and makes teams pay for that pressure. If his game translates to the NFL (which I question) he will be difficult to defend .... He's a better passer than Vick or RG3 IMO with just as much ability to run.

What Im not sold on is level of competition , the mental part of the game (reading defenses , protections and others) as well as mechanics.
I really like how he moves around in the pocket ... kinda reminds me a bit of Brady there. But you do have to factor in the level of competition. His internal clock will have to speed up in the NFL.

No doubt about his success being a joint effort. The first thing they have to do is shorten that release and get him to keep the ball up high , ready to come out quickly.

I guess my biggest issue with Bridgewater is his throwing mechanics , I see a rather long wind up with a slow release .... and he holds the ball somewhat low at times. Not as exaggerated as Tebow but a slow release none the less.

He can get away with that in college especially the level of competition he's faced on a regular basis but that dog wont hunt in the NFL. Any team that drafts him is going to have to clean up his mechanics ....

He definitely has a lot of tools to work with ... but he's got a lot of work to do to get to an NFL level.

Initial thoughts after watching limited film


Good athlete. Quick feet. I see a stronger then average arm ... not great but better then average. Good mobility while maintaining a pass first mindset and keeping his eyes down field. Stonger then his frame suggest. Solid poise...not elite. Sometimes sloppy mechanics. Ok accuracy. Has the arm downfield but placement seems general...lots of deep balls where defenders and safties have a chance at it...he's raw and could be molded with the right support system ...could be a franchise style qb but it won't happen overnight. Will need some time to grow. Playbook understanding appears average. Not as refined as sam Bradford comming out...not as gifted as rg3.

 

[Marshall]

LOL.

Really shows how good Bridgewater is when you can look at what he's done and say to yourself that he hasn't met expectations.

Still have yet to see any real criticism against him that doesn't involve just a gut feeling. If you don't like him, fine by me. But I'm getting the feeling that the people who don't like him don't even know why.

Being undersized and having a low delivery point have nothing to do with a gut feeling and are valid concerns. If you haven't seen these criticisms, you weren't looking too hard.

I respect those who see these concerns and still believe his other skills more than compensate for the concerns, but to ignore them and say they do not exist would be foolish for our FO. But for fans who have no real responsibility, I'll let it pass as simple overboard enthusiasm.

 

[LikeMike]

@Corrosion

Strange, I regularly read he has great mechanics and a very quick release. Mechanic wise I only read about two concerns: 1. sometimes sloppy mechanics when throwing a deep ball. 2. Releasing the ball next to his ear and not above his head. Are those two things dealbreakers for you?

And trouble reading a defense? I´ve read several times that this is one of his biggest strengths. The coach has given him the keys to the offense in his sophomore year, making him basically the coordinator on the field. Presnap he is said to have Manning like football intelligence when dissecting a defense. After the snap he always has his eyes downfield and goes fast trough his progressions. What exactly are you worried about here?

 

[revan]

Bridgewater is going to get picked apart like a chocolate brownie cake in Amsterdam from now until he gets drafted. I for one have made my decision on him, and hope we get him with our number one pick.

 

[PapaL]

Right now the top QBs in the 2014 Draft are Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel, Derek Carr, and Blake Bortles.

Certain posters are going tobe furious that Blake was listed last/worst. Prepare for the wrath...

 

[bah007]

Being undersized and having a low delivery point have nothing to do with a gut feeling and are valid concerns. If you haven't seen these criticisms, you weren't looking too hard.

I respect those who see these concerns and still believe his other skills more than compensate for the concerns, but to ignore them and say they do not exist would be foolish for our FO. But for fans who have no real responsibility, I'll let it pass as simple overboard enthusiasm.

I'm very well aware of what the concerns about Bridgewater are. He is skinny and he does have a low delivery point. I have acknowledged these and mentioned that neither of those concerns are a deal breaker to me.

My point was that on this board there are a number of people who don't like him, but don't seem to know why they don't like him. Thunderkyss and Corrosion have put forth valid criticism. Most everyone else has not.

For example, I disagree with Corrosion that Bridgewater needs work in the mental part of the game. I think he excels there. But I at least can respect the fact that Corrosion has reasoning behind his opinion and is not just blindly saying he doesn't like the guy.

 

[Playoffs]

Bridgewater is going to get picked apart like a chocolate brownie cake in Amsterdam...

