The NFL draft is rapidly approaching and it’s time to start wrapping up final evaluations on each prospect and provide some position rankings.
Over the last couple of months, I have studied and graded over 150 players in total. This has been a tedious yet exciting process, but it’s time to peel back the curtain a little bit on my entire operation.
For starters, in order to do a proper evaluation, I watch a minimum of three games for each prospect before coming up with my opinions/grades.
However, more often than not, I watched at least five or six contests for each prospect before doing my evaluations. Unfortunately, there were some cases where I had trouble getting certain all-22 tapes, therefore, I had to make do with what I had.
I essentially individually evaluated each game that I watched, and then I averaged those grades into one final film grade worth a total of 20 points.
Example: blue-chip prospects (90 percent or higher) received anywhere from 18-20 points in all likelihood.
Game tape is the only criterion that is worth 20 points on my grading scale, while other areas, such as analytics, athletic score, ceiling/floor, etc., are worth a maximum of 10 points.
Today, we are looking at my top 10 quarterback prospects, and I’ll work my way around to each position in the days and weeks ahead. I will also be updating these rankings on the morning of the draft (April 27th).
Now, let’s not wait any longer — here are my top 10 quarterbacks.
1. Bryce Young, Alabama
Quick analysis: Cerebral beyond his years and a special playmaker who is capable of elevating those around him.
Grade: 94.3
Ceiling projection: No. 1 pick
Floor projection: Top-5 pick
2. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Quick analysis: The best pure passer in the draft. Throws the ball with ideal velocity and pinpoint ball placement.
Grade: 90.2
Ceiling projection: No. 1 pick
Floor projection: Top-5 pick
3. Anthony Richardson, Florida
Quick analysis: Probably won’t win Rookie of the Year but he very well could find himself in the MVP conversation one day if he lands in the right situation with a team that is patient with his development.
Grade: 86.5
Ceiling projection: No. 1 pick
Floor projection: Top-10 pick
4. Will Levis, Kentucky
Quick analysis: Another boom-or-bust prospect who has the ceiling of a special quarterback, but the floor of someone who could eventually get a general manager and/or head coach fired.
Grade: 79.7
Ceiling projection: Top-5 pick
Floor projection: Mid-first
5. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Quick analysis: Would’ve had a strong argument to make for QB4 had he not gotten hurt. Possesses starter potential down the line.
Grade: 77.8
Ceiling projection: Late first
Floor projection: Early third
6. Tanner McKee, Stanford
Quick analysis: Has real arm talent blended with prototypical size. Best suited for a backup role in the immediate future.
Grade: 66.8
Ceiling projection: Early third
Floor projection: Late fourth
7. Clayton Tune, Houston
Quick analysis: Smart signal-caller who knows how to manage the game and possesses QB2 potential.
Grade: 58.0
Ceiling projection: Early fourth
Floor projection: Early sixth
8. Malik Cunningham, Louisville
Quick analysis: Dual-threat weapon who can beat teams with his legs more than his arm at the moment. Has the tools to eventually develop into a sufficient passer.
Grade: 53.5
Ceiling projection: Mid fourth
Floor projection: Early sixth
9. Jake Haener, Fresno State
Quick analysis: Solid project quarterback who has the intangibles (football IQ) to give himself a shot in the NFL despite his smaller build.
Grade: 49.1
Ceiling projection: Late fourth
Floor projection: Late sixth
10. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA
Quick analysis: Athletic, big-armed quarterback who can make eye-popping completions. He needs a ton of patient polishing from a mechanical and consistency standpoint.
Grade: 40.9
Ceiling projection: Early fifth
Floor projection: Early seventh
Check out Shaun Calderon's scouting reports!
