TCU QB Andy Dalton (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

TCU's Dalton has chance to be this draft's Brees

Every draft has wild cards, some because of ability, some because of off-field problems. As I've asked NFL people, I've heard off-field reservations about Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett and others. In terms of ability, TCU quarterback Andy Dalton is the most intriguing wild card out there.

To some in the NFL, the 6-foot-2 Dalton is not big enough to be a franchise quarterback. I've heard estimates of Dalton going anywhere from 25 (late in the first round) to 75 (early in the third).

"That's exactly what I've heard too,'' Dalton told me the other night.

After hearing lots of opinions about Dalton, as a player and where he might go, I now think it's most likely he won't get past 45. The Niners, with the 13th pick in the second round, seem a very possible landing spot, as does Jacksonville at No. 49. Dalton running Jim Harbaugh's offense? I not only can see it, but also think it would be a borderline brilliant move by the new San Francisco coach.

Dalton has a chance to be this draft's Drew Brees. In the 2001 draft, Brees was the 32nd pick, the first choice in the second round. That was the Michael Vick draft. Vick went first, and the next quarterback picked was Brees, at 32. Not saying Dalton, an inch and a half taller than Brees, will be anywhere near the quarterback Brees has become. But I am saying their cases are the same: very bright people, longtime starters in big programs, high achievement in college ... and they're shorter than NFL teams view as ideal.

In his last two seasons at TCU, Dalton was a 64-percent passer with 50 touchdowns and 14 picks. He ran a sophisticated offense with lots of decisions made on the run. One scout that has studied Dalton in the past couple of months thinks he's the most pro-ready quarterback from day one that a team could draft in this offseason of uncertainty. Mike Mayock says Dalton's Rose Bowl performance against Wisconsin was one of the best tapes he saw of a college quarterback in the 2010 season. "He put on a clinic," Mayock said.

Could he sneak into the end of the first round? I doubt it, but I do think he'll be gone fairly early in the second.

"I think the one thing I've been able to do with the teams that have studied me is I've shown I can make all the throws,'' Dalton said. "People wondered about my deep throws, but I think I proved I've got the arm for them. I think the ball gets out of my hand quick, and my decision-making at the line of scrimmage is good. Every team I've worked out for has told me I've got the arm to make all the throws they need.''

But he doesn't have a cannon, and some teams don't want to use a high pick on a quarterback without a great arm. That's a fact. For the West Coast Offense Harbaugh will install with the 49ers, though, "My skills would translate,'' Dalton said. "I've made a lot of throws on the run. I've got a quick release on the run. I can make decisions in that offense that you'd need to make.''

We'll see who ends up liking Dalton the most. I think he might break the mold of a lot of recent second-round picks, the flops, and turn out to be a Kevin Kolb type, entering the league lightly regarded and then turning into a starter with an uncertain future. In other words, a very good gamble for a team with a quarterback need and a pick early in the second round.

 

[BigTex]

Count me as one of those guys that really like what Dalton brings to the table. Being here in Fort Worth and one of my best friends played at TCU, I watch a lot of their games. IMHO, he certainly has the tools to be successful in the NFL.

 

[MikeApf]

Some mocks have him going to the Redskins in round 2. Does he have the stuff to knock Rex from his starting job in year one?

 

[Faust]

NFLDraftScout.com report on QB Andy Dalton

Latest News

03/26/2011- Ultimately, the only statistic that matters when grading quarterbacks -- wins -- is the strong suit of Dalton. He snapped the records of former Horned Frog greats Davey O'Brien and Slingin' Sammy Baugh with 42 career wins. Dalton led TCU to bowl games in each of his four seasons, guiding the Horned Frogs to victories in three of those games (earning MVP in each), including a win over a strong Wisconsin team in the 2011 Rose Bowl. Dalton lacks the elite physical tools of some of the other quarterbacks in this class and will be making the jump from a spread offense to the NFL. Proponents cite Dalton's poise and instincts for the position and believe that he has just enough of a combination of mobility, arm strength and accuracy to be a successful NFL starter. Like Ponder, the 6-2, 215-pound Dalton's ideal fit is in a West Coast offense. He has the athleticism to roll out and the accuracy to attack the short to intermediate level of a defense. Dalton's maturity and innate leadership skills make him one of the more pro-ready quarterbacks in the class. Teams looking for immediate help might grade Dalton higher than other clubs with time to develop a more naturally gifted passer. The Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are considered to be quite high on Dalton. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Overview

Dalton is one of the few college quarterbacks lucky enough to play on a team participating in four bowl games during their career. The fact he has won three Most Valuable Player awards in those four contests, however, suggests that his success comes more from hard work than good fortune. His leadership and work ethic also allowed him to break school records of TCU quarterbacks including Davey O'Brien and "Slingin'" Sammy Baugh.

