The 2010 NFL Draft will feature a star-studded cast of QBs: Florida's Tim Tebow, Texas' Colt McCoy, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, and Ole Miss' Jevan Snead. At this point in time, this quartet of signal-callers is widely heralded as the cream of the crop.
But who is No. 1? This debate plagued the draft world this past April, when the question of Mark Sanchez or Matt Stafford was raised every day. That question was never truly answered until draft day, when the Lions took Stafford ahead of the Jets' trade to get Sanchez.
So in an attempt to provide more clarity and lend insight to the situation, GTMD will be tracking the competition from week-to-week. Before I rank the four QBs as they currently stand in my book, let me lay out some relevant statistical information (players listed in alphabetical order, so as not to give anything away).
Sam Bradford- 08: 4720 yards, 50 TD-8 INT, 67.9 comp %; 07: 3121 yards, 36 TD-8 INT, 69.5 comp %
Colt McCoy - 08: 3859 yards, 34 TD-8 INT, 76.7 comp % (561 yards rushing, 11 TD); 07: 3303 yards, 22 TD-18 INT, 65.1 comp % (510 yards rushing, 4 TD)
Jevan Snead - 08: 2762 yards, 26 TD-13 INT, 56.3 comp %
Tim Tebow - 08: 2746 yards, 30 TD-4 INT, 64.4 comp % (673 yards rushing, 12 TD); 07: 3286 yards, 32 TD-6 INT, 66.9 comp % (895 yards rushing, 23 TD)
And now, the rankings:
1) Sam Bradford: Here is the true question: Is Bradford a product of his system, or is he for real? He is a very accurate passer with a good arm and good instincts. He put up gaudy numbers last year with over 4700 yards and 50 scores. He is the most complete out of any of the QBs, and opens up as the pre-season No. 1 on this list. However, he has to keep up a similar pace to stay here. It's a bit unfair to expect the same numbers, but he has to keep his mechanics in place and remain consistent throughout the year.
2) Colt McCoy: He has exhibited a tremendous understanding for the game, making smart passes last year (for the most part). He improved his completion percentage and TD-INT ratio from 2007 to 2008, a clear sign that his game is improving from year to year. It'll be hard to take another leap in those categories this year, but consistency is the key for him as well. McCoy has also exhibited good mobility, as evidenced by his rushing stats, and if he stays healthy, he'll challenge Bradford for the top spot.
3) Jevan Snead: His numbers were not spectacular last season by any stretch, and he is far behind the other three in important categories that showcase decision-making skills (TD-INT ratio and comp %). But he has tremendous arm strength and is a year older in the Ole Miss system, something that cannot be underestimated. Snead has a chance to showcase his talent in a very good conference, and could benefit from having some of his toughest tests at home (the Rebels host No. 5 Alabama and No. 11 LSU). If Snead steps up his game, we could be looking at a clustered 1-2-3.
4) Tim Tebow: There's no denying that Tebow is one of the greatest college football players of our generation, and perhaps of all time, but he doesn't strike me as an NFL-type quarterback. He is very mobile, has displayed decent arm strength, can run through people unlike any quarterback in recent memory, and has displayed the grit and determination of champion. But does he fit the mold of an NFL QB? Not really. He'll make a fine fullback, a great special teamer, and a very good gadget player at the next level. But at the moment, Tebow doesn't strike me as someone who can play QB at the next level based on his style of play.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pac-10's Top 10
While at USC football practice Thursday to watch Day 1 of the Matt Barkley era, I spoke at length with a former Daily Trojan colleague of mine, Dan Greenspan, who currently writes for CollegeFootballNews.com. Dan has contributed to this blog before, and this is not the last time his name will show up within its confines.
Dan and I discussed the 2010 draft for a little bit, and he laid out his pre-season Top 10 Draft-Eligible Prospects in the Pac-10 Conference. This is his list.
1. Taylor Mays, S, USC
2. Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
3. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
4. Brian Price, DT, UCLA
5. Charles Brown, OT, USC
6. Syd'Quan Thompson, DB, Cal
7. Damian Williams, WR, USC
8. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
9. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
10. Lawrence Guy, DL, ASU
My Take:
Mays is an all-world defensive talent who would have certainly been a first round pick in this past year's draft. With another solid year as the anchor of the USC defense, Mays very well could solidify a top 10 pick in 2010, and likely sneak into the top 5.
Gronkowski is a physical specimen at 6-6, 265, and continues to improve his game each year. He could end up being the first or second TE off the board overall when it's all said and done.
