2012 QB Prospects (Part 2)

Your making my point for me.
Show me 1 expert that thought Cam or Dalton would be as good as they are now?
Historically, its a 50-50 shot a QB prospect will even pan out.
I think we all start getting ahead of ourselves when we say that are sure: instant starters at a pro-bowl level.

But all of the talk that Cam's stock was falling didn't keep him from being the first overall pick. Locker and Gabbert who some had rated higher than Cam were picked way later. Where are they now? I mean, Cam's throws were way off, alarmingly so at the combine. What is it to look for about these QBs? Is it just a Luck of the draw, fingers crossed?

2nd and 3rd of course

It wasn't that long ago when the skins had two selections in the top five. Back in 2000: Samuels (3rd) and Arrington (2nd).

It wasn't that long ago when the skins had two selections in the top five. Back in 2000: Samuels (3rd) and Arrington (2nd).


2 good players

But all of the talk that Cam's stock was falling didn't keep him from being the first overall pick. Locker and Gabbert who some had rated higher than Cam were picked way later. Where are they now? I mean, Cam's throws were way off, alarmingly so at the combine. What is it to look for about these QBs? Is it just a Luck of the draw, fingers crossed?
I can't tell if your really asking my opinion or this is some internet forum I told you so ploy...but my view anyway.....

I think draftniks like ourselves falsely assume that the media scouts and other draftniks are actually privvy to the opinions of actual NFL scouts/GM/Execs.

But those guys guard there scouting profiles/opinions like the kremlin.
Pretty much anything a scout/GM/execs tell a member of the scouting media right now is either a half-truth or out and out lie aimed at probing for information and pushing their own agenda.

I think first and foremost skillset is what matters.
Nothing else.
If you can make an accurate comparative assessment of skillset between the prospects you can find out how the prospect should rank.

But its very important to realize that knowing where/how the prospects rank only forms an accurate assessment.
Making an accurate assessment is quite different from making a prediction. (which is a myth)
Scouting imo isn't about prediction its about evaluation.

I look for a bunch of different traits but I differ greatly to the minds of the greats like Bill Walsh who values playmaking.
Imo its the most important trait.
Next for me is coachability but sadly its an intangible that is impossible to assess from sitting on my couch or computer chair.
Imo intangibles are thee most importants traits but at the same time I realize that its unknowable form my vantage point.

From the man himself:
QUARTERBACK

Ideal size: 6-3, 210

To become a great quarterback, there must be instincts and intuition. This is the area that can be the difference between a very solid quarterback and a great quarterback. This isn't an area you can do much with as a coach. You can certainly bring a quarterback up to a competitive standard, but to reach greatness the quarterback must possess that inherently, ala Billy Kilmer, Sonny Jurgensen, Ken Stabler and Warren Moon.

If throwing a ball were the only aspect of playing quarterback, then this would be an easy position to evaluate. However, because of the dynamic role he plays on the team, a quarterback must have physical, mental, emotional and instinctive traits that go well beyond the mere ability to pass a football.

Still, if he can't pass, he obviously won't be a good quarterback either. For now, let's assume our quarterback candidate has shown an ability to throw the ball.

Now, he must be courageous and intensely competitive. He will be the one on the field who is running the team. His teammates must believe in him or it may not matter how much physical ability he has. If he is courageous and intensely competitive, then other players will know and respect that. This will be a foundation for becoming a leader.

Naturally, he will have to perform up to certain physical standards to maintain that respect and become a leader.

Arm strength is somewhat misleading. Some players can throw 80 yards, but they aren't good passers. Good passing has to do with accuracy, timing, and throwing a ball with touch so it is catchable. This all involves understanding a system, the receivers in the system, and having great anticipation. It is a plus to be able to throw a ball on a line for 35 yards, but not if it is off target or arrives in such a way that it is difficult to catch.

Remember, the goal of passing a ball is to make sure it is caught ... by your intended receiver.