As a redshirt freshman, Dalton earned the Texas Bowl MVP in the team's win over Houston (21-for-30, 249 yards, touchdown) after an up-and-down season (completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,459 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions).

He earned MVP recognition again in the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl (22-for-35, 197 yards, 74 rushing yards) following an honorable mention All-Mountain West sophomore campaign (59.3 percent, 2,242 yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs). And though Dalton did not help the Frogs pull out a win against Boise State in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl, his junior year play (61.6 percent, 2,756, 23, 8) earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, as well as some All-American accolades.

Dalton saved his best for TCU's undefeated 2010 squad (66.1 percent, 2,857 yards, 27 TDs, 6 INTs), capping off his outstanding career with yet another MVP performance (15-for-23, 219 yards, TD) in TCU's first Rose Bowl win over a strong Wisconsin squad.

He also totaled 1,611 rushing yards and 22 scores on the ground in his four years as a starter.

Though he lacks exceptional physical tools, Dalton's fair arm, toughness, heady play and improvement as a passer could convince a team to pick him up in the top 150 selections as a potential starter down the road.

Analysis

Strengths: Intelligent passer who can audible at the line. Durable leader for whom teammates will play. Strong over-the-top delivery, high ball carriage. Good zip on short and intermediate throws, can fit a ball between defenders in zone within 15 yards when footwork is solid. Throws to the opposite hash with accuracy. Nice touch on fade throws. Makes passes tall in the back of the end zone so only his receiver can reach it. Has enough mobility to escape pocket when flushed to throw the ball away, will gain a few yards with his feet when plays break down. Adequate throwing on the run, better running to his right.

Weaknesses: Spread offense product, must learn to read defenses from a drop. Usually catch-and-throw passer from shotgun, makes some poor decisions when primary receiver is covered. Spends little time under center on passing plays, will hand off occasionally from drop. Will throw off his back foot and with an inconsistent spiral when pressured. Does not drive the ball downfield, floats it down the seam or the sideline. Not an elusive runner, needs to keep his head up on the run and learn to slide.

 

[BigTex]

Some mocks have him going to the Redskins in round 2. Does he have the stuff to knock Rex from his starting job in year one?

Watching Dalton play, he has "IT"! From leadership, football IQ, command of the team, decision making, accuracy to pocket awareness. If he was drafted by the Skinz, he'd take over at some point. I don't know if it's year one or not but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.:twocents:Tex

 

[Faust]

Excerpt from Rob Rang's blog

QB Andy Dalton, TCU : I know of plenty of teams who grade Dalton as a late 2nd to mid 3rd round pick, but most believe he'll come off the board sooner than that. The belief among many, in fact, is that Dalton will be off the board by the mid portion of the second frame. That could push a team like Seattle to take him at No. 25 or for another club to trade back into the late portion of the first round to secure his services, similar to how Detroit traded up (with the Vikings) last year to nab running back Jahvid Best.

 

[Donsmith753]

I heard someone compare him to Aaron Rodgers...oh wait it was trent dilfer. Ignore that.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

I heard someone compare him to Aaron Rodgers...oh wait it was trent dilfer. Ignore that.

I don't put a lot of weight into what Peter King says. I think he's one of the worst NFL analysts out there and it's few and far between on things he does get right. Acutally I trust Dilfer's opinion over King's. King is a moron.

 

[Donsmith753]

I heard someone compare him to Aaron Rodgers...oh wait it was trent dilfer. Ignore that.

I don't put a lot of weight into what Peter King says. I think he's one of the worst NFL analysts out there and it's few and far between on things he does get right. Acutally I trust Dilfer's opinion over King's. King is a moron.

I agree Kings worse, he's just a mouthpiece for goodell and some of the crap he spouts is sickening.

 

[Crippler]

Alot of this 2nd tier QB's look very interesting.

Ponder. Really moving up boards also. Getting nice press on Path to the Draft. Think he oculd be late 1st in the end to maybe Seattle

Mallett. Huge arm and ability but will he just be another Jeff George. But interesting prospect that could surprise

Locker. Very gifted athletically and was top 5 pick just a year ago so the pedigree is there.

Kaepernick. Charles Davis loves this kid. He is big and mobile.

With Dalton, Gabbert, and Newton that makes 7 interesting prospects for 2 start QB leagues. Now I know only probably 3 will succeed but in these leagues picking the right one can be huge.

 

[yellowdog]

Kind of hoping Dalton is the round 2 pick for the Bengals.