Blount and Best are a pair of talented running backs with tremendous skillsets. I think Best has the potential to rise up this list as the season progresses, and if he reaches his full potential. could be a top-20 pick overall in the 2010 first round.
Dan and I discussed the 2010 draft for a little bit, and he laid out his pre-season Top 10 Draft-Eligible Prospects in the Pac-10 Conference. This is his list.
1. Taylor Mays, S, USC
2. Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
3. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
4. Brian Price, DT, UCLA
5. Charles Brown, OT, USC
6. Syd'Quan Thompson, DB, Cal
7. Damian Williams, WR, USC
8. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
9. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
10. Lawrence Guy, DL, ASU
My Take:
Mays is an all-world defensive talent who would have certainly been a first round pick in this past year's draft. With another solid year as the anchor of the USC defense, Mays very well could solidify a top 10 pick in 2010, and likely sneak into the top 5.
Gronkowski is a physical specimen at 6-6, 265, and continues to improve his game each year. He could end up being the first or second TE off the board overall when it's all said and done.
Blount and Best are a pair of talented running backs with tremendous skillsets. I think Best has the potential to rise up this list as the season progresses, and if he reaches his full potential. could be a top-20 pick overall in the 2010 first round.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
College Football 2009
The 2009 college football season is just a few days away, and with it comes the beginning of more NFL Draft Talk. Yes, late April is still far off in the distance, but it's never too early to start prognosticating and predicting.
In addition, I will have a very unique perspective on college football this year. I'll be covering most of USC's games, including traveling to a majority of the road contests. And given that perspective, I'm going to use it to my advantage.
Any time I see someone play on television, or, more importantly, in person, who is draft eligible, I'm likely to throw up a post on GTMD and talk about that player/players. Stay tuned throughout the regular season for these posts.
Also, be sure to follow Grant Tunkel Mock Draft on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GTMockDraft.
In addition, I will have a very unique perspective on college football this year. I'll be covering most of USC's games, including traveling to a majority of the road contests. And given that perspective, I'm going to use it to my advantage.
Any time I see someone play on television, or, more importantly, in person, who is draft eligible, I'm likely to throw up a post on GTMD and talk about that player/players. Stay tuned throughout the regular season for these posts.
Also, be sure to follow Grant Tunkel Mock Draft on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GTMockDraft.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Day 1 Winners and Losers
I'll hand out my draft grades tomorrow when all the dust has settled, but I'd like to take a look at a couple of the standout teams from the first day of the 2009 NFL Draft, as well as a couple of teams who clearly missed the mark.
TOP OF THE CLASS
- New York Jets: The Jets knew exactly what they wanted coming into the draft - a franchise QB - and they did everything they could to grab one. Sitting at No. 17 was not going to do the team any good, so they swapped first rounders with Cleveland and gave up a second rounder, as well as three players who would have likely been riding the pine in New York. The end result: Mark Sanchez, a franchise-quality QB.
- Green Bay Packers: The Pack had two first round picks, moving back into the bottom end of the round, and addressed their defense in a big way. B.J. Raji is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the defensive line, and Clay Matthews is a standout OLB who works hard and can punish opposing ball carriers.
- Cleveland Browns: Cleveland traded down twice and landed the guy they seemed to be targeting from the beginning, Alex Mack, a standout center at Cal. They made three picks in the second round, adding two good receivers and a defensive end with a lot of potential. I thought the pick of Brian Robiskie was a bit of a reach, but he's certainly a hometown favorite with his Ohio State connections.
- New England Patriots: The Pats did a phenomenal job of maneuvering out of the first round, when they clearly didn't want to take anyone at their draft position. They used their four second rounders to pick some good talents (I think Patrick Chung and Darius Butler translate very well to the next level), but their trade work was phenomenal.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills made four very solid picks. Aaron Maybin excels at getting to the quarterback, and Jairus Byrd is a ballhawking corner who led the Pac-10 in interceptions each of the last two years. Eric Wood is a standout at center, and Andrew Levitre can provide immediate help at the guard position.
HEAD-SCRATCHERS
- Oakland Raiders: What were they thinking? Darrius Heyward-Bey could prove to be enormously talented at the NFL level, but he would have been available at least seven or eight picks later. An enormous reach at No. 7. And the second round pick is a major head scratcher. Michael Mitchell, the safety from Ohio, was apparently valued by many other teams as no more than a Rookie Free Agent.
NOT GREAT BUT NOT AWFUL
- Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson could end up being a stud in the NFL, but he's a bit of a reach at No. 3.
