2012 QB Prospects (Part 2)

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

I wonder if being thrown into the mix right as the season started (for Gabbert) and within the season (Ponder) affected these guys. I mean, I am sure being the starter from day 1 helped Dalton and Newton (although Newton's talent cannot be compared to these other guys).

Ponder has been as good as Dalton. Dalton has benefited from a bit of what Alex Smith has this year: level of competition is low, so the difference between "bad rookie" and "good rookie" means you are winning games, as opposed to just losing competently. Cam's been in a league of his own among rookies, but has no defense and plays a lot of playoff teams.

I think the only reason Gabbert is playing at all this year is because Garrard was damaged goods. When you look at the closest Gabbert college comparables, only Josh Freeman was his team's primary starter his first year. Most sat until at least this point of the season. To think Gabbert has been exposed as a poor prospect simply because he has had to play before he was ready is something I just wouldn't agree with.