 

[Jason Wood]

I admittedly haven't seen the kid play a ton, but I do like the way he comports himself and he certainly seems to be a guy that, were my team in need of a QB, I would be happier with in the 2nd round than I would bringing aboard Cam Newton in the very high first.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Dalton has high football intelligence and would often audible at the line of scrimmage for TCU. He needs time to develop but toughness, leadership, intelligence are there to be a solid starter (not a star).

Seeing him at the Senior Bowl it was apparent his arm is weaker than advertised. His mechanics suffer (and he throws off his back foot) when throwing deep or across the field. I even saw him struggle on some 10-12 yard routes. Think of him like Chad Pennington, dink and dunk passer who needs to go to a WCO.

 

[Jason Wood]

Dalton has high football intelligence and would often audible at the line of scrimmage for TCU. He needs time to develop but toughness, leadership, intelligence are there to be a solid starter (not a star). Seeing him at the Senior Bowl it was apparent his arm is weaker than advertised. His mechanics suffer (and he throws off his back foot) when throwing deep or across the field. I even saw him struggle on some 10-12 yard routes. Think of him like Chad Pennington, dink and dunk passer who needs to go to a WCO.

Much props Cec!

 

[smackdaddies]

color me unconvinced. I did not see anything during the Rose Bowl that made me say wow. Now Tank Carder - he was wow.

 

[Andrew Garda]

Dalton has high football intelligence and would often audible at the line of scrimmage for TCU. He needs time to develop but toughness, leadership, intelligence are there to be a solid starter (not a star).

Seeing him at the Senior Bowl it was apparent his arm is weaker than advertised. His mechanics suffer (and he throws off his back foot) when throwing deep or across the field. I even saw him struggle on some 10-12 yard routes. Think of him like Chad Pennington, dink and dunk passer who needs to go to a WCO.

Let me add to this that rewatching game film on him this week (doing a video series on rookie prospects) once you've seen the lack of velocity up close like we did at the Senior Bowl, it REALLY stands out. I'm not incredibly impressed with his accuracy on occasion though he can throw with nice touch.Echoing what Cec says, his best attributes are mostly intangible which makes up for some mediocre physical ability. He could become a good starter but it would take time. he'd make an outstanding backup in a WCO set up.

I'll post the video link here if folks are interested. I did Ingram this Monday.

 

[QuizGuy66]

This is the guy I want the Bengals to get in Round 2 (though Ponder would be okay as well). That I have to agree with Peter King, however, makes me nervous.

-QG

 

[krsone21]

I admittedly haven't seen the kid play a ton, but I do like the way he comports himself and he certainly seems to be a guy that, were my team in need of a QB, I would be happier with in the 2nd round than I would bringing aboard Cam Newton in the very high first.

I couldn't agree more with you Jason. I like the value of the second tier QB prospects way more then an overhyped Cam Newton.

 

[BigTex]

Dalton has high football intelligence and would often audible at the line of scrimmage for TCU. He needs time to develop but toughness, leadership, intelligence are there to be a solid starter (not a star). Seeing him at the Senior Bowl it was apparent his arm is weaker than advertised. His mechanics suffer (and he throws off his back foot) when throwing deep or across the field. I even saw him struggle on some 10-12 yard routes. Think of him like Chad Pennington, dink and dunk passer who needs to go to a WCO.

I'm curious, is this your overall analysis of him or opinion of what you observed during the Senior Bowl?

 

[massraider]

This happens every year, especially with QBs.

The top guys get picked over, every negative examined, and magnified.

The second-tier guys, without the albatross of over-analysis hanging round their neck, look great. Chad Henne, John Skelton, Stephen McGee....oh, and John Beck. Lordy, in the days leading up to the draft, every team that needed a QB had fans that wanted to grab this future starter in the 2nd round.

If Dalton, Ponder and the rest got the same scrutiny as Newton and Mallett, their warts would show up a lot quicker.

 

[Andrew Garda]

This happens every year, especially with QBs.The top guys get picked over, every negative examined, and magnified. The second-tier guys, without the albatross of over-analysis hanging round their neck, look great. Chad Henne, John Skelton, Stephen McGee....oh, and John Beck. Lordy, in the days leading up to the draft, every team that needed a QB had fans that wanted to grab this future starter in the 2nd round. If Dalton, Ponder and the rest got the same scrutiny as Newton and Mallett, their warts would show up a lot quicker.

I think Ponder has been pretty well scrutinized but aside from that, yeah I agree. I like Dalton as a 3rd rounder who you bring along slowly with the understanding that at worst he's a solid backup - but early second, first round? Too soon and more than likely he'll see the field before he's ready which could be disastrous for him.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Dalton has high football intelligence and would often audible at the line of scrimmage for TCU. He needs time to develop but toughness, leadership, intelligence are there to be a solid starter (not a star). Seeing him at the Senior Bowl it was apparent his arm is weaker than advertised. His mechanics suffer (and he throws off his back foot) when throwing deep or across the field. I even saw him struggle on some 10-12 yard routes. Think of him like Chad Pennington, dink and dunk passer who needs to go to a WCO.

