2013 NFL Draft: Matching the Quarterbacks

Normally quarterbacks in the NFL Draft are a valued commodity that often times gets over drafted.  We've seen Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Tannehill, Christian Ponder and Jake Locker are all players who should have gone in the second or third rounds but went in the first fifteen picks.  

But this year it's the exact opposite.  We thought we'd see Geno Smith and Ryan Nassib go early.  And then possible Matt Barkley and EJ Manuel getting taken in the late first with a teams moving up to get them.  However the fourth round is going to start today and we've only had three QBs taken (Mike Glennon was taken in the 3rd round by the Buccaneers).  

So what about the others?  Ryan Nassib, Matt Barkley, Tyler Bray, Tyler Wilson, and Landry Jones are still sitting out there.  Here is a look at some teams that would be a great fit with them!

Matt Barkley, USC

Perfect Fit:  Jacksonville Jaguars

If Barkley would have come out after his junior year he may have been the third overall pick.  Who knows, maybe he would have had a similar type of fall after more film study and critic.  None the less, Barkley is a highly intelligent quarterback that is able to go through his reads and find the open weapon.  He doesn't have a great arm but it isn't bad, plus he is accurate which helps his cause.  Add in that he is a good leader and a proven winner.  Barkley doesn't have Russell Wilson's athletic ability, but he could remind Gus Bradley of him. 

Ryan Nassib, Syracuse

Perfect Fit:  Kansas City Chiefs

I've never really understood why analysts loved Nassib so much.  He doesn't have a strong arm, lacks touch, and just makes some horrible throws.  But supposedly teams loved him in the classroom because he is highly intelligent and knows how to run an offense.  That leads a lot to a backup, not a starter.  None the less he still isn't void of talent and in the right fit he can still be very productive.  That team very well could be Kansas City where Andy Reid is a known QB developer.  Nassib is a great fit in a West Coast offense and could be that next Andy Reid success story.

Tyler Bray, Tennessee

Perfect Fit:  Pittsburgh Steelers

Bray is widely considered to be the most physically talented quarterback in this draft.  However he was widely inconsistent at Tennessee despite a ton of talent around him.  Add in some off the field issues and it's not wonder why Bray is still available.  However some off the field issues has never stopped any team from taking somebody in the final rounds of the Draft.  Pittsburgh was really high on Cordarrelle Paterson and in their workouts they reportively fell in love with Bray.  With Big Ben a constant presence on the injury report, a good backup is always needed.  Bray could be that guy.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Perfect Fit:  Chicago Bears

Another quarterback whose stock was pretty high but really fell of lately is Landry Jones.  He's been a four year starter, but really struggled when Ryan Broyles left Norman.  Jones has had to deal with a surprising lack of weapons and was still able to put Oklahoma into conference title contention.  He has raw talent and when he has good protection he can shred defenses.  But he really needs to improve when things aren't perfect.  Chicago who has long struggled to get a free agent backup for Cutler could go this route instead.  Add in that new head coach Marc Trestman is a noted QB guru and he'll want to get his hand on a developmental backup.

Matt Scott, Arizona

Perfect Fit:  Philadelphia Eagles

With Chip Kelly now running the Eagles everybody was waiting for them to target Geno Smith or EJ Manuel in the early rounds because of their mobility.  However as we saw they passed on both.  But don't be shocked to see them target somebody in the later rounds.  Matt Scott has long been that player linked to them.  Scott came to Arizona as a pocket passer, but thrived under Rich Rodriguez this past year.  He is still very raw, but has a strong arm and the mobility to run a little zone read and move within the pocket.  Don't be surprised if it's Scott who becomes the best QB in this class.

Heisman Watch (Week 4)

1. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Last Week: 35-48 488 yards 3 TD 2 INTs Next Week: vs. Ball State

Comments: It looked like the Missouri Tigers might have their second straight year of knocking off the #1 ranked Sooners jumping to an early 14-3 lead. However Landry Jones took control and lead them to a 10 point victory. In the process he threw for 488 yards and 3 TDs. Jones did throw 2 INTs, which is never a good thing But he continues to put up the numbers that will get him Heisman consideration. What helps Jones is that their offense is so impressive and he'll be facing a weaker Big 12 conference. Next week he looks to continue to pad his stats against a pretty weak Ball State team.