[IMGwidthsize=400]http://270c81.medialib.glogster.com/media/ae/ae78dbc42a92bbe69f9d32605fb0b5539f4774ce3fe52d79a2b941648b00394a/watermelonlolwut.jpg[/IMG]

 

[thunderkyss]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2014-nfl-draft-supposed-one-233639213.html

Decent commentary on where we are with the QB's.

Hundley isn't as polished as Mariota. He didn't play as well as many hoped this year, partly because of a bunch of injuries to his offensive line. But because of his size, speed, and raw talent, he could have still been one of the first QBs taken. According to Adam Schefter, two NFL teams had him as the best QB in the draft.

CBS's draft writer Rob Rang says it could push him (Zach Mettenberger) into the second day of the draft, even though he's a first-round talent.

Georgia's Aaron Murray also suffered a season-ending knee injury, and will face that stigma in the lead up to the draft.

One scout even called him (Teddy Bridgewater) a "second-round pick" last week.

Interesting comment about one source saying Bridgewater only deserved a 2nd round grade.

If it is fact that two teams thought Hundley was the best QB in this class that should tell you it's not a one size fits all position. One team will value certain skills, others will value others. Coaching a pro style offense may not mean as much to a team, as long as you weren't running an option offense. Playing in the spread, throwing the ball, reading defenses... may be just as good, even better for some teams.

Zach got hurt, fell out of the first round. Murray got hurt, fell out of the first round. If Teddy got hurt, would he have fallen out of the first round? Why base a decision that will affect your team possibly for the next decade on the health of the guy in January?

And an ACL, not just because of what we've seen from Peterson, but they've come a long, long way in repairing ACLs. If running wasn't a big part of the QBs game... who cares?

 

[PapaL]

Brett Hundley to stay at UCLA; LINK

UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley is planning to return to school for his junior season, sources close to the situation said.

An announcement is expected this week.

While UCLA will be excited, there will be NFL teams that are disappointed. Two teams that scouted Hundley thought that if he left school early he might just be the top quarterback in the 2014 draft.

 

[thunderkyss]

Small and thin. Well 6 3 or 6 2, that`s still taller than Wilson or Brees and not really all that small - and a NFL conditioning program should help that 21 year old kid to fill out his body.

You'd think they said the same thing about a college football program.

The fact that it is a concern is not the problem. The fact that so many people are ignoring all of his issues should be.

As far as his size goes. If he in fact measures 6'3" (which I doubt) & weighs in over 210, I'll stop saying anything at all about his size. But if he doesn't.... I'm leaning towards pass.

 

[steelbtexan]

I'm very well aware of what the concerns about Bridgewater are. He is skinny and he does have a low delivery point. I have acknowledged these and mentioned that neither of those concerns are a deal breaker to me.

My point was that on this board there are a number of people who don't like him, but don't seem to know why they don't like him. Thunderkyss and Corrosion have put forth valid criticism. Most everyone else has not.

For example, I disagree with Corrosion that Bridgewater needs work in the mental part of the game. I think he excels there. But I at least can respect the fact that Corrosion has reasoning behind his opinion and is not just blindly saying he doesn't like the guy.

Count me in the group who has told you.

Arm strength/level of competition/low delivery.

Sounds alot like the knocks on Carr minus the arm strength knock.

Tell me, how do you think TB's delivery compares to David Carr's?

 

[Texian]

Taking in to account that last year was a drought year for QBs, in conjunction with 8 of the first 11 teams picking in this draft are QB needy teams, there is a high probability that there could be a strong run on QBs early.

Teams needing a QB by draft order: #1 HOU: #2 STL: #3 JAX: #4 CLE: #5 OAK; #7 TPA; #8 MIN; #11 TEN - http://www.gbnreport.com/weeklydraftorder.html

STL could also go QB with the 2nd pick in the draft. Sam Bradford has not lived up to #1 billing and is coming off ACL surgery. Bradford has a cap hit of $17 mil + in 14'. The Rams could release Bradford and save $10 mil +, a June 1 cut = more than $13 Mil + in savings, more than enough to sign the #2 pick and still be able to save a considerable amount of money.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/st.-louis-rams/sam-bradford/

The Mettenberger and Murray injuries does NOT necessarily drop them in the draft. In fact their respective injuries could take pressure off the teams who draft them to start them immediately. With not enough QBs to go around to QB needy teams, those teams will not want to play the waiting game and miss out on a QB they desperately need. Aaron and Zach will be ready for OTAs but there is more than enough common sense reasoning to keep them on the bench for at least half the season. This works in the coach's and QB's favor, they have a built in excuse.