I'm curious, is this your overall analysis of him or opinion of what you observed during the Senior Bowl?

I've got a more thorough analysis of Dalton in my QB rankings, but that's a quick summary of both his game and what I observed at the Senior Bowl. It's not easy for him, and that's a problem in my eyes. He puts his entire effort into getting a pass to the sidelines. His motion is completely thrown off by his hip twist. Again, not a star but he could eventually be a solid starter like Chad Pennington.

 

[BigTex]

Dalton has high football intelligence and would often audible at the line of scrimmage for TCU. He needs time to develop but toughness, leadership, intelligence are there to be a solid starter (not a star). Seeing him at the Senior Bowl it was apparent his arm is weaker than advertised. His mechanics suffer (and he throws off his back foot) when throwing deep or across the field. I even saw him struggle on some 10-12 yard routes. Think of him like Chad Pennington, dink and dunk passer who needs to go to a WCO.

I'm curious, is this your overall analysis of him or opinion of what you observed during the Senior Bowl?

I've got a more thorough analysis of Dalton in my QB rankings, but that's a quick summary of both his game and what I observed at the Senior Bowl. It's not easy for him, and that's a problem in my eyes. He puts his entire effort into getting a pass to the sidelines. His motion is completely thrown off by his hip twist. Again, not a star but he could eventually be a solid starter like Chad Pennington.

I asked because some of the things you've said I strongly disagree with, like his 10-12 yard routes and time to develop. Now it's unclear which of your statements are based on your observation at the Senior Bowl or tape. I do agree sometimes he has the tendency to throw off his back foot but that has been corrected.Will check the ranking.

 

[Andrew Garda]

For those interested, here's my video analysis of Dalton.

Over at CheeseheadTVor if you refuse to clock on a Packer link, at Big East Gridiron.

I like him..... I just don't like him before the third. And the first scares me. Then again, this whole QB class is shaky.

 

[Andrew Garda]

Great article on Dalton in the Sun Sentinel by Simon Clancy and Richard Lines.

 

[Faust]

Why teams set at QB are kicking tires on Dalton, others

Peter King>MONDAY MORNING QB - TUESDAY

Posted: Tuesday April 19, 2011 12:57PM ; Updated: Tuesday April 19, 2011 1:39PM

On March 18, New England offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien flew to Fort Worth to work out TCU quarterback Andy Dalton.

On April 4, the Indianapolis braintrust -- GM Chris Polian, coach Jim Caldwell, offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen -- flew south to work out Dalton.

Today, Dalton flew to New Orleans to spend the day with Saints coach Sean Payton and the Saints' staff.

Hmmm. Those are the employers of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. So the teams that employ the three best quarterbacks in football (I'll listen to your arguments if you want to include Aaron Rodgers in there and make it top four) are doing more than routine due diligence on a quarterback sure to be picked somewhere in the first two rounds of the April 28-30 NFL draft. What gives?

"I think it says three things,'' said Colts president Bill Polian, who, along with son Chris and Caldwell, will make the Indianapolis choices in the draft. "One: In an era of free-agency unpredictability, you'd better do your due diligence and then some when a prospect comes along that you like.

"Two: Tom and Peyton, at least, are probably closer to the end of their careers than they are to the beginning. We hope -- I know I certainly do with Peyton -- that they have a long time in the league, but you have to prepare for anything.

"Three: This is the most muddied draft board to come along in years. You just want to make sure you're as prepared as you can be about everyone when draft day comes around, and that's taking a lot of work.''

I wondered if because Manning is unsigned, and you never know what system will be in place when the teams finally get back to putting their teams together, that the Colts have some fear about the position long-term.

"Sure,'' Polian said. "I don't think you can stick your head in the sand about anything in the league right now. We don't know what's going to happen with the new system.''

Translation: Polian knows there's some small chance -- and I would call this chance very remote, maybe 50 to 1, that the league will agree to some system with the players that wouldn't include a franchise player, and may include the ability of the great players to experience real freedom once their contracts expire. I doubt this happens, and you can bet that Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay would almost certainly not vote for a system that doesn't include the ability to franchise at least one player. But if you're the Colts, you'd be stupid to ignore it. And you'd be stupid to not go all-in on studying the quarterbacks at the top of this draft. Just as the Saints, with Brees entering the final season of a six-year contract he signed in 2006, would be foolish to not look into quarterbacks in this draft.