2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Last Week: Bye Next Week: vs UCLA

Comments: Luck gets a week off after beating Arizona. So let's take this time to review his season as a whole. So far Luck has thrown for 786 yards and 8 TDs to only 1 INT. What is even more impressive is that he has improved his completion percentage from last year despite losing two of his top targets. Luck continues to shine and has the Cardinal team knocking on the door of the National Championship talk. What also helps him is that he is arguably the best player in the country and a sure #1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Luck is neck and neck with Landry Jones in the Heisman Race and he could very well win the award unless somebody blows the voters away.

3. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: 23-29 455 4 TDs Next Week: vs. Nevada

Comments: Seems like every week somebody on this watch list faces off against Tulsa. This week it was Moore. The game wasn't even close but it gave Moore a chance to pad his stats and get out of the game early and get some rest. While he was in there it was pretty routine for him. He completed 80% of his passes, 0 INTS, and 4 TD passes. Next week he faces off against a Nevada team that ended their perfect season last year, but this game won't be the same. Nevada is a struggling team that lost a lot of talent from last year. Moore should continue his cruise till he faces off against Air Force and TCU in conference play.

4. Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Last Week: 126 yards rushing 85 yards receiving 1 TD Next Week: @Florida

Comments: In a match up against top ranked teams, the Crimson Tide made little work with the Razorbacks in route to a 24 point victory. A big part of the offensive explosion was Richardson's 211 total yards. He continues to be the focal point of the offense and he is clearly the top running back in country. However the schedule continues to get tougher and Richardson will have to prove himself against the SEC elite. If Richardson can continue to put up these numbers and the Tide is undefeated he could get a lot of voters attention.

5. Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Last Week: 19-25 345 yards 3 TDs Next Week: vs. Nebraska

Comments: It shouldn't be a surprise that the Badgers routed FCS South Dakota on Saturday. Russell Wilson has also continued to help this offense reach new heights. His 345 yards passing improves his season total to 1,136 yards and 11 TDs. Now the Badgers haven't really played anybody tough, but they have taken care of business and have looked good doing so. However Wilson faces off against his toughest opponent to date in the vaunted Nebraska Blackshirt defense. If Wilson can have a good game against Nebraska team that could send him up the list. But a poor game could have him falling.

Rest of the List

6. Robert Griffin III QB Baylor
RG3 continues to put up eye popping numbers. His 338 yards passing and 5 TDs along with 51 yards rushing and another score are hard to beat. However it was against a poor Rice team. Griffin needs this momentum to continue into conference play if he wants to keep moving up the board.

7. Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina
It wasn't a great statistical game for Lattimore, but after last weeks 200 yard plus showing it wasn't a surprise the Gamecocks wanted to lessen his touches. South Carolina is going to need a fresh and healthy Lattimore if they are going to repeat as SEC West champs and have a shot at winning the conference.

8. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
It's hard to see a talented player like Blackmon this far down the rankings, but despite his performance against A&M there is just no Heisman hype around him. He had a good game against A&M but all everybody remembers is his potential TD that didn't happen because of his showboating.


9. Denard Robinson QB Michigan
I'm hesitant to put Robinson in the rankings because this is around the time where he fell off last year. He's put up big numbers in wins against Notre Dame and San Diego State, but whether he can hold up against the Big 10 schedule is in the back of every body's mind.

10. Chris Rainey RB Florida
The Florida Gators continue to impress after many thought they'd have another down year. A big part of their success has been their offense and the emergence of Chris Rainey. Rainey was a player without a position, but now he has shined as a running back. He only had 105 yards rushing against Kentucky but he has been their best offensive player all season long. If the Gators continue their momentum Rainey could continue to climb the boards.

Heisman Watch (Week 3)

Well it only took three weeks for some shakeups to the rankings. The Oklahoma vs Florida State was the big game of the weekend but that wasn't the only fireworks. Where does everybody stand after three weeks? Lets find out!

1. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Last Week: 18-27 199 yards 1 TD 2 INTs 1 rushing TD Next Week: vs. Missouri

Comments: It wasn't the best statistical game of the week, but the bottom line is that Jones lead the Sooners to a big win over Florida State in a match up of top ranked teams. Now its not lot like Jones played bad. He accounted for both Sooner touchdowns and one of them was the go ahead score that helped propel them to victory. And he was in control throughout the game. Now Jones faces off against a reeling Missouri team that ended the Sooners prefect season last year. But look for Jones to meet Texas in Dallas for his next big time match up and another chance to show why he is a favorite take home the hardware.

