I think after the college season is over, the biggest difference maker for these guys is the personal interview they'll have with teams. Production on the field is definitely a big part of the equation, but how that player fits with your team ideology, whether that guy can grasp your offensive concepts, & whether you can spend 14+ hours a day with this guy....
I won't ever have the opportunity to sit down with each of these QBs so I can't really judge what kind of chemistry we might have/not have. The closest thing I've got, is John Gruden's QB camp. Sounds silly, I know. But if you're honest about how important a player's personality & understanding is to a franchise, it kind of makes sense.
I'm using Gruden's QB camp as my interview.
I've watched just about all of them & there have been some huge changes on my QB board & what I think about this QB class.
- McCarron
- Murray
- Manziel
- Bridgewater
- Mettenberger/Bortles
That was my list & since I thought I could get McCarron or Murray later in the draft, I was not interested in taking a QB first overall. Now:
- McCarron
- Carr
- Bortles
- Manziel
- Murray
- Mettenberger
I also believe there's good enough separation between the top 3 & the rest. I believe (& I know I am alone in this) McCarron, Carr, & Bortles will be the first three QBs taken in this draft.
I base my "grading" of these QBs on the "prototypical" franchise QB. The three at the top of the list have the prototypical size, Carr & Bortles have the arm talent & after listening to them on the QB camp, they all have a deep understanding of the game & a practical working knowledge of reading defenses, setting protections, & adjusting routes.
I still like McCarren the most because he played from that #1 spot for three years & did not disappoint. That's why Manziel is so high on my list. After his freshman season, he set the bar pretty dang high & played up to those expectations as a sophomore.
But I would not be surprised if the Texans go with Carr. He's a very mature player, has a really good understanding of a QBs responsibilities, & he had a lot of responsibilities on & off the field and he still performed like a champ.
Blake... I don't see him as an option for the #1 overall, but he's still more impressive than Bridgewater fans give him credit for. Size, athleticism, good decisions, accurate on the move..... my only knock on him is that he's the least experienced of the bunch & for his size, you'd think his arm would be stronger.
Unless someone falls under the spell that is Manziel, those are the first three QBs who will go in the first round.
& yes, Bridgewater has fallen off my list. Not to say that he isn't a good prospect. But... he doesn't have the size, he doesn't have the arm, he doesn't have the pedigree, he doesn't have a successful record against good competition, & his understanding of the game (his best trait) was a unicorn. Kids tough, I give him that.
Production in college football is like production in the preseason. It doesn't mean what you think it means, ask Case Keenum. It's only part of the puzzle, not the whole enchilada.