 

[thunderkyss]

Taking in to account that last year was a drought year for QBs, in conjunction with 8 of the first 11 teams picking in this draft are QB needy teams, there is a high probability that there could be a strong run on QBs early.

Teams needing a QB by draft order: #1 HOU: #2 STL: #3 JAX: #4 CLE: #5 OAK; #7 TPA; #8 MIN; #11 TEN -

Not to mention I'm not hearing much chatter about any other top 5 pick.... top 10 even. Relatively speaking, the chatter about Clowney is mild in comparison to the QB talk.

Not that anyone cares, but just in case. I haven't made up my mind yet who the best is in this class. Right now, it's just a bunch of them "worthy" of a first round pick. Surely by draft time, I'll have some form of ranking, but it'll most likely resemble "everyone" elses.

 

[PapaL]

Not to mention I'm not hearing much chatter about any other top 5 pick.... top 10 even. Relatively speaking, the chatter about Clowney is mild in comparison to the QB talk.

Could that be because the draft is literally 4 months away and the playoffs are shappening? All of "this" will pick up in about 40 days when the combine happens. We're still a long way away from next season.

 

[bah007]

Count me in the group who has told you.

Arm strength/level of competition/low delivery.

Sounds alot like the knocks on Carr minus the arm strength knock.

Tell me, how do you think TB's delivery compares to David Carr's?

Not similar at all really, except for both being lower than ideal.

Bridgewater releases from right about his ear but still over the shoulder. Carr had a three quarter release where he threw almost sidearm away from his body.

 

[Dutchrudder]

David Carr threw more like Matt Stafford than TB. The difference is that Stafford has the arm strength to make that side-arm delivery actually work.

Also, I'm not seeing TB release the ball below his ear at all. The only time I really see his throwing motion change is when he's trying to avoid a defender. Generally his throw, release and follow-through are vertically aligned from what I have seen. The ball does seem to get further away from his body when he's on the run (which lowers the release point), but that's not unusual due to the momentum of the player.

 

[Texian]

Taking in to account that last year was a drought year for QBs, in conjunction with 8 of the first 11 teams picking in this draft are QB needy teams, there is a high probability that there could be a strong run on QBs early.

Teams needing a QB by draft order: #1 HOU: #2 STL: #3 JAX: #4 CLE: #5 OAK; #7 TPA; #8 MIN; #11 TEN - http://www.gbnreport.com/weeklydraftorder.html

STL could also go QB with the 2nd pick in the draft. Sam Bradford has not lived up to #1 billing and is coming off ACL surgery. Bradford has a cap hit of $17 mil + in 14'. The Rams could release Bradford and save $10 mil +, a June 1 cut = more than $13 Mil + in savings, more than enough to sign the #2 pick and still be able to save a considerable amount of money.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/st.-louis-rams/sam-bradford/

The Mettenberger and Murray injuries does NOT necessarily drop them in the draft. In fact their respective injuries could take pressure off the teams who draft them to start them immediately. With not enough QBs to go around to QB needy teams, those teams will not want to play the waiting game and miss out on a QB they desperately need. Aaron and Zach will be ready for OTAs but there is more than enough common sense reasoning to keep them on the bench for at least half the season. This works in the coach's and QB's favor, they have a built in excuse.

Rams could release Sam Bradford with no financial constraints
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer...se-sam-bradford-with-no-financial-constraints

THE SAM BRADFORD DILEMMA
http://overthecap.com/sam-bradford-dilemma/

 

[Corrosion]

@Corrosion

Strange, I regularly read he has great mechanics and a very quick release. Mechanic wise I only read about two concerns: 1. sometimes sloppy mechanics when throwing a deep ball. 2. Releasing the ball next to his ear and not above his head. Are those two things dealbreakers for you?

And trouble reading a defense? I´ve read several times that this is one of his biggest strengths. The coach has given him the keys to the offense in his sophomore year, making him basically the coordinator on the field. Presnap he is said to have Manning like football intelligence when dissecting a defense. After the snap he always has his eyes downfield and goes fast trough his progressions. What exactly are you worried about here?

Bridgewater's mechanical issues aren't a deal breaker for me ... I think they can be fixed. I was just pointing out that there has been criticism other than the "gut feeling".