- San Diego Chargers: Larry English is also an interesting selection. He, too, could end up being very good, but picking him at No. 16 is somewhat of a surprise. The Chargers may have been able to draft him later in the first round, and could have possibly traded down.
TOP OF THE CLASS
- New York Jets: The Jets knew exactly what they wanted coming into the draft - a franchise QB - and they did everything they could to grab one. Sitting at No. 17 was not going to do the team any good, so they swapped first rounders with Cleveland and gave up a second rounder, as well as three players who would have likely been riding the pine in New York. The end result: Mark Sanchez, a franchise-quality QB.
- Green Bay Packers: The Pack had two first round picks, moving back into the bottom end of the round, and addressed their defense in a big way. B.J. Raji is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the defensive line, and Clay Matthews is a standout OLB who works hard and can punish opposing ball carriers.
- Cleveland Browns: Cleveland traded down twice and landed the guy they seemed to be targeting from the beginning, Alex Mack, a standout center at Cal. They made three picks in the second round, adding two good receivers and a defensive end with a lot of potential. I thought the pick of Brian Robiskie was a bit of a reach, but he's certainly a hometown favorite with his Ohio State connections.
- New England Patriots: The Pats did a phenomenal job of maneuvering out of the first round, when they clearly didn't want to take anyone at their draft position. They used their four second rounders to pick some good talents (I think Patrick Chung and Darius Butler translate very well to the next level), but their trade work was phenomenal.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills made four very solid picks. Aaron Maybin excels at getting to the quarterback, and Jairus Byrd is a ballhawking corner who led the Pac-10 in interceptions each of the last two years. Eric Wood is a standout at center, and Andrew Levitre can provide immediate help at the guard position.
HEAD-SCRATCHERS
- Oakland Raiders: What were they thinking? Darrius Heyward-Bey could prove to be enormously talented at the NFL level, but he would have been available at least seven or eight picks later. An enormous reach at No. 7. And the second round pick is a major head scratcher. Michael Mitchell, the safety from Ohio, was apparently valued by many other teams as no more than a Rookie Free Agent.
NOT GREAT BUT NOT AWFUL
- Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson could end up being a stud in the NFL, but he's a bit of a reach at No. 3.
- San Diego Chargers: Larry English is also an interesting selection. He, too, could end up being very good, but picking him at No. 16 is somewhat of a surprise. The Chargers may have been able to draft him later in the first round, and could have possibly traded down.
The Sanchez Scenarios
With Matthew Stafford already locked up as the No. 1 overall pick, all eyes turn to USC QB Mark Sanchez. Where will he fall? Some late-night ESPN viewing can clarify some things:
- Chris Mortensen said there is about a 20% chance the St. Louis Rams will take Sanchez at No. 2
- Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay believe Sanchez will go off the board when the Seattle Seahawks picks at No. 4.
- Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels told Ed Werder that he does not believe his team will trade up to take Sanchez, nor would he be a lock if he fell to No. 12, the Broncos' first of two first-rounders. He also said the team has not contacted anyone about trading up, but admitted that the Jacksonville Jaguars have contacted him about moving up to No. 8.
- Sal Paolantonio caught up with New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum after a draft meeting, and the GM told the ESPN reporter that his team is in fact interested in moving up from No. 17, most likely to draft Sanchez. Many people believe it would take the Jets' first-rounder, second-rounder and fourth-rounder to move up to No. 8 to draft the QB. Another scenario that has been floated around involves the Cleveland Browns, Brady Quinn and the No. 5 overall pick.
Other late-night notes:
- With 11 draft picks this year, the New England Patriots could possibly move up into the top 10 to draft some defensive help.
And don't forget, the draft day LIVE BLOG kicks off at 3:45 pm ET/12:45 pm PT.
- Chris Mortensen said there is about a 20% chance the St. Louis Rams will take Sanchez at No. 2
- Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay believe Sanchez will go off the board when the Seattle Seahawks picks at No. 4.
- Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels told Ed Werder that he does not believe his team will trade up to take Sanchez, nor would he be a lock if he fell to No. 12, the Broncos' first of two first-rounders. He also said the team has not contacted anyone about trading up, but admitted that the Jacksonville Jaguars have contacted him about moving up to No. 8.
- Sal Paolantonio caught up with New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum after a draft meeting, and the GM told the ESPN reporter that his team is in fact interested in moving up from No. 17, most likely to draft Sanchez. Many people believe it would take the Jets' first-rounder, second-rounder and fourth-rounder to move up to No. 8 to draft the QB. Another scenario that has been floated around involves the Cleveland Browns, Brady Quinn and the No. 5 overall pick.
