Future Watch
Posted: 2/24/2008
Future Watch: 2008– QBs
The 2008 rookie group was once thought to be much deeper than it is playing out to be. Coveted signal caller Brian Brohm’s stock has steadily dropped over the past year and top prospect, Andre Woodson, seemingly could fall into the 3rd round.
While the QBs will be going through their drills on Sunday, a loose ranking is starting to take form. Rather than bore everyone with college stats and minor successes and failures, lets get right to the rankings so that we can begin to adjust things as the combine performances come in.
Lets get started:
1. Matt Ryan, Boston College
Height: 6’4 ½” Weight: 228
Ryan is a lock to be the first QB off the board, but that is not to say that this is a strong QB class in which teams will be battling for the rights to select him. Ryan manages a good game but isn’t spectacular in any one area. The Falcons have the most need and the decision will most certainly come down to a choice between Ryan or McFadden. See our combine news and notes for my thoughts as to where Ryan may go.
2. Brian Brohm, Louisville
Height: 6’2 ¾” Weight: 230
If Brohm would have come out in 2007, his stock would have been much higher. Much like Matt Leinart and Brady Quinn, all three of whom decided to finish out their senior years, his stock dropped as Louisville’s playmakers bolted for the NFL leaving little left to showcase Brohm’s abilities. Still considered the #2 QB in the draft, Brohm looks to be a mid to late first round selection. His height came in a little disappointing but Brohm has it what it takes to succeed at the next level, in the right situation.
3. Joe Flacco, Delaware
Height: 6’6 ½” Weight: 236
The out-of-nowhere story goes to Joe Flacco out of Delaware (nowhere). Flacco is a huge QB specimen who is said to have the strongest arm in the class. He has steadily raised his stock all year, culminating in significant buzz as the season closed out. He won’t fool anyone with his speed or mobility, but he is more mobile than his size would dictate. With some other QB prospects not fully working out at the combine, Flacco has a chance to, perhaps raise his stock even further.
4. Chad Henne, Michigan
Height: 6’2 ¾” Weight: 230
Henne has battled nagging injuries during much of his time as a starter at Michigan. As a junior, his stock was relatively high but began dipping immediately as his senior campaign started. Durability is his greatest question and he did manage to finish on a high note with Michigan and then again in the Senior Bowl. Scouts are said to be intrigued.
5. Andre Woodson, Kentucky
Height: 6’4” Weight: 219
Yes, 5th. I am even a little amazed at the drop of Kentucky’s ultra-efficient Woodson. But his stock has been on the decline as his year closed out and then dropped completely off the table when QB killer, Mike Martz, got his claws into him during the Senior Bowl week and tried to fix his mechanics in less than a week. Woodson’s mechanics, specifically his long delivery, are cause for concern but he is an intelligent player and the talk is that his delivery is not as bad as Leftwich and can be worked with. I believe someone is going to get a nice bargain with Woodson.
6. John David Booty, USC
Height: 6’2 ½” Weight: 218
Booty looks the part of a NFL QB, but could have a bit more size, both height and weight. Good mobility, decent arm strength and playing in USC’s system will raise his stock a bit and he is a natural fit for a west coast system that requires quick reads and getting rid of the ball quickly. Watch his combine performance for arm strength, which is what many scouts will be watching.
7. Colt Brennan, Hawaii
Height: 6’2 ½” Weight: 207
Brennan has been on a roller coaster ride for the past 18 mos. Seems that there has been more talk about Brennan’s weaknesses and character concerns than his amazing statistics in a system that can crank out amazing statistics. Brennan has not helped himself during early interviews and has been described as an “ass”. Arm strength, size and character are on display at the combine and he did turn in a nice surprise with his height and weight, once predicted to be at 185 pounds before the combine weigh-in. Brennan doesn’t project to be a first day pick in my opinion, but a player with obvious skills, and a chip on his shoulder, can make for an intriguing later round pick.
8. Dennis Dixon, Oregon
Height: 6’3” Weight: 195
Dixon is full of question marks. Playing at Oregon (very close to where I live), his performance(s) have been sometimes eye-popping and other times eye-gouging. Dixon’s only true highlight season was his senior year in 2007. And in what could have solidified a selection in the top 3 rounds, Oregon’s ranking fell quickly when Dixon went down with an injury (ACL) while playing in Arizona. But unlike roster mate, Kellen Clemens, who went down with a broken leg, more questions about Dixon’s size/weight and intangibles exist. Dixon would appear to be a 5th round candidate for a team willing with a strong strength and conditioning facility.
Other Notables:
Eric Ainge, Tennessee
Matt Flynn, LSU
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