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There is a growing movement in the Dynasty community toward “devy” players. The term “devy” refers to developmental players carried on the dynasty league rosters. These devy players are usually college players but can even be high school athletes. Each week, we will look at a different set of devy rankings.
The quarterback position is a difficult one to project a player into the NFL. While some players are easy, like Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota last year, many are not so easy. Look how many first round quarterbacks flop. But, on the other hand, how many non-first rounders become stars? Very few. When we peel back the layers to examine why this is true, one fact always rises to the top: the NFL measures the exterior of a quarterback, ensuring certain size requirements, but has not found a way to measure the heart, desire to learn and get better, and the ability process quickly before the snap. Look at a couple of excellent Day 2 quarterbacks: Drew Brees and Russell Wilson. When looking just at size, these two do not measure up. Neither is especially tall. What else do they have in common? Well, each is very smart and understands how to attack opposing defenses. When we look at quarterback prospects, these non-measurable qualities are what separated Peyton Manning from Ryan Leaf. We know how that turned out.
This series of articles focuses on players who should be considered on their respective NFL prospects not college production. In this article, we will take a look at the top quarterback prospects who will be eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft. Also, keep in mind that one or more of the quarterbacks eligible to turn pro this spring will actually stay in school. Certainly, both Christian Hackenberg and Cardale Jones could use another year in college to improve as a player.
5. Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State) – The 6'4”, 220 pound Sophomore has been inconsistent for coach Mike Gundy. In his first full season leading the Cowboys offense, Rudolph has played well at times and struggled others. Yes, there have been some questionable decisions, but the potential is there. He will put up big numbers this season while trying to keep pace with the prolific pass offenses and swiss cheese defenses of the Big 12. On the road, against a stout West Virginia defense, Rudolph played poorly, completing just half of his 40 pass attempts for 218 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns. While the Cowboys won the game, the team needs more from its quarterback in order to compete with the conference elite.
4. Seth Russell (Baylor) – Russell has put up gaudy numbers while replacing Bryce Petty. Many did not have high expectations for the 6'2”, 220 pound redshirt Junior. He is now a Top 5 candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Russell was pulled at halftime in the big victory versus Kansas after throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns in two quarters. With highly recruited Freshman Jarrett Stidham waiting in the wings, Russell may turn pro after the season. The Baylor star may like his chances after the record-breaking season. He will be 22 years old in January which could contribute to the decision. But, at the end of the day, will the NFL teams discount the production because of the scheme? This is the reason we have him slated with the 2017 class.
3. Brad Kaaya (Miami, FL) – Kaaya started slowly as a Freshman, but played very well down the stretch. The game against Florida State last year was especially memorable. The 6'4”, 210 pound Sophomore has a big-time arm and is not afraid to throw down the field. After the loss of Phillip Dorsett, Clive Walford, and Duke Johnson Jr, Miami lacks weapons in the passing game. This puts even more pressure on the youngster to carry the offense. Kaaya is efficient as a passer and stands strong in the pocket. He played very well against Florida State this past week, almost orchestrating an upset. Kaaya threw for 405 yards and three scores in the contest.
2. Deshaun Watson (Clemson) – Watson is one of the more electric players in college football. He has a rifle for an arm and is not afraid to throw the ball into tight spaces. His size, 6'3”, 188 pounds, is a concern for many after Watson's lengthy injury history. The Sophomore is a weapon as a runner and passer. His lack of size has stirred debate due to Watson's willingness to run in the open field. Watson is young, turning 20 years old three weeks ago. Shockingly, Watson completed almost 75% of his passes through the first four games of the season, a truly remarkable statistic. Injury is the only thing standing in the way of a Top 5 selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. His bevy of great receivers will only help the cause.
1. Kyle Allen (Texas A&M) – Even in a very talented draft class, the 6'4”, 195 pound Allen is a star. The Sophomore is just 19 years old does not turn 20 until March. The Aggies thought youngster Kyler Murray would challenge Allen but the incumbent's strong play has solidified his position as the leader of the Texas A&M offense. Allen has a strong arm and can make all of the throws. Yes, he needs to bulk up his frame, but that will come with age. He is still very young.
Honorable Mention
Max Browne (USC) – The 6'5”, 220 pound redshirt Sophomore is biding his time behind Cody Kessler. Kessler is the leader of the Trojans offense, even during this less-than-successful season. After Kessler moves on, the highly-touted Browne will battle freshman Sam Darnold for the 2016 starting job. Browne has the pedigree to step into the role, filled with great play-makers. Keep in mind a coaching change could alter Browne's status as heir apparent.
Anu Solomon (Arizona) – Solomon is a quarterback prospect who does not get much national press while playing at Arizona. He suffered a concussion against UCLA on September 26, and missed the following game against Stanford. Going into the game Saturday against Oregon State, Solomon had a 11/0 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The 6'2”, 208 pound redshirt Sophomore could be a long-term NFL backup. Solomon may not have the size to be a starter, but possesses solid athleticism, decision-making, and above-average arm strength. He just is not elite enough in these areas to be a top draft pick.
Paxton Lynch (Memphis) – The redshirt Junior is a massive human being at 6'6”, 230 pounds, drawing comparisons to Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger and Nick Foles. Lynch could come out this year, but we hope he stays in school one more year. One reason why Lynch could come out, even though he would benefit from another year at the collegiate level, is the lack of quality quarterbacks in the 2016 Quarterback draft class compared to those in 2017 listed above. At this time, the 2017 draft class looks strong. But, this is not a great reason to come out before ready … and Lynch is not ready.
Ryan Finley (Boise State) – Finley is a lesser known prospect who could emerge as a legitimate prospect by next season. He is a redshirt Sophomore who has looked good. Finley broke his ankle in a game against Idaho State in September and should be out until around Thanksgiving. The injury could make the decision to stay in school one more year an easy one for the 6'3”, 200 pound Finley. He,too, needs to add bulk to his frame this offseason.
Wes Lunt (Illinois) – Lunt transferred from Oklahoma State after being beat out by Mason Randolph during the 2014 season. The 6'4”, 225 pound quarterback is far from a given to be drafted. He is a redshirt Junior after transferring and has already celebrated his 22nd birthday. Many are touting Lunt after his strong showing early this season against far inferior competition. At Oklahoma State, he had a reputation for wilting under pressure. This could happen once Illinois begins playing the better conference teams. He is another player on this list who could turn professional after the season but it would not be a good idea.
Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma) – The redshirt Junior makes plays. He has a certain charisma about him that allows Mayfield to be the leader for the Sooners. The 6'1”, 214 pounder is savvy and makes non-traditional plays. Most will remember the huge comeback victory at Tennessee earlier in the season. Yes, Mayfield had an off game against Texas Saturday considering that he was averaging well over 300 passing yards per game before Saturday. He definitely needs to stay in school one more year to work on becoming more consistent with his reading of defenses and pocket presence. Mayfield gets anxious in the pocket, even without major pressure. The lack of a viable running game against the Longhorns only put more pressure on the fidgety quarterback. This is where more experience and another offseason can help.
That will do it for the 2017 Quarterback Draft Class. Next week, we will look at the top running backs of the 2017 Draft Class.
Feel free to email me (Tefertiller@Footballguys.com) with feedback. Also, I am on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/JeffTefertiller), LinkedIn, and Google+, so you can ask me questions on one of these as well.