QB Draft Prospects

N Barnett Dec. 5, 2006

1) Brady Quinn, 6'4" 230 lbs, Notre Dame

Far atop as the best QB available for the draft. Quinn has everything you look for in an NFL QB prospect. He has the size, arm, accuracy, and the mobility to be a top QB someday. It also helps that he ran a pro-style offense under former Patiots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.

NFL pro comparison: Tom Brady

2) Tyler Palko, 6'2" 225 lbs, Pittsburgh

Every year some QB impress scouts during the bowl season, the Senior Bowl, and the combine and Palko might be the guy to do that this season. A tough leader on the field, Palko is a very experienced QB with top intangibles. Look for his stock to significantly rise over the next few months.

NFL pro comparison: Steve McNair

3) *JaMarcus Russell, 6'6" 260 lbs, LSU

Another guy who can potentiall raise his stock significantly is JaMarcus Russell. LSU is likely going to push him to turn pro so that they don't lose Ryan Perrilloux to transfer. Russell, for a big man, is surprisingly athletic. He has a slow release which could catch up to him in the NFL.

NFL pro comparison: Byron Leftwich

4) Troy Smith, 5'11" 210 lbs, Ohio State

The likely winner of the 2006 Heisman, Smith is a proven winner and the leader of the Buckeyes offense. He has the mechanics and the arm to be an NFL QB but his lack of height is the major concern. Smith will be out to prove the doubters wrong at the combine, but come April he will likely be 2nd round pick.

NFL pro comparison: Drew Brees

5) Jordan Palmer, 6'5" 235 lbs, U.T.E.P.

The younger brother of the Bengals QB Carson Palmer. Don't let the last name fool you though. Jordan doesn't have the cannon arm that Carson has but he is a good pocket passing QB. Still learning the position, Jordan's potential may vault him into the mid to late 1st round.

NFL pro comparison: Marc Bulger

6) Drew Stanton, 6'4" 230 lbs, Michigan State

Drew Stanton is guy who has multiple tools to succeed at QB in the NFL. He has excellent size and good mobility but hasn't always been as productive as he could be. Still learning the game a bit, he might be a interesting player to watch because of the potential reward.

NFL pro comparison: Charlie Frye

7) Trent Edwards, 6'3" 220 lbs, Stanford

Probably better suited as a backup to a team who has an established QB, Edwards has the traits that teams like to develop. He has the size that teams like. Not as polished of a passer but the tools are there. Edwards should find himself as a late day 1 pick.

NFL pro comparison: Mark Brunell

8) Kevin Kolb, 6'3" 225 lbs, Houston

An accomplished passer, Kolb could eventually be a successor or a gap for a team with an aging QB. He has the size and is very mobile. One thing lacking though is his accuracy. Kolb has shown flashes of his potential but I'd look for him mid day on day 2.

NFL pro comparison: Bruce Gradkowski

9) John Beck, 6'2" 215 lbs, BYU

John Beck is a guy who has been very productive throughout his career. A poised passer, he has the awareness in the pocket and is leader on the field. He always tries to make the plays which sometimes hurts his team. Beck does though have some potential which will certainly interest some teams.

NFL pro comparison: Brett Favre

10) *Erik Ainge, 6'6" 225 lbs, Tennessee

Erik Ainge could be one of the top QBs in the entire draft if he can put everything together. He lacks consistancy but he has everything else you'd look for in an NFL QB. He has the arm and makes good decisions but has alot of questions surrounding his mental ability to handle the game. He is better off returning to school and working on his game, whereas next year he could be the top QB.

NFL pro comparison: Ben Roethlisberger

* Underclassmen eligible for 2007 NFL draft