This may be one of the most exciting drafts in recent history and so much speculation is circulating as to who the top QB in this year's draft will be. This much hype hasn't been thrown in the air since the Manning/Leaf Draft years ago. We all know how that turned out as Manning has become a future Hall of Fame quarterback and Ryan Leaf is flipping burgers at McDonalds.
With that said, here our my pics for the top three quarterbacks in this year's draft in true draft selection order.
#1 Overall Quarterback and #3 Overall Pick: Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart is a standout and a 2004 Heisman Trophy winner from USC. Leinart has won two National championships under his reign and is proving people why he should be the first quarterback taken in this year's draft. Not only that, but Matt will have to live up to Ryan Leaf hype coming out of college. No I am not comparing Leinart to Leaf but the hype is awefully similar to that Ryan's and the pressures will be there and much larger. Leinart has the best supporting cast around him including college stand-out Reggie Bush and the projected #1 pick in this year's draft. Leinart hasn't faced much adversity in college compared to some of his peers such as Young and Culter but may prove to be the most solidified pick in this year's draft, outside of Mario Williams and Reggie Bush. The question remains as to who he goes to - either New York and Tennessee. The Titans owner Bud Adams seems hell-bent on drafting a QB with the #3 overall pick and this may be out of GM Floyd Reese's hands this time around. Look for Tennessse to draft a quarterback at #3 and watch it be #11 Matt Leinart.
#2 Overall Quarterback and #4 Overall Pick: Vince Young
It's no suprise that people began bashing the National Champion QB Vince Young after winning it all this year at the University of Texas. With someone that has as much talent and potential as Young, the nay-sayers are quick to come out of the wood works. In this case, it may be somewhat justified as he is the more risky pick in this year's draft with the potential to either bloom in the NFL and become an MVP and Hall of Famer but also has the Ricky Williams type ora about him that would cause some NFL teams to not trade up to take the risk. Don't be suprised however if someone trades up to the #2 pick to get Young anyways. And while the New York Jets are the last team in the league that needs ANOTHER Quarterback, look for them to begin their offensive rebuilding with the talents of Young at the healm.
#3 Overall Quarterback and #10 Overall Pick: Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler is one of the most hyped and most potential busts in this year's draft. While I am not underestimating his talents by any means, the pure fact that he played for Vanderbilt may haunt his career. A school known more for academics and less for their football potential, Cutler was a stand out at the school and proved he could play at the position and play well. His arm strength is probably tops in the draft this year surpassing that of Young and Leinart. His quickness on his feet and ability to get out of the pocket when needed are some of his best assets, yet he never had the opportunity to truly shine without the support cast that Leinart and Young had. Regardless, Cutler may be a Favre-type quarterback in some regards but don't expect him to knock your socks off in his first few years in the league. He is a solid choice at the position but may be more of a risk that his two QB predecessors. With that said, I believe he will go higher than #17 which is where I originally projected him, just from his workouts with NFL teams and the hype now surrounding him - not to mention he is going to be the one of only three or possibly 4 QBs taken in the first round. Overall, Cutler has a chance to suceed in the NFL and has been fire-tested in depths of hell that is Vandy football. Look for him to make an early entrance to the NFL draft but a possible early exit in the NFL.
Think I am wrong? Call me out then. Visit the BTB Community Forums or email me at michael@bringtheblitz.com. Until draft day...
Matt Leinart is a standout and a 2004 Heisman Trophy winner from USC. Leinart has won two National championships under his reign and is proving people why he should be the first quarterback taken in this year's draft. Not only that, but Matt will have to live up to Ryan Leaf hype coming out of college. No I am not comparing Leinart to Leaf but the hype is awefully similar to that Ryan's and the pressures will be there and much larger. Leinart has the best supporting cast around him including college stand-out Reggie Bush and the projected #1 pick in this year's draft. Leinart hasn't faced much adversity in college compared to some of his peers such as Young and Culter but may prove to be the most solidified pick in this year's draft, outside of Mario Williams and Reggie Bush. The question remains as to who he goes to - either New York and Tennessee. The Titans owner Bud Adams seems hell-bent on drafting a QB with the #3 overall pick and this may be out of GM Floyd Reese's hands this time around. Look for Tennessse to draft a quarterback at #3 and watch it be #11 Matt Leinart.
It's no suprise that people began bashing the National Champion QB Vince Young after winning it all this year at the University of Texas. With someone that has as much talent and potential as Young, the nay-sayers are quick to come out of the wood works. In this case, it may be somewhat justified as he is the more risky pick in this year's draft with the potential to either bloom in the NFL and become an MVP and Hall of Famer but also has the Ricky Williams type ora about him that would cause some NFL teams to not trade up to take the risk. Don't be suprised however if someone trades up to the #2 pick to get Young anyways. And while the New York Jets are the last team in the league that needs ANOTHER Quarterback, look for them to begin their offensive rebuilding with the talents of Young at the healm.