2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Quarterbacks

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Nov 11, 2010

2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Quarterbacks

Andrew Luck

Luck is graded as the top quarterback prospect by just about everyone and considered the consensus number one choice, with good reason.   He’s the complete package and offers the physical talents, mental intangibles and leadership skills to be a franchise quarterback at the next level.   Expect Luck, a redshirt sophomore, to enter the draft.   1 st Round Prospect

Ryan Mallett

Mallett is a pocket passer in the truest sense.   Statuesque with terrific size, he has the arm strength required to make all the passes and challenge the vertical game on every down. Mallett, who is expected to turn pro, must polish his mechanics and improve his decision making, which will make him a more accurate and complete passer.   1 st Round Prospect

Jake Locker

Locker made the courageous decision of returning to Washington for his senior season after a terrific campaign in ‘09.   It’s a choice many are now questioning.   Locker started slow as he seemingly reverted back to poor throwing habits at the season’s start.   Just when it seemed his play had turned the corner, Locker suffered a broken rib in late October.   He now moves towards April with a number of red flags and questions which must be answered.   1 st Round Prospect

Nick Foles

Foles’ stock is moving north as he’s quickly developing into a complete passer.   He possesses the arm strength needed to play at the next level and has the intelligence as well as leadership skills to start in the NFL.   But word in the scouting community is Foles will likely to return to Arizona for his senior season.   1 st /2 nd Round Prospect

Cam Newton

Newton is the flavor of the day in college football and why not?   The junior has Auburn on the road to a possible national title game and is the odds on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year.   He’s also a terrific athlete with great size and the arm strength to match.   Newton is similar to Tim Tebow but has a greater degree of upside.   The belief in the scouting community is Newton will make himself eligible for next April’s event.   2 nd Round Prospect

Blaine Gabbert

Gabbert, a junior, has a big league arm and a boatload of upside potential.   He also benefits from Missouri’s wide open offense and is a quarterback that must work on his mechanics and improve his pass placement before he’ll ever be an effective starter in the NFL.   2 nd Round Prospect

Christian Ponder

Ponder, highly rated coming into the season, has struggled with injury and inconsistency as a senior.   He’s had several positive performances this year yet an equal number of poor outings.   Pre-draft medical exams to determine the health of his throwing arm will loom large as to where Ponder is ultimately selected next April.   3 rd Round Prospect

Colin Kaepernick

Kaepernick has elevated his level of play this season and has NFL decision-makers intrigued.   He’s not a great passer yet a sensational athlete who makes proper decisions in the pocket and effectively leads his team.   Kaepernick needs a lot of work on his throwing mechanics yet comes with a great amount of upside.   3 rd /4 th Round Prospect

Terrelle Pryor

Pryor made positive strides in his game this season, though at times his decision-making has left scouts scratching their heads.   Pryor, a junior, offers a great amount of untapped potential yet must quickly pull together a complete game if he’s going to be an early draft choice.   3 rd /4 th Round Prospect

Nathan Enderle

Enderle is well thought of in the scouting community and entered the season with high grades.   He’s struggled at times this season, especially in the big spot and against the toughest competition.   He’s a strong armed pocket passer and a solid developmental prospect that will need a few years before he’s NFL ready.   4 th /5 th Round Prospect