2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Last Week: 20/31 325 yards 2 TDs Next Week: vs UCLA

Comments: In a match up of Pac 12 gunslingers it was Luck who came out of the game on top. His 325 yards increases his total to 786 yards in three games and his two TDs make it 8 on the season. Luck is proving that it wasn't just Jim Harbaugh that has led to his success. Luck is proving to everybody that he is the best quarterback in years. But it won't be till their match up against Oregon in October where he can show Heisman voters that he is the top player in all of college football.

3. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: 32-42 455 5 TDs 1 INT Next Week: vs. Tulsa

Comments: Toledo gave Ohio State a run for their money in week 2, but they were no match for Boise State and Kellen Moore in a 45-10 win. "The Surgeon" was up to his old tricks carving up the rocket defense in route to a very impressive 455 yards. Now Moore has always put up big numbers, but this year he has taken it to a new level. But what makes this even more impressive is that Moore is doing this with a new set of receivers and with everybody trying to knock off the mighty Boise State Broncos. However its going to take a lot for Moore to overcome Andrew Luck and Landry Jones. But if Boise State can run the table, he has a chance.

4. Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Last Week: 167 yards 3 TDs Next Week: vs Arkansas

Comments: After a low rushing output in the first game of the season, Richardson has really stepped up his game. In a huge blowout win against North Texas Richardson was unstoppable. His 167 yards was a career high. This Alabama offense continues to improve and Alabama has the makings of another National Championship. This upcoming weekend will be Richardson's toughest test. Arkansas comes to Alabama looking to knock em off. However Arkansas isn't known for their defense, so look for Richardson to continue his roll.

5. Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Last Week: 23-32 347 yards 3 TDs 1 INT Next Week: vs. South Dakota

Comments: Russell is a new comer to the rankings, but he has been nothing short of impressive for the Badgers. Wisconsin has always been known for a power running attack where the QB was mainly there to hand the ball off. But Wilson's presence has taken them to new heights. The Badger offense is now an explosive attack that can score at any moment. And with the Big 10 not looking the greatest so far, the Badgers could be on their way to a Big 10 Championship and a possible National Title. But what makes Wilson even more impressive is how bad NC State has looked without him.

Keep an Eye on

Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

Once a contender for the trophy, but Blackmon just hasn't had the season that many thought he'd be having. Now it isn't any fault of his own, defenses are keying in on him and QB Brandon Weeden is going elsewhere. Now I'm not ready to say Blackmon is done, but he is going to need a huge game in College Station against Texas A&M to get some buzz back.

Robert Griffin III QB Baylor

I really want to have RG3 in the top 5, but have we heard much from the talented QB lately? Ever since Baylor's big win against TCU they haven't been on TV and Griffin just isn't getting the buzz you need to win a Heisman Trophy. A big reason is playing the likes of Rice and Stephen F. Austin. Griffin needs Big 12 conference play to start soon.

LeMichael James RB Oregon

Despite 231 yards of total offense James is still hurting from his bad game against LSU. For James to get back into the mix the Ducks are going to have to beat Stanford and have Luck and Landry Jones to struggle. Just don't see it happening.

Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina

With 246 yards and 3 TDs Marcus Lattimore has picked up where he left off last year. Lattimore is arguably the best running back in the nation and a big reason why South Carolina is a legit contender for an SEC Championship. However he'll only go as far as his team will. If the Gamecocks can knock off the SEC elite then could we see another running back taking home the hardware?

David Wilson RB Virginia Tech

88 yards and a touchdown isn't really the type of stats we've been use to seeing out of Wilson, but VaTech continues to roll and as long as they are undefeated he'll be a dark horse candidate for New York.

Heisman Watch (Week 2)

Week 2 is in the books, and there isn't much change from last week. All the top players either had a week off or continued their typical good performances. However next week there could be some changes. Oklahoma travels to Florida State which could shake up the standings.

1. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Last Week: Bye Next Week: @Florida State

Comments: Landry Jones didn't play this week, but next week could be his biggest game of the young season. Florida State is getting a lot of hype around the nation and if Jones can replicate what he did last year against them (380 yards 4 TDs) then he can entrench himself in the #1 spot for a while.

