2008 Rookie Rankings: Quarterbacks (Post Draft)

Overview: Ryan is a great NFL prospect. Two great years as a starter at the college where he succeeded despite a lack of talent at the Wide Receiver position. His signature was keeping plays alive with his feet, and then making a throw to the open man. Should develop into a franchise quarterback at the next level.

Effect of Draft: Ryan landed on a team that should make him the starter by week five. That is the good news…..the bad news? This team gives him few weapons, and the line is iffy. Still he is the best prospect for an impact player in this group.

Overview: This 4 year starter at the college level in a high quality program. Throws a nice ball, and can make all the throws on the field. Has problems with pressure, and can take unnecessary sacks.

Effect of Draft: Many would have expected Flacco here, but I think he needs more time to develop then Henne. I give Henne a 50/50 chance of starting for the dolphins by year’s end. Just a hunch, and the fact that Henne is NFL ready given his experience.

3. Joe Flacco, 6-6, 232, Baltimore (Prior Ranking #6):

Great arm, but a little too tall. His footwork and pocket presence need major work, and his level of competition was poor in college. Still he has an amazing arm and was drafted based on this.

Effect of the Draft: Landed on a team that needs a QB of the future, but the future is not 2008. Look for him to develop on the bench and start in 2009.

4. John David Booty, 6-1, 213, Minnesota (Prior Ranking #7): Solid ability, but no upside. What you see is what you get. Classic back-up QB who could travel the league as a back-up for years.

Effect of the Draft: Booty has very limited upside, but is very game ready for a west-coast offense. He can manage a game, just don’t ask him to win the game. If T. Jackson struggles, the Vikings could put the game in A. Peterson’s hands and tell Booty not to lose it.

Overview: Three year starter who exploded with 71 TD’s in the last two years. Throws a good ball, and can make all the throws on the field. Has a poor release that will need to be fixed at the next level.

Effect of Draft: Landed in a spot where he will likely be the number two by the end of the season. One a team that has talent on both sides of the ball, he could manage the game in a pinch.

Overview: A three year starter who produced above average TD’s and yards and a spread offense. Good touch and a solid leader on the field. Does not have the arm strength you would like to see at the next level.

Effect of the Draft: Stuck behind a young up and coming quarterback. Not the best spot for Brohm to have an impact. On the other hand, Rodgers has a poor injury history….

Overview: Two year starter in an explosive offense. He made the office click at a high level, and the offense crashed when he was not on the field. He is as good of a runner as a passer.

Effect of the Draft: I love Dixon’s talent, but being stuck behind a young, Super Bowl winning QB that just signed a long-term deal. Look for him to be the back-up by 2009, and become trade bait by 2010. This guy has great skills if you can stash him for two years.

Overview: Experienced quarterback, but poor arm. He will be added as a depth prospect.

Effect of the Draft: Needs time to develop, but lands on a team without an established starter. If the Jets end up playing QBBC due to poor performances, Ainge will get a chance.

Overview: Product of a system, who has performed poorly against elite competition. Development prospect that will either become a star or be out of the NFL with 2-3 years.

Effect of Draft: This is a good landing spot for Brennan, he should have a chance to win the number two spot, and still have time to develop on the bench with little pressure.

10. Kevin O’Connell, 6’5, 225, New England (Prior Ranking, None):