When the 2007 NFL Draft begins, the biggest focus will be on the Quarterbacks, specifically three who may be all drafted on the first day. There have been some legends who heard their name called in the first round and some who didn’t think they wouldn’t even be drafted. There are always surprises on draft day, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. This year, the QB talent does not appear to be too deep. We may just have to see what happens on April 28th.
Jamarcus Russell
College – LSU
There’s no surprise why Jamarcus Russell is predicted to be the first overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. This guy has the size (6’5″ and 255 lbs) and arm strength to become a major part of any team in the league. Russell started during his junior and senior years at LSU, and during this period, guided his team to a 25-4 record. Russell’s arm is so strong, his passes look effortless. He has the ability to get out of the pocket and make plays with his legs. If necessary, Russell can lower his shoulder and run over a defender. When scouting a QB, NFL teams want a productive, durable player with great poise in the pocket. Jamarcus Russell has all of that. However, scouts and NFL coaches worry about his decision making ability and the fact that he tends to throw the ball off of his back foot when under pressure. Those are mistakes that can be corrected under the right coaching staff. I’ll be surprised if he’s not picked first overall in the draft.
Under Notre Dame Head coach Charlie Weis, Brady Quinn has ran an offense that’s more on the pro-level than college. Quinn is a big QB with the toughness that NFL teams look for. He takes complete command in the huddle and remains poised under the center. During Quinn’s four years as the starter for the fighting Irish, he progressed tremendously from his freshman year to his senior year. Quinn’s biggest weak point is the inaccuracy on his deep passes, but work-outs and timing with his receivers will help him out. I am pretty sure that Brady Quinn is scooped up early in the first round, possibly as the second pick.
I became a huge fan of Troy Smith the first time I saw him play. He’s a game-changer with a strong arm and a big heart. What NFL scouts like most about Troy Smith is his ability to stay poised in the pocket and dangerous as a scrambler when necessary. He is shorter than the NFL standards (6’0″) and that may cost him a round or two in the draft.
Trent Edwards
College – Stanford
Edwards may be the most complete pocket passer in this year’s NFL draft. He seems to play well under most NFL-Style offensive systems and has the ability to lead his team downfield with authority. Trent Edwards can throw the ball deep and to the sidelines with ease. Watching him play, it’s easy to see that he meshes well with his receivers. Hands down, Trent Edwards is a game manager that makes clutch plays from the beginning of the game until the end. His durability however, is what will keep him from being drafted on the first day. He missed substantial time in three seasons due to injuries. His draft stock also declined due to the players surrounding him in his 2006 season. If he can stay healthy, he will be a great quarterback coming off the bench in the NFL.
Drew Stanton is a smart, competitive athlete that has a strong arm. He can gun the ball into a tight spot or heave a long ball down the field with ease. Stanton’s mobility isn’t an issue either. When necessary, he can make positive yardage when faced with pressure. I like a quarterback who will play hurt, so does NFL teams. Stanton has a heart of stone, willing to take punishment to make sure his team is in position to win. Stanton probably won’t get picked up by a team on the first day. He has to learn how to show more poise in the pocket and not try to throw the ball all the time when pressure is in his face.