On opening day this season (assuming there is one), Manning will be 35, Brady 34 and Brees 32. I think Dalton will be picked somewhere between 15 and 45 in this draft, and so unless New England pulls the trigger unexpectedly on him, I'd doubt he'd go to any of those teams. But it just shows the shifting sands of the NFL right now, to look at the landscape and know that you can't be sure what kind of system the 32 franchises will be operating under in 2011 and beyond.

 

[Donnybrook]

I did not know the extent of Peter King's Andy Dalton love. His latest mock has Dalton going to the Dolphins at 15. http://sportsillustr...raft/index.html

Not only that but he basically is saying that the Titans should take him as high as 8.

 

[massraider]

He's got red hair. Never gonna work.

 

[Andrew Garda]

He's got red hair. Never gonna work.

Almost as silly as the Brees comparison - both from a PK article. Hmmm....

 

[crazy8]

Just my take on Dalton after watching him with Gruden the more I like about him

winner,loves to compete,look in his eyes reminds me of another gunslinger...Favre

 

[smackdaddies]

Just my take on Dalton after watching him with Gruden the more I like about himwinner,loves to compete,look in his eyes reminds me of another gunslinger...Favre

put away the koolaid. Dalton's arm is not half of Favres.

 

[Andrew Garda]

Just my take on Dalton after watching him with Gruden the more I like about himwinner,loves to compete,look in his eyes reminds me of another gunslinger...Favre

put away the koolaid. Dalton's arm is not half of Favres.

yeah I was going to point out that intangible wise, maybe, but he just lacks the arm. YOu can't change that. He can make better decisions though.

 

[Clifford]

This happens every year, especially with QBs.The top guys get picked over, every negative examined, and magnified. The second-tier guys, without the albatross of over-analysis hanging round their neck, look great. Chad Henne, John Skelton, Stephen McGee....oh, and John Beck. Lordy, in the days leading up to the draft, every team that needed a QB had fans that wanted to grab this future starter in the 2nd round. If Dalton, Ponder and the rest got the same scrutiny as Newton and Mallett, their warts would show up a lot quicker.

well said.

 

[Faust]

The Peter King love fest for Andy Dalton continues:

King links Dalton to Brees again!

And while we're on the subject of quarterbacks...

Mel Kiper wrote this about a quarterback several years ago in the weeks before the draft (I have replaced the name of the player with "he''): "Did a great job directing a sophisticated pass offense, but in the NFL he will be looking to overcome his lack of ideal size and top arm strength. A major plus is the fact that he has all the necessary intangibles you look for. He's a tremendous competitor, always maintains his poise and has the resiliency to forget about the bad plays and move on. He's also a winner who responds to challenges in close games that could go either way. Directed his team to their first Rose Bowl since 1966. In the end ... he'll have to silence skeptics who question how effective he will be when it comes to cutting through the wind late in the season. ... He lacks big-time arm strength and has to prove to the skeptics that he's not just a system QB.''

Kiper was talking about Drew Brees. But Kiper wasn't alone. That's what the league thought of Brees a decade ago, before he was the first pick of the second round in the 2001 draft. Kiper was echoing what the decision-makers were saying.

I'm no tape-bandit, and better football minds than I have watched TCU's Dalton -- who, like Brees, is shorter than teams would like (though two inches taller than Brees) -- and come away thinking his arm isn't strong enough to be a classic NFL quarterback. I watched TCU's Rose Bowl victory on tape. There was one throw, about a 15-yard out to the far sideline, that Dalton really worked to put on enough zing. But he made the other throws comfortably.

This is not a league anymore that requires five passes a game 40 yards downfield. There might be one such throw. Maybe none. Can you read defenses? Can you run a sophisticated offense? Can you take the pressure? Can you take the hits? Can you think quickly, and have the "fast eyes'' you need to play winning football? I think Dalton can.

Many of you, loudly, have chided me for my Dalton enthusiasm. I might be wrong. It won't be the first time. I'm not saying he'll be Brees; remember, for his first five years, Brees wasn't the Brees you see today. But I would ask all of you quarterbackologists this: A decade ago, what'd you think of that short quarterback with arm-strength questions and a good football brain and a winning résumé at a place that hadn't won much recently before he got there?

The best part of his love for Dalton is that he gets called out on it later in the same MMQB column:

Quote of the Week II

"You aren't sleeping with Mrs. Dalton, are you?''

-- Anonymous former NFL coach, to me, after I suggested that TCU's Andy Dalton would become the best quarterback of the 2011 draft class.

Anonymous former NFL coach and I agreed that if Dalton is a first-round pick come Thursday, said coach will acknowledge my utter brilliance, and that I have never, ever judged a prospect wrong.

I do like Dalton's confidence:

Quote of the Week IV

"I know one thing: When I come back as a coach, I'm gonna corner-blitz your ###.''