2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Last Week: 20/28 290 yards 4 TDs Next Week: @Arizona

Comments: After a slow start Andrew Luck and Stanford ended up rolling Duke in route to throwing for 4 TDs which ties his career high. Its was another strong performance by Luck whose sole INT came when the ball deflected off his receivers hands to a defender. Next week Luck travels to Arizona and faces off against the Wildcats in their first Pac 12 game of the year. Arizona struggled against Oklahoma State's passing attack, so Luck shouldn't have any issues putting up some impressive numbers.

3. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

Last Week: 128 yards 2 TDs Next Week: vs Tulsa

Comments: In a game that was never really close, Blackmon continued to show that he is contender for the Heisman Trophy. Against Arizona's over matched defense, Blackmon made up for no TDs last week and came away with 2 to go along with his 128 yards. Next week the Cowboys face off against in state Tulsa who struggled against Oklahoma in week 1. Look for Blackmon to go off against the Golden Hurricanes and keep him in the trophy hunt.

4. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: Bye Next Week: @Toledo

Comments: The didn't play this week after their big win against Georgia. However the nation is still talking about Boise State and that is only a good thing for Moore in his quest to lead the Broncos to the National Title game and a shot at the Heisman Trophy. Next week Moore faces off against Toledo who gave Ohio State fits this past weekend. However Boise State and Moore thrives on weekday games and shouldn't have any problems. Look for Moore to complete a high percentage of his passes and put up around 250 yards in a route of the MAC foe. Just the usual.

5. Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Last Week: 111 yards 2 TDs Next Week: vs North Texas

Comments: After a previous week of only rushing for 37 yards, Richardson was back to his old ways and eclipsed the 100 yard mark in a win over top 25 ranked Penn State. With a young QB in AJ McCarron running the show, the Crimson Tide are going to be relying on Richardson to carry the load for them. If Richardson continues what he has done so far the Tide should be back in the National Title hunt for another year. Next week Richardson faces off against Sun Belt opponent North Texas which should be a game where he can pad his stats.

Keep an Eye on

Robert Griffen III QB Baylor

After their impressive win opening week against TCU, the Bears had a much needed week off to get their heads ready for the rest of the season. The next three games for the Bears should be cakewalks which will allow RG3 to load up the stats to gain the attention of the Heisman votes so they don't forget about the TCU game.

LeMichael James RB Oregon

James had a great day on Saturday. He had 181 total yards with 3 touchdowns. However he is starting to get overshadowed by two of his teammates, QB Daniel Thomas and RB DeAnthony Thomas. But his poor performance against LSU will always stick with him.

Daniel Thomas QB Oregon

In his second year as the starter Thomas has been nothing short of spectacular. He was good against LSU, and against Nevada he was even better throwing for 295 and 6 TDs. Right now he is best player on that team and could get the Heisman hype.

David Wilson RB Virginia Tech

Wilson had another solid game in a win against East Carolina. He rushed for 138 yards. His strong play and an easy schedule for the Hokies will give him a shot to be a Heisman finalist.

EJ Manuel QB Florida State

I'm not as high on FSU as a lot of other people are, but its hard not to give credit for how EJ Manuel has been playing. In their win he threw for 329 and 4 TDs. But next week will be their season. If the Seminoles can edge out Oklahoma and Manuel has a good game he can get vaulted into the top of the rankings. But that is easier said then done.

Heisman Watch (Week 1)

1. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma
Last Week: 375 yards 1 TD Next Week: Bye
Comments: It was easy pickens for Jones this past weekend. He had no trouble picking apart the Tulsa defense in route to 375 yards through the air. He only threw for one touchdown, but he'll have plenty more chances over the course of the season to improve on that mark. Next week the Sooners will be off, but they'll be getting ready for Florida State in week 3. That showdown will be a great opportunity for Jones to make an big impression on Heisman voters.

2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
Last Week: 171 yards passing 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD Next Week: @Duke
Comments: It wasn't a great statistical day for Luck, but when your blowing out a WAC school your not really going to play too deep into the 2nd half. Luck got the job done. He was very efficient throwing 17-26 for 171 yards and two TD throws. He also ran another one in for good measures. Next week Luck and the Cardinal will travel to Duke where he should have another opportunity to put up some numbers in a blow out win. It will be week 3 where he gets his first tough match up against Arizona. But the season will all come down to their match up against conference rival Oregon.

3. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
Last Week: 144 yards 0 TD Next Week: vs Arizona
Comments: Last season Blackmon scored a touchdown in every game that he played in. In his first game this season he went TDless. Hold off on sounding the alarms, he'll be fine. He'll get plenty of opportunities to find the endzone throughout the season.Blackmon is such a dominant receiver that no matter how many defenders focus their attention to him, he'll produce. Next week the Cowboys face off against Arizona on Thursday night. That will be a great opportunity for Heisman voters to see him on a national stage where he can grab their attention.

4. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: 261 yards 3 TDs 1 INT Next Week: @Toledo
Comments: I'll say the same thing that I said last year. For Kellen Moore to win the Heisman Trophy he is going to need to lead the Broncos to a undefeated record and be in contention for a National Title game. Boise State's win against Georgia is a great first step towards this process. He threw for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 14 point victory. The win and performance by Moore has the nation talking. However Boise's schedule is pretty weak with only TCU being the toughest game left. And after their loss to Baylor everybody knows that they aren't the team they have been.

5. Trent Richardson RB Alabama
Last Week: 37 yards 3 TDs Next Week: @Penn State
Comments: Richardson is a lot of people's preseason Heisman favorite and he did score 3 touchdowns, but only rushed for 37 yards on 13 carries. Not the stats you would assume he'd get in a route of Kent State, but when the defense loads up the box to stop the run and make a new QB beat them its understandable. Richardson will have next week's match up at Penn State to show a national audience what he is really made of. Look for Richardson to bounce back from this low yardage to torch the Nittny Lions in a Alabama win.

6. LeMichael James RB Oregon
Last Week: 54 yards 1 TD Next Week: vs Nevada
Comments: Not a great first game for the 2011 Heisman finalist. He did rush for 54 yards and an early touchdown. But an injury really limited his effectiveness and forced the Ducks to play a true freshman at RB. I wouldn't panic if I were James or Ducks fans. LeMichael James and the Ducks will bounce back from this loss and have a great shot to run the table. Stanford and USC are the only two teams that they could run into trouble with. Next week James should be able to put up huge numbers against a Nevada team that could struggle this year.

Keep an eye on

Daniel Thomas QB Oregon
In the loss against LSU Thomas threw for 240 yards with a TD and an INT. If the Ducks can bounce back from this loss and run the table, Thomas should be right back in the hunt for the Heisman Trophy.

Robert Griffen QB Baylor
RG3 was well known by the Big 12 schools, but an impressive showing in an upset win againstTCU really showed the national how good he is. I'm not ready to go all in on him yet, but 359 yards and 5 touchdowns is a pretty good way to start of the season.

David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Wilson isn't well known by many, but you'll get to know him this year. The speedster isbenefiting from Darren Evans and Ryan Williams leaving for the NFL and now that he is the man he showed on Saturday. He rushed for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Hokies in a win against Appalachian State. The Hokies have a very easy schedule and have a great shot at running the table. If they do that, Wilson could get a ton of exposure.

Robert Woods WR USC
The Trojans didn't have an impressive win, but Woods really got a lot of attention in the game. Woods set the USC record for catches in a game with 17 and added 177 yards and 3 touchdowns. Woods is extremely talented and should get plenty of opportunities to show off his talents this year.

Geno Smith QB West Virginia

Despite playing in a shortend game, Geno Smith was able to put up big numbers in a route of rival Marshall. Smith threw for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. Smith looked very comfortable playing in Dana Holgerson's spread offense and he'll get plenty of opportunities to put up big numbers throughout the season. If the Mountaineers can win the conference and get some big wins throughout the season he could have a shot at making an appearance in New York City.

Preseason All Big 12 Team

After doing both the Big 10 and Big 12 Predictions, I've decided to add my preseason all conference teams in with the predictions. So since this wasn't included in with the predictions....here is my Preseason All Big 12 Team.

Offense

QB: Landry Jones, Oklahoma

RB: Cyrus Gray, Texas A&
RB: Roy Finch, Oklahoma
TE: Michael Egnew, Missouri
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
T: Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State
G: Austin Wuebbels, Missouri
C: Ben Habern, Oklahoma
G: Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech
T: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State

Defense
DE: Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
DT: Kheeston Randall, Texas
DT: Jamarkus McFarland, Oklahoma
DE: Brad Madison, Missouri
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB: Emmanuel Acho, Texas
LB: Zavier Goodon, Missouri
CB: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
S: Blake Gideon, Texas
S: Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
CB: Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma

Specialists
K: Grant Ressel, Missouri
P: Quinn Sharpe, Oklahoma State
KR/PR: Josh Cooper, Oklahoma State