Links to all draft threads: QB,
RB,
WR,
TE,
OL,
DL,
LB,
DB
Thanks for these Aaron. I am addicted to the draft this year like never before. I've been considering tossing an 06 NFL Draft Blog up just to feed the addiction and get all my
research and opinions logged in one place (to later see if I know what the heck I'm talking about). We've been batting around names in various draft threads for months, but usually only discuss the top few players at each position. Those threads aren't organized like this. Great idea. On QBs (for now), I'll just toss two sleepers into the mix that haven't been discussed here (as far as I know). I think these two will both be on the rise in the draft. I also think they will both make NFL rosters, and from there you never know.
Tarvaris Jackson, Alabama State, 6-3 225
Current Experts' Projection: UFA
My Projection: 2nd day pick, Rnd 6 (maybe higher), developmental project with big upside
Profile
Recent Story
General: Jackson is a superb all-around athlete who couldn't beat out Matt Jones for a starting job at Arkansas as a
redshirt freshman (Jones was a Sophomore), so he transferred. In retrospect, Houston Nutt would have done his Razorback program a favor by starting Jackson and letting Jones play WR (something he briefly tried before Jackson transferred).
In three years as a starter at Alabama State, Jackson has thrown for almost 8000 yards and 70 touchdowns. While most internet draft experts don't have him on the radar,
NFL scouts most certainly do. He's been invited to the East West Shrine game to spend a week working out for scouts, and here is where I think he makes his move into the draft. Some team will see all the tools and realize he is worth a late pick.
Positives: I watched him come up short in a hard fought comeback attempt against Grambling State. I watched the game to see Grambling QB Bruce Eugene (also a possible late pick). But, Jackson stole the show. Above displaying all the tools, a tremendous arm, very accurate, nice touch, excellent footwork and pocket presence, it was his leadership and poise that won me over. He throws a beautiful deep ball, a rocket out pattern, and shows point guard skills (quick reads, quick release) in the short and intermediate game. Good on the run, better in the pocket, physically powerful for a QB. He's very tough and doesn't get rattled. I couldn't find any flaws in his game.
Over his three years, his team has lost talent every year, yet he has steadily improved. Year 1-- 18 tds 13 picks, 123 rating; year 2-- 20 tds, 9 picks, 130 rating; this year-- 29 tds, 5 picks, 165 rating. His rushing yards have gone down as his passing proficiency has gone up-- a good sign. He's confident and mature in interviews. He has a quick sense of humor, and appears to be mentally sharp enough and emotionally stable enough to QB (lead) at any level.
Negatives: Hasn't played against top competition. His team had a disappointing season. He may not be 6-3. Intangibles unknown. He's not fast enough to be realistically worked out at other positions despite his athleticism. May rely too much on natural ability and not be confident and determined enough to work hard enough succeed at the highest level.
NFL Comparison: Good - Steve McNair. Bad - Akili Smith
Ingle Martin, Furman, 6-3 224
Current Experts' Projection-- From Day 2 prospect to UFA
My Projection-- 2nd day, round 5
Profile
Recent Story
General: As a freshman at Florida he backed up Rex Grossman and Brock Berlin. As a sophomore he lost a very controversial camp battle to Chris Leak (who was incredibly hyped as a freshman). Spurrier tried to keep Martin around by using him as a punter and even a little as a WR, but Ingle wanted to play QB. So, like Jackson, Martin transferred-- in his case to Furman. Unlike Jackson, Martin does have the attention of the
online scouting community, but presently seems to be overlooked by the NFL. He does not have an invite to an all-star game.
Being oine of the nation's leading punters, and given an opportunity at WR at Florida tells us that he's a much better athlete than most consider. Some insiders are reporting that NFL types are impressed with his arm strength, accuracy and leadership qualities. I see a very tough and athletic, poor man's Jay Cutler (whose ability belies his stats), and Martin will not only make it into the draft (after his pro day), but will quickly establish himself as an NFL QB 3 with a clipboard in his hands.
Positives: I think too much is made of his punting skill, and probably not enough of his overall athleticism. No matter, both are positives that will give him a louder blip on the NFL radar. Three come from behind victories this season all involved heroics from Martin. With his arm and with his feet he's proven to be an intense competitor who can calmly make big plays repeatedly under extreme pressure. Like Cutler, given time to throw, he has amazing accuracy and a picture perfect delivery. Also like Cutler, his mechanics come into question under pressure, but he makes exceptionally tough throws, threading the needle with velocity and a gunslinger's attitude. He has great confidence in his arm (and he should because he has a great arm).
In his two years at Furman he's thrown for almost 6000 yards, 42 tds and 22 picks, with a rating in the high 140s. Early in the season he had a terrible 5 interception performance (they weren't all his fault), and his draft status was destroyed (until recently). Since that game he's thrown 16 tds and 8 picks while leading a team with very poor talent to a 10-2 record. The NFL is littered with Div II QBs, and I think Ingle is one of the two good ones to come along this season despite his modest stats. You have to watch him play to realize that he is far and away the most talented player on the field in most games. I liked what I saw so much, that I would love Dallas to take care of their 0-line, safety needs, wr, etc., and not worry about the future QB problem on the first day-- then grab the rights to this kid on the 2nd day.
Negatives: Hasn't played top competition. Gunslinger mentality. May not get a decent shot.
NFL Comparison: Good - Mark Brunnell. Bad - Tim Couch
ps. I'm writing about 150 of these. I'm obsessed. I should probably just launch the blog to have it all archived for posterity. Also, I know Erik Meyer, Barrick Nealy, Bruce Eugene and maybe a couple other small school QBs are getting attention, but I really like these two the most. They'll probably go undrafted and never be heard from again. Thanks for reading.
aul Pinegar (Fresno St.) could work out well as a WCO QB and has the frame and leadership you look for in a QB, but lacks impressive skills in any other area.Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) is one of those guys that flashes a little bit of everything, but has never put it together. If you put together a montage of his best work, you would think he was a surefire first rounder, but he's inconsistent and his decision making really leaves something to be desired. he's one of those guys that could really blossom under the right QB coach and system, but also could be a bust.Brett basanez (Northwestern) is one of those gutsy wily guys who just finds a way to win. I would say he's somewhat likr Ryan Fitzpatrick, but tested against much much tougher competition.Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo) is our obligatory MAC QB since Jacobs is still on the fence. he's another one i like best in a WCO, since he's not the most athletic or a classic sturdy drop back deep passer. Still he's a cerebral QB with terrific leadership, accuracy and production as a college QB.Darrell Hackney, UAB - This guy is gonna need some work to be a viable NFL QB, but man is a he a tank with wheels and a cannon. Ive seen him compared to David Garrard, and I agree with that assessment completely in terms of his style.Brodie Croyle, Bama - His possibilities really run the gamut from eventual starter to complete bust. His list of serious injuries is much longer that you want for a QB prospect, including knee, elbow, and shoulder problems. He's rail thin for a QB will have to bulk up. Still, Brodie has the arm, athleticism, smarts, and guts to succeed. One sleeper to watch is Barrick Nealy out of I-AA Texas State. He's been talked about like a poor man's Vince Young down here in Central Texas.
