Draft Day QBs

It's Friday readers, and that means it's time to talk NFL Draft. Every Friday, I will be analyzing the top 5 draft prospects at every position. After I have gone through every position, I will then release my Mock Draft for the first round. To chose the top 5, I will be using CBS Sports Draft Chart. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2015/QB

Well, it's the first week of this, so let's start with the most important position: Quarterback. The top 5 prospects before the combine are as follows: Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, Brett Hundley, Bryce Petty, and Garrett Grayson.

1. Marcus Mariota - Oregon - RS Jr
6' 4" 215 lbs
Starting Record: 3 yrs 36-5
Highest Achievement - 2014 Heisman Winner
Most Impressive game of 2014 - Rose Bowl vs. #3 Florida State
If you've watched any SportsCenter within the last 5 months, you have heard of Mariota. He leads the quick Oregon offense in true fashion. With 4,454 yards passing, 770 yards rushing, and 57 touchdowns this year alone, the Ducks QB has shown why he can be a first round, if not first overall, pick in the 2015 NFL Draft on April 30. No one could keep up with him or his Ducks' offense. But this is why Mariota could have a hard time in the NFL. Mariota was a great "system" QB, relying on the speed of how his offense got to the line and would hike the ball, not the actual speed of the players. This type of offense would be hell for defenses to play. Except Ohio State. The Buckeyes were able to shut down Mariota in the second half of the championship, only being able to rush twice for a total of 15 yards. Also, Oregon got away from their fast pace offense, showing that without it, they are a very beatable team.
When it comes to where he will be drafted, he will most likely be dressed in Bucs Red or Titan Blue come next fall. But, with his skill set and his history with Head Coach Chip Kelly, I would not be surprised if we see the Eagles trade up to get Marcus. In my personal belief, Mariota will only succeed if he goes to Philly.
Projected Teams: Bucs, Titans, Jets, Eagles
My pick: 1st Round, 2nd Overall, Eagles via trade

2. Jameis Winston - FSU - RS Soph.
6' 4" 232 lbs
Starting Record: 2 yrs 27-1
Highest Achievement: 2013 BCS National Champion
Most Impressive Game of 2014: BCS National Championship vs. #2 Auburn
Winston to the media is a lightning rod for bad news. With so much surrounding the alleged rape case along with some juvenile and petty discrepancies, Winston could not seem to get out of his own way. Over his 2 years at FSU, Winston has thrown for 7,964 yards and 65 touchdowns, setting school and ACC records. He is also one of the most astute QBs in the league today, holding a 3.7 GPA in the Exercise Science major. Most people are very cautious about Winston and if his off-field issues have impacted his draft stock. There was another QB in recent history with a delinquent past and has not gotten in trouble since drafted: Cam Newton, the first overall pick by Carolina in 2011. Newton was also involved with some scandals and illegal selling of signed goods. But since being drafted, Newton has been an upstanding player and a QB that has led his team to 2 straight playoff appearances.
The biggest problem with Winston will be which team is willing to deal with his off field issues. Winston is not only a good QB to draft, but also has a more likely chance of being the franchise player that so many teams are looking for today. Currently on Mel Kiper's board, he has Winston going #1 overall to Tampa.
Projected Teams: Bucs, Titans, Jets, Cowboys
My pick: 1st Round, 1st Overall, Bucs

3. Brett Hundley - UCLA - RS Jr
6' 3" 227 lbs.
Starting Record: 3 yrs 29-11
Highest Achievement: Second-Team All-Pac-12 (2014)
Most Impressive Game of 2014: November 1 vs. #14 Arizona
Before the season started, Hundley was a strong pick to win the 2014 Heisman Trophy. After a few games, which included a very sloppy first game against Virginia, Hundley would fall in the rankings. In his 3 years of starting, Hundley has thrown over 3,000 yards in each year, resulting in a total of 75 TDs. This past season alone, Hundley also ran for 644 yards and 10 TDs. Nothing too flashy about this QB like the first 2, but still a solid set of skills that will give him a chance in the NFL.
The lower one looks on the Mock Draft board, the more scattered the picks seem to be. The picks are not usually in alignment with other Mock Drafts, but Hundley has been seen going to various teams in different drafts.
Projected Teams: Eagles, Titans, Jets
My Pick: 2nd Round, 59th overall, Broncos

4. Bryce Petty - Baylor - RS Sr
6' 3"  230 lbs.
Starting Record: 2 yrs 22-4
Highest Achievement: Big 12 OPOY (2013)
Most Impressive Game of 2014: October 11 vs. #9 TCU
Petty had some big shoes to fill at Baylor after RG3 left for Washington. He has done just that in the 2 seasons he has started at Baylor, throwing for 8,055 yards and 61 TDs. His biggest win was against TCU when the Bears were down by 21 with 10 minutes left in the 4th Quarter. Petty would lead the comeback and win in the last second with a field goal to put Baylor up 61-58. Petty would throw for 510 yards the game alone. Petty is not exactly a duel-threat QB, but he can scramble when he needs to get out of the pocket and is an incredibly accurate short passer with an average of 9.71 yards per pass.
For this draft, there is no set prediction on where Petty will fall. But with his stat-line, Petty will not fall below the 3rd Round.
Projected Teams: N/A
My Pick: 2nd Round, 41st Overall, Rams

5. Garrett Grayson - CSU - RS Sr
6' 2" 220 lbs.
Starting Record: 2 yrs 18-9
Highest Achievement: All- MWC 1st Team (2014)
Most Impressive Win of 2014: September 27 vs. Boston College
Grayson is the dark horse of the QB recruits much like Nick Foles was 2 years ago. In the past 2 seasons, Grayson has thrown for 7,702 yards and 55 TDs. Aside from him not being a duel-threat QB, Grayson can scramble when he needs to and can take the ball down field if he sees a hole. He can do well in the league if he works on his pocket awareness. This past year, Grayson was sacked 26 times.
In the Draft, Grayson could be a 2nd-3rd round pick for a team that needs depth at the QB position.
Projected Team: Browns
My Pick: 2nd Round, 39th Overall, Bears

Next week, I will be analyzing the Top 5 Running Backs, which will include 2 players that were almost finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Have a good football Sunday everyone!