ESPN Say's Newton To Enter Draft

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by wilsowilso

I will be very happy if we draft Locker.

He is a risk worth taking.

Really happy if we can trade back and get him.

The two main factors in QB success at the pro level are grasping the mental aspects such as preparation/reading defenses and accuracy. Locker has the first part but that accuracy part just reminds me way to much of McNabb. Maybe it's just that his mechanics are off and he'll be more willing to work on them then McNabb was but it just seems like another guy that won't be able to hit receivers even when he has time.

It's getting to the point where Mallet and Ponder are the only two rookie QB's that I have any interest in seeing us draft. Maybe Gabbert but he seems to pedestrian (read: average). Some like Dalton but I think we already have a guy like Dalton on our roster with Beck. Sure Becks pushing 30, but I would much rather use the pick we would use on Dalton for someone that can play in the trenches and experiment with Beck if it came down to that.

Also I'd like to take this time to remind everyone that I was told time and time again that this was going to be an amazing QB class and that last years group was terrible. So much for projections.

Here's a quick rundown of how I currently view the top QB's in this class:

Gabbert - Spread QB that couldn't come close to the numbers put up by UDFA Chase Daniels. Seems to have all the physical tools and a good head on his shoulders so he seems like he could succeed in the right situation. Still lack of big numbers in a spread system is a concern for me.

+ Physical tools, Football IQ, Coachable
- Spread QB, Lack of huge numbers in Spread System, Junior QB


Newton - Was willing to overlook the Spread QB label until the "icon and entertainer" line. Seems his motivation for money (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) heavily outweighs his love of the game. He has all the physical tools but I don't trust him to prepare nearly as much as he should once he gets paid. Plus he doesn't have the ideal background when you're look for a QB in the draft, which again I was willing to overlook until his recent declaration. The main thing teams need to find out is if he's Big Ben or Vince Young.

+ Amazing Physical Tools, History of success despite numerous off field distractions, Said to be coachable
- Maturity, Spread QB, Might be more concerned with Payday and Celebrity status then he is with being a Franchise QB, Junior QB

Mallet - Criticism of him seems to be unclear, weather , his main problem is leadership or intelligence. Scouts seem to be all over the map on these two factors. I personally see a Matt Schuab clone where his only real weakness is a lack of mobility. Was able to improve his accuracy enough where he should seriously be considered. My main concern is he came out a year early which seems to work against QB's at the next level.

+ Size, Arm Strength, Experience in Pro System, Firery Personallity, Improved Accuracy
- Junior QB, Petrino QB, Wasn't accurate until this past year.

Locker

+ Mobility, Arm Strength, Pro System Experience with lots of play action and bootlegs, leadership, Smart, Senior QB
- Accuracy (never over 60% on the year), Injury concerns due to playing style, Recent Regression

Ponder

+Great Intangibles (graduated in something around 2.5 years. Also considered a great leader), Pro Style System, Very Accurate when healthy still 60%+ when not, Mobile, Senior QB
- Health Problems, Arm Strength only good enough, Lack of success at the collegiate level.