1. Kyler Murray #1 Oklahoma 5’9’’ 195 4.65 - 83 - Can a 5’9’’ QB make it in the NFL? It’s hard to say but if anyone can it will be Kyler. I’ve been wanting to dislike him because of his height but the more film I watch the more I like him. The fact is he is a much better thrower than every other QB prospect. His arm strength isn’t a question. My feeling about his height is that the game has changed enough for him to be successful in the right system. A team can’t take him and think he’s going to drop back and throw over the line 40 times a game. I think he compares very favorably to Lamar Jackson. They are similar runners but Murray is a far better passer. There is no way being 6’3’’ gives Jackson an advantage in the passing game compared to Murray’s superior passing ability.
2. Daniel Jones #17 Duke Jr. - 6’5’’ 220 4.78 - 81 - Jones has the most polished mechanics and possibly the most arm talent of any prospect in this draft. Throws a nice deep ball. He stares down his receiver and throws into coverage too often. He will likely be over-drafted due to his upside. His suspect decision making shows up in his average stats.
3. Will Grier #7 West Virginia – 6'2’’ 223 4.8 - 80 - Adequate arm strength with a quick release. Good accuracy on short to immediate routes. Lacks ideal size and didn’t throw deep often in West Virginia’s spread system. It’s difficult to rate guys like Grier and Haskins who have elite stats but make very few throws that translate to the NFL.
4. Dwayne Haskins #7 Ohio State So. – 6'3’’ 220 4.78 - 78.5 - Haskins had superior production his Sophomore year at Ohio State. He will be drafted very high but could have used another year of college. His high completion percentage is mostly the result of dink and dunk passes and the elite talent at Ohio State. Penn State game was a great example, it’s amazing they were able to win that game with such terrible QB play. He does have good arm strength and a good over the top delivery. The talent is there but the ball doesn’t always come out quickly enough and he is still inconsistent in all areas.
5. Drew Lock #3 Missouri – 6'3’’ 226 4.85 - 76.5 - Gets the ball out quickly but doesn’t have the high tight release you are looking for. Overall mechanics are pretty good. Footwork is inconsistent. Makes a lot of throws off his back foot at the receiver’s feet. Has a good enough arm and can gun it in there when he sets his feet in a clean pocket. Lock may come off the board early but doesn’t look like a franchise QB.
6. Jason Stidham #8 Auburn Jr. - 6’3’’ 215 4.65 - 74.5 - Pure pocket passer. Good mechanics and footwork. Stands tall in the pocket and has a strong arm. Seems to hold the ball to long and doesn’t feel the rush very well. Those are traits that destroy young QB’s in the NFL. He’ll either need time to develop or get over that very quickly.
7. Ryan Finley #15 North Carolina State – 6'4’’ 208 4.8 - 73 - Similar size and mechanics to former NC State great Philip Rivers. The mechanics part is not a good thing and Rivers slight advantage in size really helps him get away with the sidearm delivery. Rivers also has a much better arm. Finley is the most experienced QB in this draft class and should be a solid back up if not better.
8. Clayton Thorson #18 Northwestern – 6'4’’ 225 4.75 - 70 - There is something intriguing about him but it really doesn’t come from his stats or tape. Neither are impressive. Perhaps it’s his name. He does look the part. He has good footwork and mechanics. He looks good all the way up until he throws the ball. It’s not like he’s bad but he has average arm strength and below average accuracy. I don’t think he’ll be drafted high nor do I think he should be. I just have a feeling about him. I think he’ll find a way to stick in the league.