Other late-night notes:
- With 11 draft picks this year, the New England Patriots could possibly move up into the top 10 to draft some defensive help.
And don't forget, the draft day LIVE BLOG kicks off at 3:45 pm ET/12:45 pm PT.
Friday, April 24, 2009
MOCK DRAFT VERSION 2.0
Here it is folks, the much anticipated mock draft version 2.0. I have mocked out the first two rounds for your viewing pleasure.
ROUND ONE
1. DETROIT LIONS: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
2. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
4. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
5. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
6. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
7. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
8. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
9. GREEN BAY PACKERS: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
10. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
11. BUFFALO BILLS: Tyson Jackson, DE
12. DENVER BRONCOS: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
13. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
15. HOUSTON TEXANS: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
16. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
17. NEW YORK JETS: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
18. DENVER BRONCOS (from Chi): Rey Maualuga,, LB, USC
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
20. DETROIT LIONS (from Dal): Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Darrius Heward-Bey, WR, Maryland
23. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
24. ATLANTA FALCONS: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
25. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
26. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
27. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
28. BUFFALO BILLS (from Car through Phi): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
29. NEW YORK GIANTS: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
30. TENNESSEE TITANS: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
31. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
32. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Alex Mack, C, California
ROUND TWO
33. DETROIT LIONS: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
34. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from KC): Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
35. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
36. CLEVELAND BROWNS: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
37. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
38. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Max Unger, C, Oregon
39. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
40. OAKLAND RAIDERS: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
41. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Paul Kruger, OT, Utah
42. BUFFALO BILLS: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
43. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
44. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from Was): D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
45. NEW YORK GIANTS (from NO): Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
46. HOUSTON TEXANS: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
47. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from SD): Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
48. DENVER BRONCOS: Sean Smith, CB, Utah
49. CHICAGO BEARS: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Oklahoma
50. CLEVELAND BROWNS (from TB): Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
51. DALLAS COWBOYS: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
52. NEW YORK JETS: Andrew Levitre, OG, Oregon State
53. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss
54. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Eric Wood, C, Louisville
55. ATLANTA FALCONS: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
56. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State
57. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
58. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
59. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond
60. NEW YORK GIANTS: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
61. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Fili Moala, DT, USC
62. TENNESSEE TITANS: Pat White, WR, West Virginia
63. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Cody Brown, OLB, Connecticut
64. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Sherrod Martin, CB, Troy
ROUND ONE
1. DETROIT LIONS: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
2. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
4. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
5. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
6. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
7. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
8. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
9. GREEN BAY PACKERS: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
10. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
11. BUFFALO BILLS: Tyson Jackson, DE
12. DENVER BRONCOS: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
13. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
15. HOUSTON TEXANS: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
16. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
17. NEW YORK JETS: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
18. DENVER BRONCOS (from Chi): Rey Maualuga,, LB, USC
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
20. DETROIT LIONS (from Dal): Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Darrius Heward-Bey, WR, Maryland
23. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
24. ATLANTA FALCONS: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
25. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
26. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
27. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
28. BUFFALO BILLS (from Car through Phi): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
29. NEW YORK GIANTS: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
30. TENNESSEE TITANS: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
31. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
32. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Alex Mack, C, California
ROUND TWO
33. DETROIT LIONS: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
34. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from KC): Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
35. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
36. CLEVELAND BROWNS: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
37. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
38. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Max Unger, C, Oregon
39. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
40. OAKLAND RAIDERS: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
41. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Paul Kruger, OT, Utah
42. BUFFALO BILLS: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
43. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
44. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from Was): D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
45. NEW YORK GIANTS (from NO): Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
46. HOUSTON TEXANS: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
47. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from SD): Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
48. DENVER BRONCOS: Sean Smith, CB, Utah
49. CHICAGO BEARS: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Oklahoma
50. CLEVELAND BROWNS (from TB): Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
51. DALLAS COWBOYS: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
52. NEW YORK JETS: Andrew Levitre, OG, Oregon State
53. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss
54. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Eric Wood, C, Louisville
55. ATLANTA FALCONS: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
56. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State
57. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
58. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
59. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond
60. NEW YORK GIANTS: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
61. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Fili Moala, DT, USC
62. TENNESSEE TITANS: Pat White, WR, West Virginia
63. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Cody Brown, OLB, Connecticut
64. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Sherrod Martin, CB, Troy
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