Watch and you see he has a loop at the top of his delivery (like that of Tebow just not near as exaggerated). Also he holds the ball down low at times rather than up high , this creates a slower release & a ball security issue keeping it where defenders can swipe at it.


As for the reading of defenses it goes a lot deeper than just the presnap read and maybe it has something to do with accuracy as he tends to put a lot of balls in harms way rather than where only his target can make a play , making it seem as if he's forcing a throw rather than going thru his progressions & take the easy throw. (hope this makes sense as its difficult to explain)

He also throws an awful lot of floaters - too much touch rather than putting velocity on his throws.
NFL defenses are a lot more complicated than anything he's faced at the NCAA level where his level of competition is in question .... they will make him pay for the little mistakes and bait him into others.


I do think Bridgewater has the potential to be a franchise type QB , but he has a lot of work to do to become that player , Im not even sure he's the best QB prospect in this draft. Some of these guy's are just about impossible to forecast as NFL players while others don't have the physical attributes but are better in other aspects.
I cant decide between Bridgewater , Bortles & Manziel ... You could even add Carr & McCarron to the discussion as their mechanics are almost flawless.


Qb's are such a huge gamble .... either you have a great one or you are looking for a great one and so few actually become what they are advertised to be in the long run.


I think its really telling that McNair has made the statements about being willing to move #1:1 ... that none of these QB's has really separated himself from the others as a prospective NFL QB. If there was one , he wouldn't be making that statement as the owner of a team in desperate need of a QB.

 

[thunderkyss]

Could that be because the draft is literally 4 months away and the playoffs are shappening? All of "this" will pick up in about 40 days when the combine happens. We're still a long way away from next season.

They were talking about Reggie Bush before the season started. Vince right after the RoseBowl.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[Fred]

Florida State got the win but clearly Bridgewater >>> Winston and 2014 >>> 2015.
/thread

 

[steelbtexan]

Florida State got the win but clearly Bridgewater >>> Winston and 2014 >>> 2015.
/thread

LOL

 

[aussie_texan]

personally i think this QB class is quite good.
Yes it doesn't have a Luck, Manning type of prospect but few drafts do.
You have 2-3 top 10 calibre QBs another 1-2 first rounders and a bunch of 2-3 round prospects, overall i consider it a good draft at QB

 

[Fred]

LOL

As said in Galaxy Quest "Did you guys ever WATCH the show?" Apparently you haven't. I did watch the show (bowl games), so to help you out:

Bridgewater: 78% comp, 10 yards per att, 3 TDs. 1 TD rushing, sacked 1 time, 0 fumbles.
Winston: 57% comp, 7 yards per att, 2 TDs. 0 TDs rushing, sacked 4 times, 1 fumble.

Great 4th qtr comeback? I guess, but Bridgewater didn't need one. The big plays for FSU were special teams and defense. The big pass play on the last drive was a 3 yard pass and a 46 yard run. (Interesting stat - in the 4th qtr Winston's average pass only traveled 3.6 yards past the line of scrimmage.) So don't bring the "big arm" story.

But like Blaine Gabbert he is 6'4", so that may be worth going 1-15 next year.

 

[LikeMike]

As said in Galaxy Quest "Did you guys ever WATCH the show?" Apparently you haven't. I did watch the show (bowl games), so to help you out:

Bridgewater: 78% comp, 10 yards per att, 3 TDs. 1 TD rushing, sacked 1 time, 0 fumbles.
Winston: 57% comp, 7 yards per att, 2 TDs. 0 TDs rushing, sacked 4 times, 1 fumble.

Great 4th qtr comeback? I guess, but Bridgewater didn't need one. The big plays for FSU were special teams and defense. The big pass play on the last drive was a 3 yard pass and a 46 yard run. (Interesting stat - in the 4th qtr Winston's average pass only traveled 3.6 yards past the line of scrimmage.) So don't bring the "big arm" story.

But like Blaine Gabbert he is 6'4", so that may be worth going 1-15 next year.

I don`t think this is entirely fair since it was only one game (the big one), Winston got the win and Bridgewater had the easier opponent. Also don`t forget that Winston is a redshirt freshman.

But I also think it is stupid to wait a year for this guy or another one of the QBs. A lot can change in a season. Matt Barkley was supposed to be the clear number 1 pick before his last college season. This years QB class was supposed to be a great one.