-- Jon Gruden, in his ESPN special on quarterback prospects, to TCU quarterback Andy Dalton, when they were on the field at the University of South Florida working on passing drills.

To which Dalton replied: "Are you? I'll have it picked up.''

 

[Faust]

He's got red hair. Never gonna work.

Almost as silly as the Brees comparison - both from a PK article. Hmmm....

Teams down on Andy Dalton ... for his hair color?

Posted by Will Brinson

The peak of NFL disinformation -- the week before the NFL Draft -- is about to get into full swing, but it's gotten a pretty good start already, what with the silly "Ryan Mallett can't NOT party when he's in Charlotte for a single night to meet with Carolina" rumors.

But a rumor surrounding Andy Dalton might be even more ridiculous than the Mallett business -- according to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, there's at least one coach on one team in the NFL who's concerned about Dalton because -- wait for it -- he has red hair.

"Has there ever been a red-headed quarterback in the NFL who's really done well?" a coach asked one reporter last week, according to King. "It sounds idiotic, but is there any way that could be a factor? We've wondered."

King's article is about the "inexact science of choosing a quarterback" in the NFL Draft and it's spot on, because, well, it's 2011 and teams are still absolutely whiffing on early-round signal callers, despite hours of tape and piles of personnel reports.

But someone's worried about Dalton because he's -- and apologies if this offends anyone -- a ginger? Come on.

Should people be concerned about whether or not success at TCU translates to success at the NFL level? Sure, why not (Ben Roethlisberger would like a word, however). Should be prospective teams worry about his arm strength? Definitely. You want a strong-armed quarterback.

Is there a possible issue with the fact that Dalton's coming from a spread offense? Well, yeah, but you could ask the same question about Blaine Gabbert.

Dalton's also the all-time leader in victories by a TCU quarterback, after passing Sammy Baugh (!) in his senior year. He also threw for 10,314 yards in four years at TCU, threw just 30 interceptions and completed almost 62 percent of his passes over his four-year career.

Despite all that, he deserves scrutiny, for sure, because some team could invest a lot of time and money in his services. But even Eric Cartman would agree that worrying about whether or not his hair color might cause him to be a failure at the professional level is a bit over the top.

 

[Faust]

NFL Films Analyst Greg Cosell is not a fan of Dalton:

Excerpt from Matt Barrows column:

* There are so many varying opinions of the quarterbacks that it's almost impossible to predict where they'll be taken. NFL Films' Greg Cosell, for instance told me that TCU's Andy Dalton, one of the hottest names right now, was nothing more than a fourth-round pick. "He won't go there. He'll go higher," Cosell said. "But he doesn't throw it very well. He doesn't spin it very well. He's a guy you'll have to camouflage. He needs a strong running game to be successful."

 

[Faust]

Inside Dalton's pro day workout

35 minutes ago by AdamCaplan

I’ve seen my share of quarterback pro day workouts over the years, so any positive results aren’t surprising.

These throwing sessions are often choreographed by a quarterback coach or personal quarterback coach in order to help produce the best possible results for the player. That’s why it would be rare for a player to struggle in this environment.

But in the case of TCU QB Andy Dalton, his pro day performance from last month took on added importance because he is perceived to have the ideal arm strength scouts and personnel evaluators are looking for.

After receiving the very positive results of the workout, I wanted to see it for myself, so I requested a copy of the throwing session.

Former NFL quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Jerry Rhome ran the workout.

He helped develop former NFL quarterbacks such as Troy Aikman, Joe Theisman, Dave Krieg, Jim Zorn, Doug Williams, Mark Rypien and others.

And Rhome did a smart thing. Almost all of Dalton’s 52 throws were longer than 15 yards.

While the workout was held indoors with no defenders, Dalton attempted throws which he was rarely asked to make during his career at TCU. And because of that, it was clear that Rhome knew he had to have Dalton make NFL type of passes.

The right-handed passer made a variety of sideline throws, to the left and right, which required him to get a lot of power and torque from his lower body. These are the kind of throws he’ll be asked to make at the next level. And after watching about five of his games from last season, I can tell you he rarely was asked to make power throws to the hash or sideline area. He also made several down the field throws during the throwing session. And again, he rarely attempted these types of throws during four-year career at TCU.

I could also see why teams that run a West Coast offensive system are interested in Dalton. He throws with proper mechanics and really good timing and anticipation.

You really don’t want to overrate a throwing session with no defenders to face, no weather conditions to deal with and one where the player isn’t under pressure.

So, what does this all mean?

Any team interested in Dalton has a copy of this workout. A pro day workout is considered to be a minor part in the overall evaluation of a quarterback. But in Dalton’s case, at the very least, his performance will likely make the decision makers around the NFL go back and look at his game tape from last season in order to match it up with what he did last month.

