Which Top College QB Has NFL Game?

Russ Lande - SportingNews.com

Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts say there is more bark than bite in the quarterback Class of 2010. As in, there are a lot of big names, but only Sam Bradford is a surefire elite prospect.

1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (junior)
Upside: He is a good athlete who throws quickly and accurately. If he can stay healthy, he has the talent to become an elite NFL quarterback. He has more of a Tom Brady arm‹it¹s good but not strong like Peyton Manning's.

Downside: He has a slight frame and needs to prove he can stay healthy. He must adjust to reading defenses and making adjustments and audibles‹before the snap and during the play.

Projection: If his shoulder checks out, he could be the first overall pick.

2. Tony Pike, Cincinnati
Upside: He is tall and athletic, with the rocket arm to become a top-flight NFL quarterback with improved mechanics and consistency.

Downside: He must improve his footwork. He never really worked hard until spring of '08, a red flag because NFL quarterbacks without a great work ethic usually flame out.

Projection: He has the physical talent to be a mid-to-late first-round pick, but first he¹ll have to answer a lot of tough questions.

3. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (junior)
Upside: He has a quick release, good arm and great touch. His performance, especially in the clutch, has improved dramatically in '09.

Downside: He gambles too much, perhaps because Notre Dame always is in a shootout. He must learn to accept checkdown receivers.

Projection: He currently projects as a mid-to-late first-round pick but could fly up draft boards in the spring.

4. Colt McCoy, Texas
Upside: He has outstanding intangibles, natural athleticism and accuracy. He fits best in a West Coast system, a la Jeff Garcia.

Downside: He lacks the arm strength to make all the NFL throws and could end up being nothing more than an NFL backup because of it.

Projection: He is a third-round prospect, at best, but is sure to be drafted higher.

5. Tim Tebow, Florida
Upside: He has elite physical tools and could be an elite NFL quarterback if he can greatly improve his mechanics.

Downside: He has no experience playing in a pro-style offense, which requires making reads while dropping back. He might never develop into an accurate passer.

Projection: He is a third-round prospect who likely will go in the first round because he is sure to wow personnel men with his arm strength, athleticism and personality.

6. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
Upside: He can make big plays with his arm and feet. He is an accurate passer who makes good decisions and has the physical tools to become a versatile and productive NFL starter.

Downside: He struggles to get good zip on intermediate and downfield throws. Like Tebow, he plays in a spread-option offense and must learn to play in a pro-style scheme. Unless he¹s able to improve his arm strength and release, he might only be an NFL backup.

Projection: He projects as a fourth- or fifth-round pick, which actually is ideal because he won't be rushed into action like Tebow is certain to be as a high pick.

7. Jake Locker, Washington (junior)
Upside: He is a big-time athlete with the quickness and speed and a strong arm. If he¹s able to improve his footwork and mechanics, he could become a Donovan McNabb-like QB.

Downside: He is inaccurate and inconsistent, and without great improvement never will be more than an NFL backup.

Projection: He definitely should stay in school and work on his mechanics and accuracy. If he comes out early, he'll be a fifth-round pick. He has a lot of work to do before being ready to play in the NFL.

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