I think Bridgewater only has one real knock, and that is his "small" frame - and it isn`t even that small. The team will do its homework at the combine. But a guy with such a high football intelligence and drive is hard to skip - especially if he has the accuracy, pocket presence, swagger and leadership like Bridgewater has. If we think he can be a franchise QB for us, we`d be stupid to wait a year because there might be a better one down the line.

 

[b0ng]

Then you've missed some of my posts - These are only partial quotes , to take them in context you probably have to go back to the conversation's they come from.

I want to see a breakdown of the points you made about his mechanics. You did say he's got a long release/delivery but I need to know more than that discussing what you find about his mechanics that are the real issues. Footwork also plays into mechanics and really, I think Bridgewaters footwork is pretty good, and it seems like he uses his whole body to throw the ball not just his arm.

 

[Texian]

Teams needing a QB by draft order: (Don't Be Surprised)
#1 HOU: Bortles
#2 STL: Bridgewater
#3 JAX: Manziel
#4 CLE: Mettenberger
#5 OAK: Carr

 

[aussie_texan]

Teams needing a QB by draft order: (Don't Be Surprised)
#1 HOU: Bortles
#2 STL: Bridgewater
#3 JAX: Manziel
#4 CLE: Mettenberger
#5 OAK: Carr

i would be surprised because its never happened before.
And there is no way the browns don't trade up in this years draft to get one of the top 3 QBs.

Personally i think it will go like this

1. HOU - TB
2. CLE - Manziel
3. JAX - Bortles
4. STL - Matthews
5. OAK - 4.35 40 time

 

[Uncle Rico]

QB A vs Miami

21-29 325 yards 1TD 2 INT

QB B vs Miami

35-45 447 yards 4TDs 0 INTs

just sayin'

 

[TexansFTW]

Taking in to account that last year was a drought year for QBs, in conjunction with 8 of the first 11 teams picking in this draft are QB needy teams, there is a high probability that there could be a strong run on QBs early.

Teams needing a QB by draft order: #1 HOU: #2 STL: #3 JAX: #4 CLE: #5 OAK; #7 TPA; #8 MIN; #11 TEN - http://www.gbnreport.com/weeklydraftorder.html

STL could also go QB with the 2nd pick in the draft. Sam Bradford has not lived up to #1 billing and is coming off ACL surgery. Bradford has a cap hit of $17 mil + in 14'. The Rams could release Bradford and save $10 mil +, a June 1 cut = more than $13 Mil + in savings, more than enough to sign the #2 pick and still be able to save a considerable amount of money.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/st.-louis-rams/sam-bradford/

The Mettenberger and Murray injuries does NOT necessarily drop them in the draft. In fact their respective injuries could take pressure off the teams who draft them to start them immediately. With not enough QBs to go around to QB needy teams, those teams will not want to play the waiting game and miss out on a QB they desperately need. Aaron and Zach will be ready for OTAs but there is more than enough common sense reasoning to keep them on the bench for at least half the season. This works in the coach's and QB's favor, they have a built in excuse.

Good call on St. Louis. Everyone has been dismissing them as automatic BPA (not QB), but I've been telling my friends to not be surprised if Rams move on. Dude gets paid too much and hasn't proved he can compensate for what his team lacks (which every high paid QB must do).

I think its really telling that McNair has made the statements about being willing to move #1:1 ... that none of these QB's has really separated himself from the others as a prospective NFL QB. If there was one , he wouldn't be making that statement as the owner of a team in desperate need of a QB.

I recall up until 2 days before the 2012 NFL draft it wasn't certain if the Colts would draft Luck or RG3. It's posturing, and everyone does it. To be in the game, you gotta play the game.

i would be surprised because its never happened before.
And there is no way the browns don't trade up in this years draft to get one of the top 3 QBs.

Personally i think it will go like this

1. HOU - TB
2. CLE - Manziel
3. JAX - Bortles
4. STL - Matthews
5. OAK - 4.35 40 time

LOL, Al Davis is dead though... right?

I'm all about TB, but to compare him to Winston right now isn't really fair. If we compared TB 2 years ago to Winston today that is a more fair comparison and I think Winston wins.

I personally believe winning is what will ultimately cost him though. Stupid right? But why change the way you play football if all you do is win? Ask Tebow. Never bothered/had to learn how to be a pro style QB because all he did was win.