 

[Faust]

Titans interested in TCU's Dalton; QB generating a lot of buzz

By Jason La Canfora NFL Network

NFL Network Insider

Published: April 26, 2011 at 02:27 p.m.

The quarterback generating the most late buzz, with regard to going perhaps even in the top 10 of Thursday's NFL draft, is TCU's Andy Dalton. Specifically, in connection with the Tennessee Titans, who have the eighth overall pick.

Several league sources said the Titans are high on Dalton and consider him to be an elite prospect who carries less of the varied risk of other quarterbacks in this draft. One source indicated the offensive coaches in Tennessee are pushing for Dalton, while the defensive staff is high on Auburn defensive lineman Nick Fairley.

Dalton has been receiving lots of late interest, with teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins scheduling private workouts, and I would not be surprised if the Titans took him eighth overall; nor would I be shocked if he was the second quarterback selected.

The draft always includes some wildcards -- this draft is particularly suited to having twists and turns -- and no position is more ripe with intrigue, demand and differing opinions than quarterback.

The Titans have clearly looked long and hard at quarterbacks, and certainly could wait to take one in the second round -- but that's a risk with many general managers expecting at least one team to move from the second round into the first, in order to secure a quarterback before Day Two. And there is no shortage of teams picking in the 20s and later willing to trade back.

There should be ample defensive line/pass rush help on the board early in the second round, though not a player with the kind of upside Fairley possess. And depending on the first seven picks, a player could fall to the Titans who few expected.

But in a draft with so many differing thoughts about where these quarterbacks should, and will, go, I'm not shying away from going bold with the Titans taking Dalton.

 

[shader]

Dalton? At 8? I would not be jumping out of my chair for that one. Getting compared to Drew Brees is not a great thing. Brees is undersized and for every Brees there are 100 guys with his tools that don't make it. Just like the constant comparisons of "game managers" to Tom Brady. Every guy that wins games and gets drafted in the late rounds isn't going to become a top ten QB of all time.

If the Titans like Dalton, trade back in the first or trade up from the second. No chance they take him at 8. I'd be floored.

 

[massraider]

It would be amazing if a QB went from being a 2nd/3rd round prospect, to a top 10 pick, in basically a week.

 

[shader]

It would be amazing if a QB went from being a 2nd/3rd round prospect, to a top 10 pick, in basically a week.

I don't buy it. Titans are saying all kinds of things. I've never seen them leak so much info. I think they are like an organization on the loose, as Fisher was the master of saying nothing at all.I've seen people say that they've heard the Titans want to trade down, draft Locker, draft Fairley, draft Dalton, and even that the coaches are smitten with Kaepernick and want to get him later in the first.I think they want to trade and pick up more talent and are trying to float confusion so more teams will be apt to trade, for whatever reason.

 

[eakfootball]

most overrated player in the draft. Should be a third rounder at best. He will be the worst pick of the draft. Dalton looks like he will be one of the 3 best backups or 5 worst starters. Nothing more than that.

 

[massraider]

It would be amazing if a QB went from being a 2nd/3rd round prospect, to a top 10 pick, in basically a week.

I don't buy it.

Me neither. Heck, it actually wouldn't surprise me to find out that the Panthers were smokescreening about Newton, hoping some team makes an offer. I think there are some teams (if not a lot of teams) pumping up some of these QBs hoping that a this 'QB panic' people are expecting makes some teams jumpy, and allows others to take advantage of that, in the form of unnecessary trade ups.

 

[massraider]

From PFT:

Report: Titans’ coaching staff divided on No. 8 overall pickPosted by Evan Silva on April 26, 2011, 3:14 PM EDTJason La Canfora of NFL.com reports that there is a divide among the Titans’ coaching staff as to whom Tennessee should draft with the eighth overall selection.The defensive coaches want Nick Fairley.The offensive coaches want Andy Dalton.Several league sources tell La Canfora that the Titans’ offensive staff considers Dalton “an elite prospect” with low bust potential, compared to the rest of the 2011 quarterback class. La Canfora “would not be surprised” if Tennessee drafted Dalton with the eighth pick in the draft.The Titans’ defensive staff has obvious connections to Fairley because line coach Tracy Rocker performed the same role at Auburn last year. There isn’t an NFL team more familiar with Nick Fairley.We suspect Fairley is higher on Tennessee’s draft board. But at the same time, quarterback is a more valuable position in the NFL, and the Titans don’t pick again until No. 39.With one or two quarterback runs expected on the draft’s first day, the Titans may not have the luxury of waiting for theirs.And if they truly believe Dalton is a franchise-caliber passer, there’s no sense in waiting for the second round, when Dalton easily could be off the board.

