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Another year,
another debate on the next great QB
I am really
starting to see a pattern emerge this time of year. It really started to
catch my eye during the 2005 NFL Draft. Who was the #1 ranked player on
most draft board: Alex Smith or Aaron Rodgers. Eventually the draft gave
the honor to Alex Smith, who was selected #1 by the San Francisco 49’ers.
Unfortunately, Aaron Rodgers saw his stock drop drastically and he landed in
Wisconsin as the 24th pick. I still remember the camera’s
showing as he anxiously sat at his stable.
Last year we had
another potential dilemma. This time it was between Matt Leinart and Vince
Young. Young was considered a raw talent, not yet NFL ready; however,
seemed to have a decent rookie year, after being selected ahead of the USC
golden-boy at #3. Leinart’s stock dropped and he landed in an excellent
situation (in my opinion) with the Cardinals at #9.
So, here we are
awaiting the answer to the next great debate: Brady Quinn or JaMarcus
Russell.
Now Brady Quinn was
the odds-on favorite to be the top quarterback in this year’s draft, with a
strong possibility of going 1st overall. The Charlie Weis pupil
is definitely headed for stardom and after starting at Notre Dame for
4-years, I find it difficult to believe he is sliding down draft boards.
Sure he’s not a running threat; however, he does maintain enough evasive
ability to shed the odd tackler. Let’s be real…. There have been quite a
few “pocket-passers” with 2 left feet that achieve great success.
Enter JaMarcus
Russell. Sure he’s bigger and stronger, but is still not as NFL-ready as
Brady Quinn. OK, he won head-head in the Sugar Bowl, but I find it
difficult to jump on the bandwagon.
Russell is the next
Culpepper. Quinn is the next Tom Brady. Interesting. I know whom I’d
choose. Both guys virtually skipped the Combine this year; however, Quinn
did manage to pump-off 24 reps at the weight bench.
Time will tell, but
I see things going back in Quinn’s favor as the NFL Draft nears. Now we can
sit back and listen to all the propaganda and rumors, as teams spin tales to
make the most obvious choices to improve their teams.
And for all those
that have jumped on the JaMarcus Russell bandwagon, prepare yourself for a
bumpy ride, because I am quite certain that Quinn will find a new home with
the Raiders and Russell just may end up being a Culpepper clone in
Minnesota. Now, I don’t necessarily guarantee this, but while filling out
your mock draft keep it in mind. After all, wasn’t Reggie Bush guaranteed
to be drafted #1 by Houston last year?
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