With the 2018 season about to kick off, who are some of the most talented draft eligible prospects in the country to look out for? We start off with the most important position in the game today. Is there a Duck among the top five? Here’s my list of top five quarterbacks. Keep in mind that these lists will be fluid as the season rolls along.
1. Justin Herbert 6’6 235 Oregon Junior
2017 Stats: 139/206 1,983 yards, 15 touchdowns, 5 interceptions 167.5 QBR
- Herbert has the arm talent to make all the big league throws. He also has the size and athleticism to make it at the next level. I would go out and say that he has one of the best arms in the entire class. Ball placement is scarily good for guy with all of 16 starts to his name. Throws receivers open on the regular. Solid accuracy when on the run. He can change arm angles to throw into tight windows. Footwork is generally on point even when pocket gets messy. The one thing I did notice is that he has a Phillip Rivers / Vince Young type of sidearm action when he throws. Quick and compact delivery with little wasted motion. The medical history isn’t ideal. He needs to prove that he can stay healthy for a full season. One glaring negative I’ve seen is that he’s seeing ghosts in the pocket at times. By that I mean, he has virtually no sense of pressure and throws too early on occasion. Hasn’t seen a pass he doesn’t love yet. Needs to find that fine line of living to fight another day instead of throwing it up in coverage. Footwork is somewhat sloppy as he tends to stay flat footed on some throws, causing balls to get away from him in terms of accuracy and strength. System fits could be worrisome for scouts at the next level.
Games Watched: 2017 vs Arizona State, 2017 vs Arizona, 2017 Civil War
2. Drew Lock 6’3 225 Missouri Senior
2017 Stats: 242/419 3,964 yards, 44 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 165.7 QBR
- Lock might have the strongest arm in the class. The deep ball is there for him. Pocket awareness is generally good. Arm is NFL ready. Can make every throw in the book. Nice quick and compact delivery. No wasted motion. Above average athlete that can make things happen on the move. What is his biggest negative? In a word, consistency. When it goes bad, it’s all over the place. He doesn’t have any touch at times and solely relies on his fastball to get through. Many of his throws were of the where the in the world are you throwing variety. He profiles as a Jake Locker. The stats between the two are very similar at the same point in their careers. Lock has a ton of work to do to improve as a passer. A career completion rate of 54.5%.
Games Watched: 2017 vs Tennessee, 2017 vs Arkansas
3. Ryan Finley 6’4 210 NC State RS Junior
2017 Stats: 311/478, 3,514 yards, 17 touchdowns, 6 touchdowns, 136.0 QBR
- Finley isn’t the most talented or athletic guy but he simply finds a way to get the job done. Has below average arm strength and can’t make all the throws it seems. Deep ball floats like a wounded duck. Intangibles are really good. Football IQ is solid. Knows how to move around in the pocket despite his athletic limitations. Projects as a solid game manager type of backup QB. He played really well against the big competition in the ACC. It will be interesting to see how he does in 2018.
Games Watched: 2017 vs Clemson, 2017 vs Florida State
4. Brian Lewerke 6’2 212 Michigan State RS Junior
2017 Stats: 246/417, 2,793 yards, 20 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 127.7 QBR
- Arm talent is a solid plus for him. He has displayed an above average arm to make all the necessary throws. A natural thrower when on the run. Doesn’t lose fundamentals in that area. Plus athlete that can extend plays and scramble when necessary. Football IQ is a plus. Spatial awareness is top notch. Gambles way too much and doesn’t realize the need to throw the ball away. Inexperienced as he has only played in 17 games in two years. Likely needs to get more reps as a RS Senior in 2019.
Games Watched: 2017 vs Northwestern, 2017 vs Ohio State
5. Will Grier 6’1 214 West Virginia RS Senior
2017 Stats: 250/388, 3,490 yards, 34 touchdowns, 12 interceptons, 162.7 QBR
- Grier is one of the best pocket passers in the class. He makes everything seem so effortless in terms of moving the pocket, making the right reads, and has enough arm talent to make the throws. Has enough athleticism to make things work when things are not on schedule. Footwork is a plus. The frame is a question that needs answering he’s listed at 6’1 214. Offensive scheme does not do him any favors as he plays in the Air Raid offense.
Games Watched: 2017 vs Va Tech, 2017 vs Kansas State