I have no problem with the Rams drafting a QB as high as round 2...
| May 06, 2017 02:53PM |
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Florida_Ram
Next men up: Top QB talents in CFB pipeline for 2017
By Chad Reuter
Draft analyst
Published: May 4, 2017
While three quarterbacks ended up coming off the board within the first 12 picks of the 2017 NFL Draft, there was plenty of talk this spring about how teams were much more excited by the prospects who could be in the 2018 draft class than they were about this year's group.
Indeed, there is plenty to be excited about. However, much can change in a year. A year ago, the conventional wisdom was that Deshaun Watson would be the 2017 NFL Draft's No. 1 overall pick. He, of course, ended up going 12th overall to the Texans as the third QB picked.
With an eye on the future, I've grouped the top college passers in talent tiers to differentiate their abilities, though all of them have a chance to make it at the next level.
Elite
» Lamar Jackson, junior, Louisville (6-foot-3, 200 pounds)
» Sam Darnold, redshirt sophomore, USC (6-4, 225)
» Josh Allen, junior, Wyoming (6-5, 233)
» Josh Rosen, junior, UCLA (6-4, 220)
Allen has the attention of NFL teams due to his arm strength, attitude and athleticism. Rosen can bounce back from an injury-plagued season to battle Darnold for NFL scouts' eyes and the Pac-12 crown. Of course, scouts are concerned about Jackson's slight build and decline late in the 2016 season, but for now, his rocket arm, toughness and playmaking skills keep the Heisman Trophy winner in this category.
Potential for greatness
» Baker Mayfield, senior, Oklahoma (6-1, 218)
» Luke Falk, senior, Washington State (6-4, 225)
Mayfield's lack of size might hinder him in scouts' minds. However, if he continues to operate the Sooners' offense in an efficient manner, it will gain him fans among NFL teams and potentially earn him comparisons to Russell Wilson. Falk's an "Air Raid" offense quarterback, but he has the ability to do more at the line of scrimmage.
Worth the price of admission
» Mason Rudolph, senior, Oklahoma State (6-5, 230)
» Trace McSorley, junior, Penn State (6-0, 205)
» Jake Browning, junior, Washington (6-2, 205)
All three of these passers have a shot to become NFL starters someday. McSorley and Browning should have great seasons in 2017 as leaders of their their teams. Rudolph and his top target, receiver James Washington, returned for their seniors years to make a run at the Big 12 title and increase their value to NFL scouts.
Underrated, for now
» Jalen Hurts, sophomore, Alabama (6-2, 214)
» Deondre Francois, redshirt sophomore, Florida State (6-2, 205)
Hurts has to grow as a pocket passer to be considered a top NFL prospect, but he has time to do so. Francois also has the tools to succeed at the next level, and should become more consistent as he matures. Their progression in 2017 will be fun to watch.
[www.nfl.com]
Obviously if Goff lights it up, I would ease up a little on that, but I`m not expecting a whole lot from him in 2017. And I`m certainly not putting all my eggs in one basket with him. We have seen that before with Fisher and Bradford.
If the 2018 QB draft turns out anything like this article suggests, and a Mason Rudolph ends up in say round 2 when the Rams are on the clock, I`d think very strongly about drafting him. Worse case the Rams could potentially be in the Patriots current situation with Garoppolo and they could yield a future #1 pick for him IF Goff works out. If Goff busts, we may have our new franchise QB. Another strong QB draft class like this may not come around for a while and if Goff busts, by the time the Rams need a new QB, they may be forced to move up and reach on the best one available and as we know that usually doesn't turn out too well.
Play into the strength of the draft and do be scared of hurting the feelings of your current starting QB, especially if he isn't a proven franchise QB yet.
I`m going to bet there is a very good chance the Steelers draft a QB in round 1 next year.
“The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all the arguments for it, and become blind to the arguments against it.”
George Bernard Shaw
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/06/2017 02:55PM by PaulButcher59.