You look at how complete an inventory of throws a quarterback possesses -- from screen passes to timed short passes to medium range passes and down the field throws. This complete range. For the scout, not having a complete inventory does not eliminate the quarterback. But you are looking to evaluate in all facets and distances and types of passes in throwing the ball.

There have been quarterbacks of greatness, Hall of Fame quarterbacks, who didn't have a complete inventory of passes. But you're looking to see the potential of the quarterback in each area. You can see where the emphasis of the offense would be if he were with your team.

A quick delivery , one that is not telegraphed to help the defense, gives the quarterback an advantage when he finds his intended target. That's when it is essential to get the ball "up and gone'' with no wasted motion. Some of this can be acquired by learning proper technique. But to a certain degree, a quick release is related to a quarterback's reaction time between spotting his receiver and getting the ball "up and gone.''

Touch is important, especially in a medium range passing game. One of Joe Montana's most remarkable skills was putting the right touch on a pass so that it was easily catchable by a receiver, who often did not have to break stride.

The ability to read defenses is not something that players have learned to a high degree coming out of college. Even if they have, the pro defenses are very different. But most systems require quarterbacks to look at primary and secondary receivers, usually based on the defense that confronts him. You can see if he locates that secondary receiver -- or maybe even an emergency outlet receiver -- with ease or with a sense of urgency.

This should work like a natural progression, not a situation where it's -- "Oh, my gosh, now I must look over here ... no, over there.'' You can see which quarterbacks handle these situations with grace. These are the types who have a chance to perform with consistency in the NFL.

Mobility and an ability to avoid a pass rush are crucial. Some quarterbacks use this mobility within the pocket just enough so they are able to move and pass when they "feel" a rush. But overall quickness and agility can make a remarkable difference. As an example, there were some very quick boxers in Sugar Ray Leonard's era, but he was quicker than they were and because of that he became a great champ.

Quarterbacks must be able to function while injured. The pro season is about twice as long and more punishing than a college season. They are vulnerable to getting hit hard every time they pass. They must be able to avoid being rattled, get up and show they are in control and can continue to lead the offense.

The single trait that separates great quarterbacks from good quarterbacks is the ability to make the great, spontaneous decision, especially at a crucial time. The clock is running down and your team is five points behind. The play that was called has broken down and 22 players are moving in almost unpredictable directions all over the field.

This is where the great quarterback uses his experience, vision, mobility and what we will call spontaneous genius. He makes something good happen. This, of course, is what we saw in Joe Montana when he pulled out those dramatic victories for Notre Dame.

From the man himself:

Sounds like he is describing Luck and Barkley.

Heard Michael Lombardi on Inside the NFL saying that he believes that Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck Can NOT exist. He said he would hate to be the GM who has to deal with the situation and has heard that the Colts would love to have Peyton, the known, be their QB next year, instead of Luck, the unknown. He said that the Colts don't have to solve their QB problems now, and that they can solve them next year, or later in the draft...(stay tuned)

I hope Philly gets rid of Reid and Morningwhig goes with him.
Removing the offensive staff from Philly will set that team back for awhile and all but erase them from contention.

But, I don't think Philly is that dumb.
The perception is that Vick has regressed, but I don't think its evident with his play.
I think the team around him is worse on the OL at WR and Vick is suffering as consequent.
But, a metric I like to use for judging QB play is ESPN TQBR and they have Vick top 10 or near it and I think that is an accurate assessment of how he has played this season.No, Vick hasn't regressed. He performed fine this year. It was just that last year his interception rate was fluky low and this year it is fluky high. The real Vick is somewhere in the middle. The WRs have been total trash this year. Maclin can't stay on the field and Jackson, at times, is a stiff. Riley Cooper is not a pro football player.

But at the same time, the idea that Vick is a franchise QB ignores that he can't play more than 12 games a season because of his durability. And their backup situation was better last year. I think Kafka will be ready for an extended role next year, they still need to address the position.

Where's the Heisman poll?

I think its a forgone conclusion that RG3is going to win the Heisman.........