 

[Jason Wood]

As I said earlier, I like the way Dalton presents himself. And by now we should all know that prospecting is, at best, humbling, and at worst, humiliating. So the idea that any QB drafted by a team would be without merit is hard for me to swallow, regardless of what any of us may feel about that player individually.

We tend to search out confirmation bias in most things, it's human nature. In this case, if Dalton goes early I'm sure we'll be deluged with people laughing it off and talking about what a poor pick it was, yet by the time we actually KNOW if it was a bad pick, this thread and those rants will be long forgotten (right or wrong).

I remember the year the Eagles drafted McNabb. It's easy to look back and say that Andy Reid and his staff got that pick right. Yet, there were TONS of people who felt that Tim Couch and Akili Smith were better options. The Eagles didn't get a chance at Couch, but who is to say what they would've done if Cleveland took McNabb at 1? And then plenty of folks thought the Bears "stole" Cade McNown in the middle of the 1st. Yet, we can all look back now and say that that QB class -- considered "elite" by virtually every draft pundit leading into draft weekend, was now just a very average class, at best.

 

[Andrew Garda]

As I said earlier, I like the way Dalton presents himself. And by now we should all know that prospecting is, at best, humbling, and at worst, humiliating. So the idea that any QB drafted by a team would be without merit is hard for me to swallow, regardless of what any of us may feel about that player individually.

I don't think anyone is saying Dalton's without merit or that the pick would be (although maybe I'm alone in that). He's raw and he's risky but there are certainly things I love about him. I always think about what I've heard from some scouts, GMs and analysts - sometimes you just need to pick who you like and not worry about the reaction to it. It'll be years before we really know. But that just leaves us all the time to debate it.

 

[Faust]

As I said earlier, I like the way Dalton presents himself. And by now we should all know that prospecting is, at best, humbling, and at worst, humiliating. So the idea that any QB drafted by a team would be without merit is hard for me to swallow, regardless of what any of us may feel about that player individually.We tend to search out confirmation bias in most things, it's human nature. In this case, if Dalton goes early I'm sure we'll be deluged with people laughing it off and talking about what a poor pick it was, yet by the time we actually KNOW if it was a bad pick, this thread and those rants will be long forgotten (right or wrong).I remember the year the Eagles drafted McNabb. It's easy to look back and say that Andy Reid and his staff got that pick right. Yet, there were TONS of people who felt that Tim Couch and Akili Smith were better options. The Eagles didn't get a chance at Couch, but who is to say what they would've done if Cleveland took McNabb at 1? And then plenty of folks thought the Bears "stole" Cade McNown in the middle of the 1st. Yet, we can all look back now and say that that QB class -- considered "elite" by virtually every draft pundit leading into draft weekend, was now just a very average class, at best.

 

[texasbirdfan]

NFL talent/ draft guru Rick Gosselin had Dalton ranked 34th best overall player in today's final ranking

 

[smackdaddies]

As I said earlier, I like the way Dalton presents himself. And by now we should all know that prospecting is, at best, humbling, and at worst, humiliating. So the idea that any QB drafted by a team would be without merit is hard for me to swallow, regardless of what any of us may feel about that player individually.

I don't think anyone is saying Dalton's without merit or that the pick would be (although maybe I'm alone in that). He's raw and he's risky but there are certainly things I love about him. I always think about what I've heard from some scouts, GMs and analysts - sometimes you just need to pick who you like and not worry about the reaction to it.

It'll be years before we really know. But that just leaves us all the time to debate it.

He's raw? I am no big fan, but raw he is not. He is easily one of the top 5 most ready in terms of skills. I just don't think he has a big time arm. He still could be a good NFL QB.

 

[Andrew Garda]

As I said earlier, I like the way Dalton presents himself. And by now we should all know that prospecting is, at best, humbling, and at worst, humiliating. So the idea that any QB drafted by a team would be without merit is hard for me to swallow, regardless of what any of us may feel about that player individually.

I don't think anyone is saying Dalton's without merit or that the pick would be (although maybe I'm alone in that). He's raw and he's risky but there are certainly things I love about him. I always think about what I've heard from some scouts, GMs and analysts - sometimes you just need to pick who you like and not worry about the reaction to it.

It'll be years before we really know. But that just leaves us all the time to debate it.

He's raw? I am no big fan, but raw he is not. He is easily one of the top 5 most ready in terms of skills. I just don't think he has a big time arm. He still could be a good NFL QB.

He hasn't played in a pro style offense in his college career and he struggles at times to read defenses. He could absolutely become a solid QB. He needs to make better decisions, read defenses and realize that he doesn't have the arm strength to zip the ball between two defenders.

Yes, raw would be the word I chose.