Draft trivia

Sporting News, The, April 22, 2005

POSITION STRENGTH 4

Even though quarterbacks are expected to be chosen high in the first round, this class lacks a true franchise prospect. The overall depth also is a bit suspect. The strength of this class is in the late first-round to second-round area.--D.P.

FIRST ROUND

1. (a) Alex Smith *

Utah, 64, 217, 4.71 ([dagger])

Good game manager who doesn't make many costly mistakes. Checks off covered receivers and shows poise. Makes plays with his feet but doesn't have great quickness. Shows solid athleticism. Has ordinary arm strength. Is a little difficult to evaluate because he played in a spread offense that used the option. Wasn't asked to do a lot beyond short, easy throws. Is not a big risk taker. Throws a nice, catchable ball. Doesn't have the kind of ability normally associated with a franchise quarterback.

2. (a) Aaron Rodgers *

California, 6-2, 223, 4.71

Good caretaker quarterback who makes pretty solid decisions. Has decent athleticism and arm strength. Played in a quarterback-friendly system and wasn't asked to do anything ambitious. Has good technique but is a bit mechanical. Is an accurate short passer but hasn't consistently been asked to make intermediate and deep throws. Has the physical ability to escape pass rushers. Tough player who will hang in there and take a hit. His instincts and ability to feel pressure and see the field are questionable.

3. Kyle Orton

Purdue, 6-4, 233, 5.08

Sees the field well and plays with an aggressive mentality. Has a gunslinger mentality, a strong arm and a quick release. Throws with touch. Is accurate. Will throw before his receiver breaks and can hit receivers in stride. Does not lock on to receivers. Has pocket presence and poise. Is no more than decent athletically. Has played predominantly in shotgun formations and will have to learn dropback skills. Had a drop-off in play toward the end of the season, when he was injured.

4. Jason Campbell

Auburn, 6-5, 227, 4.69

Highly talented but had only one year of superior production. Had four coordinators in four years and blossomed under Al Borges. Has ideal size, a strong arm and an effortless throwing motion. Is capable of the spectacular throw. Can throw a pass on a dime but is somewhat inconsistent with accuracy. Isn't afraid to make mistakes. Is calm in the pocket, athletic and can escape pressure. Might have the most potential of any quarterback in the draft. Has questionable field vision.

SECOND ROUND

5. (a) Charlie Frye

Akron, 6-4, 225, 4.79

Four-year starter who is a natural leader. Is big and tough. Has a strong arm and can zip the ball into tight spots. Is a pretty good decision maker who sees the field well. Will take chances. Sometimes needs to give up on a play sooner to avoid mistakes. Has some elusiveness as a runner. Can be flustered into bad throws. Has average accuracy.

THIRD ROUND

6. David Greene

Georgia, 6-3, 226, 4.78

Lefthander with good accuracy and wonderful intangibles. Prepares well and manages a game efficiently. Shows command of his offense. Has average arm strength and movement ability. Is effective on short routes. Performance is erratic. Is similar to the Panthers' Jake Delhomme but might lack Delhomme's exceptional feel for the game.

Breakdown

Best arm: Jason Campbell, Auburn

Best mobility: Bryan Randall, Virginia Tech

Most accurate: Stefan LeFors, Louisville

Smartest: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Harvard

Most accomplished: Jason White, Oklahoma

Underrated: Kyle Orton, Purdue

Overrated: Adrian McPherson, Florida State

Teams in need

1. 49ers

2. Dolphins

3. Bears

4. Packers

5. Browns

DAY 2 PROSPECTS

 7. Andrew Walter Arizona State,     Pocket passer with a strong
    6-6, 233, 4.90                   arm but has not won the big
                                     game.

 8. Stefan LeFors Louisville,        Outstanding passer who lacks
    6-0, 208, 4.56                   arm strength and size.

 9. (a) Ryan Fitzpatrick Harvard,    Instinctive player who lacks
    6-2, 228, 4.86                   top athleticism and arm
                                     strength.

10. (b) Dan Orlovsky Connecticut,    Good game manager with
    6-4, 230, 4.93                   inconsistent accuracy.

11. Jason White Oklahoma, 6-2 1/2,   Former Heisman Trophy winner
    223, 4.99                        has limited arm strength and
                                     mobility.

12. Derek Anderson Oregon State,     Has an NFL arm, but his
    6-6, 242, 5.03                   decision making is
                                     questionable.

13. Gino Guidugli Cincinnati,        Fiery competitor with average
    6-4, 229, 5.00                   arm strength and mobility.

14. Timmy Chang Hawaii, 6-1, 211,    System quarterback who was
    5.08                             highly productive in college.

15. Walter Washington * Temple,      Inconsistent passer who could
    6-0, 240, 4.90                   be switched to fullback.

16. Chris Rix Florida State, 6-2,    Top athlete who has not gotten
    214, 4.70                        the job done.

17. Dustin Long Sam Houston State,   Skills are average, but he has
    6-2 1/2, 208, 4.67 (c)             produced.

18. Brock Berlin Miami, 6-1, 215,    Winner who might lack the
    4.94                             necessary instincts.

19. Bryan Randall Virginia Tech,     Athletic player who is not a
    6-0, 223, 4.66                   pure passer.

20. Josh Haldi Northern Illinois,    Athletic quarterback who lacks
    6-2, 215, 4.64                   top arm strength and accuracy.

* Not a senior

(a) Stock rising

(b) Stock declining

(c) SLEEPER
Dustin Long.
A transfer from
Texas A&M, he
might have
enough ability
to make it in
the NFL. A lot
of teams are
looking for
mobile quarterbacks,
and
Long can
move.