2012 QB Class

I think people like CB59 probably voices what many people think or believe inside. I think some of the reasons for such stereotype is due to the following:

1) Blacks on average score lower on SAT tests than whites (and other standardized tests)
The Black-White Test Score Gap: Why It Persists and What Can Be Done - Brookings Institution (http://www.brookings.edu/articles/1998/spring_education_jencks.aspx)

2) Blacks are viewed as better athletes than whites generally.

My guess is many people view the black quarterback as one who's superior athletically, but lacks the intelligence to develop into a complete quarter back. We also see a good deal of kids coming from broken homes and bad environments that do lack the education and proper upbringing, which also feeds the stereotypical picture of the black athlete.

I think the problem with the "athletic" quarterback starts long before college even rolls around. Even from the time of middle/high school, these kids generally are better athletes than the guys around them. Coaches then have them use those skills to win games instead of teaching them the true fundamentals and form. As long as the coaches are winning games, they don't care if his fundamentals/form are there. Otherwise, a guy like Tim Tebow doesn't go through 4 years of college without having his mechanics changed. Urban Meyer didn't give a shit about his mechanics because Tebow was running all over the place.

For guys like Peyton Manning or Dan Marino, that simply wasn't a option. They had to focus more on the form of passing to elevate their game at the position, and having a NFL QB as a dad probably helped with the instruction from as a small child.

For me, it's different. I don't think Cam Newton is a dummy because he's black. I think Cam Newton is a dummy because he had to cheat in Florida to get by with academics. Watching his interview with Jon Gruden made me cringe. I also think Tim Tebow is a dummy as well and he's white. They say Wonderlic scores aren't a good gauge, but I say otherwise.

Bottom line, I think the most important qualities for a NFL quarterback to have is:

1) Intelligence
2) Accuracy
3) Reaction time (progression reads/quick release)

Sure having a big gun and fast wheels makes for a great combo as well, but we've seen QBs become Hall of Famers without those two traits. In the end, we need to take away the color from a player and focus on their strengths and weaknesses. They are all unique and vary from person to person, regardless of their color.

Based on what you're alluding to we should draft an Asian QB since they blow the doors off of anyone when it comes to IQ and standardized tests?

From Walter's Football:

Matt Barkley*, USC
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2012): Top 10 Pick.
10/21/11: Barkley has been excellent this season. He has had some record-setting passing games against the likes of Arizona and Minnesota. Barkley had a rough game against Arizona State, but aside from that game he has shown a lot of improvement in 2011. Barkley has made strides with his accuracy, decision-making and reduced his turnovers. For the season, he has completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,782 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.

8/18/11: Barkley was getting tons of hype when he won the starting quarterback derby as a freshman. Last year, Barkley's star was diminished as USC dealt with the sanctions from the NCAA and a terrible defense that struggled to keep the opposition out of the end zone. Despite the chaos around him, Barkley improved as a sophomore.

In his first year as a starter, he completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,735 yards and 15 touchdowns. Barkley also threw 14 interceptions and his decision making was questionable at times. Last year in 12 games, he improved his production by completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 2,791 yards with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. If Barkley can continue the trend and increase his touchdowns while reducing his interceptions, he could seal his status as high first-rounder.

Barkley has a strong arm and a good feel as a pocket passer. Helping him in his preparation for the NFL is playing in a pro-style offense. He also has strong leadership skills in the locker room. If Luck's numbers decline without Harbaugh, it wouldn't be surprising to hear some start touting Barkley as the top quarterback for the 2012 draft.

Got to watch Tannehill play again yesterday. And again I wasnt impressed.

Anyone see Kellen play last night? Dude throws 5 tds and looks like hes just bored out there.

RGIII/Moore is the QB ticket id endorse for the draft. RG in the first, Moore in the 3rd.

^ I'd be happy with that. I saw Tannehill play too and wondered what the fuss was all about. He didn't look very accurate to me. Of course they were playing in 30 mph winds and Jones didn't look great either.

I didn't know Tannehill is a converted WR with so few starts at QB.

From Walter's Football:


# Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
10/21/11: Tannehill has had some massive games in 2011. He also has had some bad performances in the second half of games that contributed to the Aggies blowing big leads and losing big games to Oklahoma State and Arkansas. For the season, Tannehill has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,742 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has run for 231 yards and three scores. Tannehill has a strong arm with the potential to grow into an accurate passer. He also has excellent mobility from his days as a wide receiver. Tannehill needs to make up for a lot of lost time to learn the mental necessities of the position. Others rate him higher, but he has only 13 starts at quarterback. If Tannehill stays healthy, he'll enter the NFL with only 20 collegiate starts at quarterback. Tannehill has a first-round skill set, but he is going to need a lot of grooming at the NFL level. However, the unknown of if Tannehill can handle it pushes up the riskiness of picking him. That could cause him to be a second-day pick.

8/18/11: After playing wide receiver in 2008 and 2009, Ryan Tannehill became the starting quarterback during the 2010 season. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,638 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games at quarterback. The background as a wide receiver can be seen in the athletic Tannehill. He is an elusive runner with deceptive speed. Tannehill needs more time to develop as a signal caller. His accuracy and mechanics are definitely a work in progress. For a team looking for a developmental, backup quarterback who could contribute in a Wildcat package, Tannehill could be a good mid-round pick. He is a gamer and should impress coaching staffs in pre-draft meetings.

Jones is coming back to OU (word on the street anyway)

Jones is coming back to OU (word on the street anyway)

And so it begins. Soon after Barkley will follow as will Robert Griffin III making 2013 THE GREATEST QB CLASS OF ALL TIME!

I say we go with Barkley (that's if we don't have to give up to much to move up). Robert Griffin III is very impressive too. I'll be content with either of those 2.
Excellent performance from both Barkley and Griffin. I would love to have either one.

I'm still monitoring how St. Louis and Indy do this year. I heard from Michael Lombardi that if the Colts got the number one pick, and Peyton checks out as healthy, the colts would trade it. I know that if the Rams got the number one pick, they wouldn't take Andrew. The teams to worry about are the Cardinals and Dolphins. I really feel that we have a decent (25-45%) chance of getting Andrew Luck. I'd trade 2 firsts for him in a heartbeat.

I'm still monitoring how St. Louis and Indy do this year. I heard from Michael Lombardi that if the Colts got the number one pick, and Peyton checks out as healthy, the colts would trade it. I know that if the Rams got the number one pick, they wouldn't take Andrew. The teams to worry about are the Cardinals and Dolphins. I really feel that we have a decent (25-45%) chance of getting Andrew Luck. I'd trade 2 firsts for him in a heartbeat.

We are absolutely not going to get Andrew Luck.. Let's face that right now.

I want Barkley, and there are times when I find him more impressive.