MAC Conference quarterbacks, Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich, Ben Rothlisberger. All have taken their teams to the playoffs. All three were first round picks. As the NFL draft looms near talent evaluators begin to focus on the first round quarterbacks once again. Matt Leinart of USC and Vince Young of Texas are the two most prominent names and have first round grades. Additionally, Jay Cutler has earned a first round grade with his performance and numbers in off-season workouts. At least two of the three first round quarterbacks will likely be successful. But, keep in mind the NFL draft is about value. The value in this draft will be finding a quality quarterback after the second round. If history has proven correct, the MAC conference will be able to produce quality quarterbacks in this draft. This year two great quarterbacks with a proven track record will be available beyond the 2nd round of the draft and teams looking to develop a young quarterback should take notice.

 

   Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects of this draft. Jacobs, put up astounding numbers in 2004, throwing for over 4,000 yards, 41 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. It was one of the best performances in a single season by a quarterback in NCAA history. Keep in mind also that Jacobs was a sophomore in 2004. This past year throwing much less, Jacobs still threw 25 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. For his career he has thrown 70 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. With numbers so accurate Jacobs deserves better than being a third round prospect.

 

  Much has been made of Jacob's throwing motion. Pro evaluators do not like the unconventional sidearm delivery and worry about his mechanics. His mechanics so far have proven he is extremely accurate though. He has a career completion percentage of 64.5%. If his throwing motion is not perfect mechanically, it nonetheless gets the job done. Jacobs continually hits his receivers in stride and puts the football in the end zone. Also, remember Jacobs is only a junior and his best football is ahead of him. He has a pro body to hold up at 6-4 228 and is nimble enough to run the 40 in the 4.8 range. Jacobs is the complete package. Some NFL scouts know about Jacobs and they only hope other teams have not discovered this gem.

 

  Also in the MAC Conference is another gem in Bruce Gradkowski. Gradkowski a product of Toledo, has put up some big numbers. For his career, Gradkowski has thrown for 11,725 yards and 105 touchdowns, with only 31 interceptions in his career. In both 2003 and 2004 as a full time starter he completed over 70% of his passes. For his career his completion percentage is 68.9%. Completing nearly 70% of your passes in three years as starting is quite a feat. Also consider that Gradkowski played part of one year with a shattered throwing hand that required a metal plate. He does not have the most powerful arm but he gets the ball to his receivers. Much like Jacobs, Gradkowski has the accuracy that is necessary for the NFL.

 

  Gradkowski grew up in Pittsburgh and has the roots of many famous Pennsylvania quarterbacks including Marino, Montana, and Namath. At Seton La Salle high school he broke numerous high school records and yet received one scholarship offer. He took his game to Toledo and had proven over a four year span that he is the most accurate quarterback in the country. Also, consider that Gradkowski is an athlete. He ran a 4.59 40 at the NFL combine. Around the same time as Vince Young, a player with a first round grade. He has been successful at every level and look for this continue in the NFL.