TB has crazy football acumen and has adjusted his game to be a long term successful QB in the NFL and for this I give him my nod (not like anyone cares though).

 

[drs23]

i would be surprised because its never happened before.
And there is no way the browns don't trade up in this years draft to get one of the top 3 QBs.

Personally i think it will go like this

1. HOU - TB
2. CLE - Manziel
3. JAX - Bortles
4. STL - Matthews
5. OAK - 4.35 40 time

But Al's dead.

In all seriousness though I've read a few articles here about the Raiders being run like a real NFL organization now. They're in cap hell and will be for a few more years but they're doing their best to straighten that mess out.

 

[aussie_texan]

But Al's dead.

In all seriousness though I've read a few articles here about the Raiders being run like a real NFL organization now. They're in cap hell and will be for a few more years but they're doing their best to straighten that mess out.

yeah i put that because i think the raiders could go so many different ways and there is no clear cut choice. thats not saying the others a clear cut but they have more than a slim chance of happening.

The raiders will pick themselves up soon, they certainly had a better year than i thought they would

 

[Playoffs]

2014's Quarterback Conundrum

Rotoworld | Greg Peshek

With respect to quarterbacks in the draft, you’ll always hear pundits make observations such as, “this QB has a great deep ball” or “he always folds when he’s under pressure in the pocket.” But how do you know those are true and not bias from a small sample of observed snaps? The simple answer is that you don’t. What I’ve aimed to do this year (and in years past) is to quantify those observations in an effort complement film study and analysis of draft prospects. Instead of guessing about the potency of Manziel’s deep ball, you can pull up the legitimate statistic.

To do that, I’ve hand charted every one of Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Johnny Manziel, and Blake Bortles’ attempts this year on everything from pass distance to throws against the blitz. The data here can’t render an opinion for you, but it can provide an effective complement to your knowledge on a prospect.

Where Did They Throw the Ball?

The ‘zones’ in the chart represent where the QB threw the ball on the field, that is exactly the spot the receiver caught the ball. This is to make sure yards after the catch don’t influence our opinion on the QBs.

Targets

- Most notable for Bridgewater is the lack of screens...
- Derek Carr is the complete opposite, throwing 33% of his passes...
- Similar to Carr, Bortles doesn’t throw the deep ball...
- In an era of screen passes, Manziel threw the deep ball...

How Accurate Were They?

This requires a bit of explaining. The chart below represents each QBs accuracy in the individual target zones when adjusting for drops by their receivers. The colors represent how that accuracy compares to the ‘Average QB’, green is better than average, yellow average, red is below-average. Let’s get to it.

PRR

- It’s pretty clear that Bridgewater cleans up in every zone except...
- Derek Carr’s accuracy on 20+ yard throws is...
- There an interesting dichotomy in Bortles’ throw ability...
- For all the criticism Manziel gets, he’s extremely good at...
- Before we start getting into the debates about Manziel scrambling around...

How Do They Do Under Pressure?

I’ve got quite a few stats for these QBs, but for the sake of brevity I’ve picked their completion percentage while being blitzed and under pressure to highlight. For reference, a blitz counts regardless of whether the O-line picks it up, but under pressure is when the QB is moved off his spot or has to get rid of the ball quicker than anticipated.

Pressure

- Upon first glance it’s pretty clear that Carr is lacking...
- When looking at both categories, Bridgewater is the clear...
- Bortles has been noted for his...
- Manziel’s just about average...

How Did Their Systems Affect Them?

My goal here was to take out the variability of systems they all played in. Thus, how would Derek Carr have performed in an average system? This is imperfect, but it gives you a feel for how the systems helped or harmed them.

What I’ve done is taken out drops and then used the data to create an average system. The result is what their overall completion percentage would have been if they had played in an average system and the difference between the actual and adjusted completion percentages.

- Bridgewater, Bortles and Manziel’s systems had a...
- Derek Carr on the other hand...

- Below you can find a target chart for each QB detailed here. The graphic shows the location of each target for the quarterback broken down into individual spots on the field. The bigger the circle, the more passes a QB threw to that spot. The colors signify accuracy, the brighter red – the hotter or more accurate the QB was. The more blue spots represent cold or less accurate areas.

- The charts don’t give you any...

read more/see target charts here: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/45952/349/2014s-quarterback-conundrum?pg=2

 

[PapaL]

2014's Quarterback Conundrum

Rotoworld | Greg Peshek

read more/see target charts here: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/45952/349/2014s-quarterback-conundrum?pg=2

Great find. Rep your way!

