From left to right: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Robert Griffin III (Redskins), Andrew Luck (Colts), Brandon Weeden (Browns), and Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins).
(Photo courtesy of NBCSports.com)
What will we be saying about the 2012 Rookie quarterback class in 5-7 years? (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson, and Nick Foles)?
(Photo courtesy of Philly.com)
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Okay the 2012 NFL draft is less than two weeks away and over the next two weeks I will release my top 5 players by position and the next five I like as well. My player rankings are based upon my own eye test and scouting, so yes it might differ from the likes of Kiper and McShay.
1. Robert Griffin III 6-2 223lbs Baylor
Strengths: Elite arm talent, can make any throw asked of him. Even though he’s a world class athlete, he is a great passer from the pocket. Very intelligent, has gotten better as a passer over the years.
Weaknesses: Came from the spread offense, might have a slow transition adjusting to a pro-style offense.
Grade: Top 3 pick
2. Andrew Luck 6-4 234lbs Stanford
Strengths: Very accurate passer, smart, cerebral. Played his whole career in a pro-style offense and was coached by Jim Harbaugh. More athletic than most believe. Called his own plays during his final season.
Weaknesses: Arm strength isn’t the greatest, but Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning improved that aspect of their games once they got to the NFL. Loses mechanics and accuracy when players are at his feet and has to make throws under duress.
Grade: Top 3 pick
3. Nick Foles 6-5 243lbs Arizona
Strengths: Great size for a NFL QB. Great ability to anticipate passes and throw WR’s open. Arm isn’t elite, but he can make all the throws necessary. Stands very strong in the pocket and makes throws with defenders hanging on his legs.
Weaknesses: Lost 13 of 17 of his last starts at Zona. Makes some bad decisions with the ball at times. Isn’t a great athlete and is far from what you would call elusive.
Grade: 2nd round
4. Ryan Tannehill 6-4 223lbs Texas A&M
Strengths: Good size, very athletic, and accurate with his short to mid-range passes. Is very mobile in the pocket and has escape ability, which is a good thing to have in the NFL. Has started only 19 games at QB in college and people seem to see a high ceiling because of his physical tools.
Weaknesses: Is still very raw as a QB and needs some time to sit and work on his craft. Is inaccurate on his deep passes. Lost a big number of games after having big halftime leads and turned the ball over in big spots. He is one of the more big risk/reward players in this draft. Some even think he’s good enough to draft in the top 10.
Grade: 2nd round
5. Brandon Weeden 6-3 223lbs Oklahoma St.
Strengths: Was 23-3 as a starter at Okla. St., is more mature then most prospects because of his age(29). Shows great accuracy on all of his throws. His above average arm talent, good enough to make all NFL throws.
Weaknesses: Struggles throwing the ball well under pressure. His age is also a concern as well. Teams have to wonder how long will he last at that age. His mobility in the pocket is and issue as well and he’s never played under center while in college.
Grade: mid to late 2nd round
My next 5: Brock Osweiler ASU, Kirk Cousins Mich St., Ryan Lindley San Diego St. , Russell Wilson Wisconsin, Kellen Moore Boise St.
Up Next: My top 5 Running Backs will be released tomorrow.
Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports
