Top NFL QB Prospects for 2018

[The Now Moment]

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

I could not be more against Josh Allen if he had stolen my car keys. 

 

His two games against legitimate competition this year he stunk. And it wasn't because of talent around him.... he was wildly inaccurate and made atrocious decisions. 

 

If the Bills draft him early I will smash my head against the closest wall. 

See the thing is, he has all of the tools to be successful.  And yes his team has played so terrible that he's tried to overcompensate for the lack of talent he has around him.  His poor play is from trying to do too much with nothing.  That's hard to do.  But if you honestly look through a lot of his tape, he makes some exceptional plays and he had a game winning drive a few weeks ago.  The traits are there, he just needs to play on a team that has a guy or two that can play with him.  There's a reason he's widely considered a first round pick and why scouts love him.  The interview and combine process will be huge for all of these QBs but he can really cement his stock and show off his cannon of an arm.  If he looks coach-able...why not?  With Mayfield, I see a guy who may be more talented than some of the other QBs but I think his ceiling is quite low.  He's maybe 6'0" in heels and his off the field issues could turn him away from McDermott.  We shall see.

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Mayfield has plenty of arm. Don't worry about that. 

There is an understandable bias toward prototypical sized qbs. But over-weighting the physical tools at the expense of the more meaningful attributes such as ability to process, arm strength, accuracy and leadership is a common mistake made when evaluating qbs.  Players such as Bortles and EJ check all the physical categories. But when they play it is obvious that they are lacking on the field. 

 

Mayfield has played in big games this year, such as against Ohio State and Okla. State. There was a lot of pro prospects on the field in those games. The obvious takeaway in each of those games was that he was the most dynamic player on the field. Mayfield is about the same size of Taylor.  Taylor may have a stronger arm but not by much, if that is the case. What Mayfield has over him is his ability to quickly process and get rid of the ball. He also forces the defense to play the whole field. Mayfield is impeccably accurate and his ball placement is exceptional. 

 

I have seen USC's Darnold play. He is good but there are frequent lulls to his game that are then interrupted by high end play. The contrast with Mayfield is that there is a consistent dynamism throughout the whole game with the Sooner qb. He is a full game whirlwind while Darnold's play is more intermittent. 

 

I'm still very open-minded about the quarter back prospects but the more I see Mayfield the more enamored I am with him. 

[The Now Moment]

24 minutes ago, JohnC said:

There is an understandable bias toward prototypical sized qbs. But over-weighting the physical tools at the expense of the more meaningful attributes such as ability to process, arm strength, accuracy and leadership is a common mistake made when evaluating qbs.  Players such as Bortles and EJ check all the physical categories. But when they play it is obvious that they are lacking on the field. 

 

Mayfield has played in big games this year, such as against Ohio State and Okla. State. There was a lot of pro prospects on the field in those games. The obvious takeaway in each of those games was that he was the most dynamic player on the field. Mayfield is about the same size of Taylor.  Taylor may have a stronger arm but not by much, if that is the case. What Mayfield has over him is his ability to quickly process and get rid of the ball. He also forces the defense to play the whole field. Mayfield is impeccably accurate and his ball placement is exceptional. 

 

I have seen USC's Darnold play. He is good but there are frequent lulls to his game that are then interrupted by high end play. The contrast with Mayfield is that there is a consistent dynamism throughout the whole game with the Sooner qb. He is a full game whirlwind while Darnold's play is more intermittent. 

 

I'm still very open-minded about the quarter back prospects but the more I see Mayfield the more enamored I am with him. 

I am open-minded as well but Mayfield has been reported to be only 5'11" not even 6'1" like most websites jack him up to be.  For a pocket passer, this is a huge obstacle once reaching the NFL where there are much bigger and faster players at all positions than there are in college.  While he has played extremely productively and shown the leadership to be a franchise QB, his height is a big concern for me.  Not many QBs can overcome being so short.  If he truly is that short, I think he will have a difficult time throwing over defensive lineman who are taught to jump and put their hands up to deflect passes.  I love the way Mayfield plays but this is a concern to me.  Who knows...

[GunnerBill]

I think Mayfield will come in at about 5ft11. But I care far less about his height than I do his tape. The game against TCU tonight matters far more to me than whether he is 5'11 or 6'1. 

[Kelly the Dog]

5 hours ago, JohnC said:

 

 

Mayfield has played in big games this year, such as against Ohio State and Okla. State. There was a lot of pro prospects on the field in those games. The obvious takeaway in each of those games was that he was the most dynamic player on the field. Mayfield is about the same size of Taylor.  Taylor may have a stronger arm but not by much, if that is the case. What Mayfield has over him is his ability to quickly process and get rid of the ball. He also forces the defense to play the whole field. Mayfield is impeccably accurate and his ball placement is exceptional. 

 

 

I dont think Mayfield is the size of Taylor at all. I think TT is about two inches taller with longer arms and much better built. He works out like a madman and is very strong. Same with Russell Wilson. The guy is a tank, he's just short. 

[Solomon Grundy]

8 hours ago, H2o said:

I would take a chance on Mayfield because I have seen him make his throws consistently, reading the whole field. He also seems to embrace big moments. The guys is a QB who is athletic enough to run if he has to. Jackson is too erratic and is more of an athlete playing the QB position imo. He reminds me of Kaepernick. 

They said the same about Deshaun Watson. IMO, a lot of Jackson's "inconsistencies" stem from his supporting cast. His receivers drop a lot of balls.

What I do want Lamar to do is not take so many hits

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, Kelly the Dog said:

I dont think Mayfield is the size of Taylor at all. I think TT is about two inches taller with longer arms and much better built. He works out like a madman and is very strong. Same with Russell Wilson. The guy is a tank, he's just short. 

I've seen Mayfield listed at 6'1" and 220 lbs. I'm sure he is shorter but he is stout and durable. As far as stature and dimensions I really don't care. I'm really not concerned about it. I agree with you that Taylor is a dedicated and diligent player and person. However, his inherent limitations with respect to quick processing and throwing accurately very much bother me. Don't be fooled by his completion rate. It is an altogether different offense from the standard pro offense.  

 

You watch a lot of Ram games and Goff play. It is a distinctly more sophisticated offense (even for a young qb) because his game in general is more expansive. Especially from a passing standpoint Taylor is running a very primitive offense. It may seem that I'm a harsh critic of him but I'm really not. He is the best that we have had in a long time. For me being adequate is not good enough if you have higher aspirations than merely being a fringe wild-card team. .

 

Just to let you know I'm a devotee of Russell Wilson. We had an opportunity to get him when Country Buddy was driving the bus. The slow talking GM instead went with the track receiver who turned out to be an invisible player for us. 

[Augie]

21 hours ago, Buffalo30 said:

I don't think he has the arm to be compared to Favre.

 

That’s pretty rare territory, for sure. 

13 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

I could not be more against Josh Allen if he had stolen my car keys. 

 

His two games against legitimate competition this year he stunk. And it wasn't because of talent around him.... he was wildly inaccurate and made atrocious decisions. 

 

If the Bills draft him early I will smash my head against the closest wall. 

 

I’ve only seen one game for Allen, and in that game he looked like a graduate of The EJ School of Accuracy. 

[The Now Moment]

13 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

That’s pretty rare territory, for sure. 

 

I’ve only seen one game for Allen, and in that game he looked like a graduate of The EJ School of Accuracy. 

I wish he was on a team that had a little more talent around him so he could actually show off his abilities.  He's trying to drag the rest of his team and right now in his development, the rest of his team is hurting him.  With players like these top programs have, I think he'd look like the top guy in the class tossing the ball around the field like he's the next big thing.  But...his team blows and he's been less than successful in covering that up through his abilities.

[Augie]

Sam Darnold does not fear throwing into coverage. Geez! I know he’s got some picks to show for it, but he’s had some BIG plays in tight coverage today! 

[GunnerBill]

2 hours ago, Buffalo30 said:

I wish he was on a team that had a little more talent around him so he could actually show off his abilities.  He's trying to drag the rest of his team and right now in his development, the rest of his team is hurting him.  With players like these top programs have, I think he'd look like the top guy in the class tossing the ball around the field like he's the next big thing.  But...his team blows and he's been less than successful in covering that up through his abilities.

 

I am not sure he would. I just don't think he is accurate. 

[H2o]

4 hours ago, the skycap said:

They said the same about Deshaun Watson. IMO, a lot of Jackson's "inconsistencies" stem from his supporting cast. His receivers drop a lot of balls.

What I do want Lamar to do is not take so many hits

No sir, he is no Watson. Watson was a very good QB from the time he stepped on the field. He's a good athlete and he can run, but he was always sound fundamentally and good from the pocket throwing the ball. Far more accurate than Jackson. 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[Buffalo Barbarian]

4 hours ago, Augie said:

Sam Darnold does not fear throwing into coverage. Geez! I know he’s got some picks to show for it, but he’s had some BIG plays in tight coverage today! 

 

 

And that is what makes him great

[Laughing Coffin]

Bills got 2 scouts at Wyoming vs Air Force

 

Obviously there for Josh Allen

[JohnC]

11 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

That was a phenomenal throw into a tight space. He makes those kind of throws all the time. Whenever he plays he is the best player on the field. 

[Ittakestime]

I don't think Darnold is coming out this year.  Really think he will pull a Luck.  I think things are starting to shape out:

 

Rosen

Allen

Jackson

Mayfield

 

4 first round QBs

 

 

 

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

40 minutes ago, Ittakestime said:

  I think things are starting to shape out:

 

Rosen

Allen

Jackson

Mayfield

 

4 first round QBs

 

 

 

Any of those guys but Allen and I'd be happy. If Darnold does come out that would make it four legit prospects and I'd love to have either one of them.

[BuffaloHokie13]

On 11/11/2017 at 8:13 AM, the skycap said:

He's a bigger version of Tyrod Taylor. His production, in college is equal to if not better than Baker Mayfield and every QB expert says he has developed as a passer. The Bills need a type of QB who can put offense on his back and produce and Mayfield and Jackson are the only two who I've seen do it consistently 

I'm not saying you aren't doing this, but you can't hang your hat on college production. If you do you'll end up with Colt Brennan, Kellen Moore, or Case Keenum. You have to look at what they do on the field, and how you feel it will translate to our system. Rosen is the only reason UCLA has won a game this year, by the way. He definitely carries that team on his back every week.

[thenorthremembers]

10 hours ago, BuffaloHokie13 said:

I'm not saying you aren't doing this, but you can't hang your hat on college production. If you do you'll end up with Colt Brennan, Kellen Moore, or Case Keenum. You have to look at what they do on the field, and how you feel it will translate to our system. Rosen is the only reason UCLA has won a game this year, by the way. He definitely carries that team on his back every week.

Or you end up with Deshaun Watson, Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, Phillip Rivers, Russ Wilson...should I go on with the list of players who were highly productive in college and won a lot of games and have become good NFL quarterbacks?  There is no formula its the luck of the draw, just have to pick the player you think will be the best.  For me that would be the guy who shows the most evidence of that.

[Chicken Boo]

I'd bet my house (I wouldn't) Josh Allen is a Buffalo Bill on April 26th, around 9PM.

 

McBeane will not sell the farm to acquire a QB and Allen will be in prime position for the Bills to draft in the 15-25 range.

 

Take that ish to the bank.

Edited November 13, 2017 by Chicken Boo

[Billsfansinceday1]

1 hour ago, Chicken Boo said:

I'd bet my house (I wouldn't) Josh Allen is a Buffalo Bill on April 26th, around 9PM.

 

McBeane will not sell the farm to acquire a QB and Allen will be in prime position for the Bills to draft in the 15-25 range.

 

Take that ish to the bank.

Just a little bit squishy there, CB.

[GunnerBill]

On 12/11/2017 at 2:38 PM, Ittakestime said:

I don't think Darnold is coming out this year.  Really think he will pull a Luck.  I think things are starting to shape out:

 

Rosen

Allen

Jackson

Mayfield

 

4 first round QBs

 

 

 

 

If Darnold stays in school there are only 3 1st round QBs for me at this stage... Rosen, Mayfield and Rudolph. 

 

I wouldn't touch Allen before the 3rd but I have no doubt an NFL team will because as Flutie always said "if you are 5ft11 you have to prove you can play, if you are 6ft 5 you have to prove you can't".

 

I'm a little behind on Jackson but based on two views earlier this year I have a 3rd/4th on him. I don't think Watson is a good comparison for him I think Dak is a better one and at this time two years ago I had a similar grade on Dak. He ended up with a low 2nd on my board so maybe Jackson climbs the same way as I watch more. 

[JohnC]

4 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

If Darnold stays in school there are only 3 1st round QBs for me at this stage... Rosen, Mayfield and Rudolph. 

 

I wouldn't touch Allen before the 3rd but I have no doubt an NFL team will because as Flutie always said "if you are 5ft11 you have to prove you can play, if you are 6ft 5 you have to prove you can't".

 

I'm a little behind on Jackson but based on two views earlier this year I have a 3rd/4th on him. I don't think Watson is a good comparison for him I think Dak is a better one and at this time two years ago I had a similar grade on Dak. He ended up with a low 2nd on my board so maybe Jackson climbs the same way as I watch more. 

With a player like Jackson you are without a doubt projecting more than with qbs who are more of a finished product. From a developmental standpoint he and Darnold would greatly benefit from another year in school. What has impressed me about Jackson is the leap forward he made from last year to this year. He went from being an athletic player to being a better qb. Certainly, there is much more work to be done. 

 

 I have a slightly different approach to your draft evaluation process when considering the qb position. My take is that labeling a qb prospect a second or third round prospect is not the most relevant/useful way to assess the candidates. A better approach is to evaluate the prospects within the framework of the player having the talent to eventually become a franchise qb. With that in mind it is wiser to draft a qb sooner than the ranking. As an example if you ascribe a third round value to Dak then it isn't wrong to select him with a second round pick, especially for a team with a desperate need. 

 

When you consider that the Bills haven't had a legitimate franchise for nearly a quarter century then clearly this rebuilding franchise has to make it a priority to address that critical position. In my view, the qbs who should be considered first round picks are Darnold, Rosen, Mayfield, Rudolph and Jackson. All are different types of qb and each has a different developmental timetable. Truth be told my favorite is Mayfield. But I am open to the others. Last year we could have selected Mahomes or Watson in the first round. I said it then and I will say it again, it was a mistake. 

[KDIGGZ]

On 11/7/2017 at 11:21 AM, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

they said the same thing about Johnny Football.  pretty much word for word

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, JohnC said:

With a player like Jackson you are without a doubt projecting more than with qbs who are more of a finished product. From a developmental standpoint he and Darnold would greatly benefit from another year in school. What has impressed me about Jackson is the leap forward he made from last year to this year. He went from being an athletic player to being a better qb. Certainly, there is much more work to be done. 

 

 I have a slightly different approach to your draft evaluation process when considering the qb position. My take is that labeling a qb prospect a second or third round prospect is not the most relevant/useful way to assess the candidates. A better approach is to evaluate the prospects within the framework of the player having the talent to eventually become a franchise qb. With that in mind it is wiser to draft a qb sooner than the ranking. As an example if you ascribe a third round value to Dak then it isn't wrong to select him with a second round pick, especially for a team with a desperate need. 

 

When you consider that the Bills haven't had a legitimate franchise for nearly a quarter century then clearly this rebuilding franchise has to make it a priority to address that critical position. In my view, the qbs who should be considered first round picks are Darnold, Rosen, Mayfield, Rudolph and Jackson. All are different types of qb and each has a different developmental timetable. Truth be told my favorite is Mayfield. But I am open to the others. Last year we could have selected Mahomes or Watson in the first round. I said it then and I will say it again, it was a mistake. 

 

You don't have a different approach particularl.  My grades are my grades but that doesn't necessarily translate to where I would want The Bills to select them.  What you do have is a different opinion on Jackson - I would still be a little leery about him in the 1st this year.  I just don't at this stage believe I see a guy with the potential to become a Franchise QB.  Josh Allen I would be mortified if we select in the 1st - I see the potential of a bust there being extremely high.  

[BuffaloHokie13]

3 hours ago, kdiggz said:

they said the same thing about Johnny Football.  pretty much word for word

Johnny Football didn't fail because of his height...

[thebandit27]

As I've been saying for a month, I have Mayfield as my QB1 and Rosen behind him, both as 1st round picks.

 

I think Rosen will be the first QB off the board, and that perhaps Mayfield will be a top-20 pick.

 

Beyond that, not sure anyone else ends up in R1

[JohnC]

4 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

You don't have a different approach particularl.  My grades are my grades but that doesn't necessarily translate to where I would want The Bills to select them.  What you do have is a different opinion on Jackson - I would still be a little leery about him in the 1st this year.  I just don't at this stage believe I see a guy with the potential to become a Franchise QB.  Josh Allen I would be mortified if we select in the 1st - I see the potential of a bust there being extremely high.  

On your own accord and without much cajoling I'm confident that he will grow on you. It's not what he is but what he can be. So on this issue I will leave you alone and let you naturally come around. As McDermott likes to say: Trust the process. 

[26CornerBlitz]

Definitely tuning in to this one.

 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[C.Biscuit97]

3 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

He was a 56% passer last year with all of his weapons.  He is 56% this year.  That is terrifying.  See Conner Cook.

 

If they made a movie about qbs, guys like him and EJ would be stars.  But that accuracy is scary (and I believe EJ was like a 66% passer). 

3 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

Definitely tuning in to this one.

 

I had plans to be at this game and the Bills-Chargers but stupid life and responsibilities ruins everything.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

Hope Peterman is the guy, but now we can get down to business in finding a QB.

[section122]

1 hour ago, Buffalo Barbarian said:

Hope Peterman is the guy, but now we can get down to business in finding a QB.

 

I hope Peterman comes in and lights the world on fire.  Even if he does though I would like to see a high pick on a qb.  Insurance at the QB situation and 2 cost controlled guys would be a great problem to have.

[Augie]

10 minutes ago, section122 said:

 

I hope Peterman comes in and lights the world on fire.  Even if he does though I would like to see a high pick on a qb.  Insurance at the QB situation and 2 cost controlled guys would be a great problem to have.

 

Nothing wrong with competition. But they will bring in a cheaper vet, right? Would they carry three? What if Peterman is “just” good, but you don’t want to start him or dump him. Being mediocre has been an important part of our curse - as a team and at QB!  This leads to so many questions in my mind...

[BuffaloHokie13]

15 hours ago, Augie said:

 

Nothing wrong with competition. But they will bring in a cheaper vet, right? Would they carry three? What if Peterman is “just” good, but you don’t want to start him or dump him. Being mediocre has been an important part of our curse - as a team and at QB!  This leads to so many questions in my mind...

The QB landscape in the NFL is set for some pretty major changes this offseason, and in the near future beyond that.

 

Clearly in the market:

Bills

Jets

Dolphins

Browns

Broncos

49ers

Redskins

 

Also possible due to QB age/decline/durability:

Steelers

Ravens

Colts

Chargers

Giants

Vikings

Saints

Cardinals

 

That's basically half the league.

 

[Billsfansinceday1]

15 minutes ago, BuffaloHokie13 said:

The QB landscape in the NFL is set for some pretty major changes this offseason, and in the near future beyond that.

 

Clearly in the market:

Bills

Jets

Dolphins

Browns

Broncos

49ers

Redskins

 

Also possible due to QB age/decline/durability:

Steelers

Ravens

Colts

Chargers

Giants

Vikings

Saints

Cardinals

 

That's basically half the league.

 

I think you can eliminate the 49ers with Garoppolo and possibly the Browns, who might give Kizer a shot at being the guy (and dare I say the Bills with Peterman?).  Bridgewater is back with the Vikings and may eliminate QB as a pressing need for them as well.

Edited November 16, 2017 by Billsfansinceday1

[BuffaloHokie13]

1 minute ago, Billsfansinceday1 said:

I think you can eliminate the 49ers with Garoppolo and possibly the Browns, who might give Kiser a shot at being the guy (and dare I say the Bills with Peterman?).  Bridgewater is back with the Vikings and may also eliminate QB as a pressing need for them as well.

Garoppolo is on his last year of his deal and hasn't played yet. Not sure he's a reason yet, maybe if they commit to him with a long term contract though. At this point they're still looking imo.

 

Kizer has been benched almost as much as he's started. If Hue is out, it's likely that the next coach will pick their own QB.

 

Bridgewater isn't the solution anywhere. I swear people either don't remember how he performed before he got hurt, or just weren't paying attention.

[Billsfansinceday1]

2 hours ago, BuffaloHokie13 said:

Garoppolo is on his last year of his deal and hasn't played yet. Not sure he's a reason yet, maybe if they commit to him with a long term contract though. At this point they're still looking imo.

 

Kizer has been benched almost as much as he's started. If Hue is out, it's likely that the next coach will pick their own QB.

 

Bridgewater isn't the solution anywhere. I swear people either don't remember how he performed before he got hurt, or just weren't paying attention.

It is hard to imagine the 49ers would trade for him if they were going to watch him go at the end of the year...Lynch is a pretty smart guy.

 

i am just saying that it is a bit early to write off Kizer and Bridgewater was on the upswing before his injury.

Edited November 16, 2017 by Billsfansinceday1

[26CornerBlitz]