 

[Playoffs]

Add, same source as above...

Roll-out completion percentage:

1. Bridgewater: 82%
2. Manziel: 71.5%
3. Bortles: 63.4%
4. Carr: 56%

Percentage of throws defensed/intercepted by DBs/LBs:

1. Manziel: 5.34%
2. Bridgewater: 6.12%
3. Bortles: 7.14%
4. Carr: 8.33%

Average distance a pass traveled in the air:

1. Bridgewater: 7.8 yds
2. Manziel: 6.82
3. Bortles: 6.0
4. Carr: 4.2

 

[Number19]

Here's a great statistical analysis of the four leading prospects in this year's draft: Bridgewater, Manziel, Bortles and Carr.

Bridgewater and Manziel are neck & neck with Bridgewater having a significant advantage in completed passes between 1-10 yards; and with Manziel having a slight advantage between 11-20 yards and a significant advantage in completed passes over 20 yards.

So, does O'Brian favor a West Coast offense or a vertical passing game?

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/45952/349/2014s-quarterback-conundrum

 

[Playoffs]

Harvey: Why QB is not the obvious choice with the No. 1 pick

1. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M: He’s listed as 6-1, 210. He’s probably closer to 5-11, 195. He has more patience in the pocket than he did as a freshman but still has a tendency to run before going through his progressions. His passing style when rushed is “wing and a prayer.”

2. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville: He’s listed as 6-3, 205. He’s probably closer to 6-2, 195. He needs to put on 20 pounds, which might limit his mobility. He’s inconsistent, spectacular at times, not so much at others. His receivers often have to come back for the ball on deep passes.

3. Blake Bortles, Central Florida: He’s listed at 6-4, 230, which is exaggerated. But he is a big man, although clumsy at times as if still growing into his body. He’s a “see it, throw it” quarterback, not yet adept at reading defenses or looking off receivers. He more than the others could have used another year in college.

 

[gtexan02]

Thought this was a pretty interesting read:

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/45952/349/2014s-quarterback-conundrum?pg=1

 

[Playoffs]

[IMGwidthsize=400]http://standingosports.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/teddy-bridgewater.jpg[/IMG]
[IMGwidthsize=400]http://www.trbimg.com/img-523b14d7/turbine/os-heisman-watch-johnny-manziel-soars-to-top-o-001/580/580x398[/IMG]
[IMGwidthsize=400]http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Blake%2BBortles%2BSouth%2BFlorida%2Bv%2BCentral%2BFlorida%2BJgLMJV5OmXql.jpg[/IMG]
[IMGwidthsize=400]http://media.fresnobee.com/smedia/2013/10/20/01/28/1irfDc.AuSt.8.jpg[/IMG]

 

[JB]

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103684

And about 17 other locations

 

[76Texan]

And it is still difficult to compare them or to make much out of them numbers.

All pressure are not created equal.
Some O-lines are better than others, the pressure a guy gave up can be at the 1-sec mark, while another guy might give it up at 2 seconds.
Sometimes, the QB can be pressured or blitzed, but there's still room for him to step up.

A completion sometimes is the function of a good play by the receiver, able to get open and/or making a good catch.

An incompletion could be the function of a good play by a defender, a drop by a receiver.

Sometimes the weather condition effect the plays.

If only we can simulate these guys in the same condition, with the same players on his offense against the same defenders, etc.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

And it is still difficult to compare them or to make much out of them numbers.

All pressure are not created equal.
Some O-lines are better than others, the pressure a guy gave up can be at the 1-sec mark, while another guy might give it up at 2 seconds.
Sometimes, the QB can be pressured or blitzed, but there's still room for him to step up.

A completion sometimes is the function of a good play by the receiver, able to get open and/or making a good catch.

An incompletion could be the function of a good play by a defender, a drop by a receiver.

Sometimes the weather condition effect the plays.

If only we can simulate these guys in the same condition, with the same players on his offense against the same defenders, etc.

In theory this is what the all-star games (east-west/senior bowl) are designed as well as the workout i.e. passing drills at the combine.

Still at the end of the day, all of the elements you mentioned are why scouting is difficult.

 

[beerlover]

now Texans have secured top pick we trying to talk them out of taking QB first overall because, "class is not that great"? remember it only takes one