The quarterback class of 2017 will not be as talented at the top as we’ve seen in the last five years. Deshaun Watson is the head liner but he has a lot of questions to answer before he can be “the guy” to head line the class. Miami’s Brad Kaaya might have the most upside
Quarterbacks
1. Deshaun Watson, 6-2 210, Clemson: Watson will be the top ranked quarterback heading into this season. He’s put put big numbers at Clemson but his slight frame and lack of experience in a pro-style offense could hurt him.
2. Brad Kaaya, 6-4 210, Miami (Fla): Kaaya will blossom under Mark Richt’s tutelage. He’ll play in a pro-style offense that will give him the developmental edge over Watson. Physically, Kaaya has the tools to be a top ten pick.
3. Luke Falk, 6-4 208, Washington State: Playing in Mike Leach’s pass happy offense certainly inflates a quarterbacks numbers but when you look at Falk, he’s got the size and the plus arm strength to play in any system.
4. Chad Kelly, 6-2 215, Ole Miss: The nephew of Jim Kelly has plus arm strength and an ability to extend plays out of the pocket but he takes too many chances with the ball and he’s had off field issues.
5. Josh Dobbs, 6-3 212, Tennessee: Dobbs has a quick release, he’s smart and athletic on the run. His accuracy can be inconsistent however, especially when he pushes the ball down field. He could crack the top three on this list with a big season in 2016.
6. Seth Russell, 6-2 220, Baylor: Russell has quick release and can move out of the pocket. He is injury prone however and that could be an issue for him moving forward. Playing in Baylor’s RPO based offense has hurt Art Briles quarterbacks thus far. Lets if Russell can buck the trend.
7. Baker Mayfield, 6-0 210, Oklahoma: Mayfield is a good athlete and can extend plays out of the pocket. His height is an issues and he can’t consistently drive the ball down field. He’s another small, overachieving quarterback at Oklahoma.
8. C.J Beathard, 6-2 210, Iowa: The grandson of legendary NFL general manager Bobby Beathard is tough and smart. He shows a willingness to hang in the pocket, go through his progression and deliver the ball where it needs to go. He has limited arm strength however and is more of a system quarterback.
9. Wes Lunt, 6-4 225, Illinois: Lunt was highly touted out of high school and attended Oklahoma State. He fizzled with the Cowboys and ended up coming home when he transferred to Illinois. The athleticism and arm strength are there but the consistency is not. Playing in a pro-style offense will help his stock.
10. Mitch Leidner, 6-4 235, Minnesota: Leidner can be wildly inconsistent but he is a big pocket passer who can hang in, hitch up and deliver the ball on time. Leidner is limited in the pocket and he takes a lot of sacks.