Quarterbacks Shine as Bowl Season Approaches

If you ask 10 Miami Dolphin fans, what do they feel is the first position that needs to be addressed in the draft, 9 of those fans are going to say Quarterback. Even though Matt Moore has excelled at the QB position for the past 3 games (70% Comp. Rate 613 Yards 6 TDs 1 Int), I think its pretty clear that he is much more valuable to this team as a backup QB than an everyday starter even though he has the skills to be one. So lets take a look at a few QBs I think the Dolphins will be targeting in the draft.

Andrew Luck - Stanford (11-1)
6-4 235 lbs.

Will Luck be the new face off the
Indianapolis Colts?


No doubt, the undisputed #1 overall prospect in this draft. He has all of the tools plus the accolades and intangibles you would want to see from a player of his caliber. The only things missing from his already impressing resume are a Heisman Trophy and a national championship. The latter seems less likely now after losing to Oregon, but his case for the Heisman is a strong one. The likely destination for Luck as of now looks to be to the Indianapolis Colts (0-10). But with a player like Peyton Manning on the roster, the move doesn't seem like a no-brainer like it would for other teams. The possibility for the Colts to pass on Luck is definently there. But with a prospect like Luck on the board, I don't see how any team can pass on him besides Green Bay. I look for him to be the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

2011 Stats

261-373 70% Comp. Rate 3,170Yards 35 TDs 9 Ints



Matt Barkley - USC (10-2)
6-3 220 lbs.

Can Matt make a late push for the
Heisman Trophy?

In my opinion, Matt has been one of the most improved players in college football. His ability to read defenses and make accurate short and intermediate throws are going to attract alot of NFL scouts. Though he doesn't have a cannon for an arm, he has enough to make throws needed to succeed in the NFL. His impressive play as of late has elevated his name into Heisman talks along with Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and Trent Richardson. Because of NCAA sanctions, USC is not eligible for any bowl games or allowed to be ranked in the BCS standings which could hurt his draft stock at the end of the season. If other QBs perform well in their bowl games, then it could potentially push him down as he has no other way to improve his stock than pro days and combine workouts. I look for Barkley to go anywhere between picks 2-10 in the 1st Round.

(Update - Barkley has decided to forgo the 2012 NFL Draft and return to USC for his senior season.)

2011 Stats

308-446 69% Comp. Rate 3,528 Yards 39 TDs 7 Ints


Robert Griffin III - Baylor (8-3)
6-2 220 lbs.

Will RG3 be the next Michael Vick?

Probably the most intriguing prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft, Griffin is a dynamic playmaker who has massive potential to be a special player in the NFL. One characteristic that will make NFL scouts drool over him is his deep ball accuracy. He has an incredible arm an can place the ball right where the receiver needs it to be. He also has excellent touch on screen plays to RBs. When given time in the pocket, he has showed that he can be a very effective passer and can pick a team apart. He feels pressure very well and knows when to use his legs to extend plays. One test that he will have to pass at the NFL level is learning how to decipher complex NFL coverages and adjust to running a full time pro style offense. I feel that he won't have a problem with either and will be a real sleeper in this upcoming draft. Look for him to within the top ten picks in the first round.

2011 Stats

252-347 73% Comp. Rate 3,678 Yards 34 TDs 5 Ints


Landry Jones - Oklahoma (9-2)
6-4 230 lbs.

Can Jones regain his draft stock?

Coming into the 2011 campaign, experts had Landry Jones as the #2 Quarterback prospect behind Andrew Luck. Now after losing to Baylor last weekend, many have dropped Jones lower on their draft boards due to lack luster play. Jones didn't look good and on top of that, was pulled in goal line situations for Blake Bell who was used as a short yardage back and scored 4 rushing TDs. Jones has potential to become a solid NFL QB. He has the prototypical NFL frame and strong arm. One thing that hurts his draft stock alot is the offensive system that he runs in Oklahoma. He runs a stand up spread system that counts on strong pass blocking to succeed. He rarely takes dropbacks longer than 5 steps and is shown by his below average footwork. Jones is a smart QB, but takes alot of risks and stuggles with inconsistency sometimes. One game he can look like an average QB, but the next game, he can come out and look like a #1 overall pick. Very hard prospect to project at the next level, but I look for Landry to land on a team that already has a solid QB so he can sit for a few years an polish his skills. Late 1st round pick.

2011 Stats

312-487 64% Comp. Rate 4,052 28 TDs 12 Ints