2011 NFL Draft

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Dan Shonka, our honorary NFL Scout for the Warpath (but not the scout(s) who provides me with some inside info in case you thought he was), sent me these notes on Gabbert, Locker, and Ponder in order of preference

Blaine Gabbert

Delivers the ball suddenly to his receivers. No delay. Athletic and mobile. Stands tall in the pocket. Plays in a spread ball control passing attack.

Jake Locker
Outstanding athletic ability and a quick release.
May be best in a play action offense

Christian Ponder
Has had durability problems, but like Locker may be featured in a play action offense. A good ball control passer who is mobile enough to buy time with his feet. Tough and
smart.

I would love to hear what Dan sees as the downside on each, and at what draft position he would take each one.

Gabbert, Newton, and Locker all have a ton of negatives and strong bust potential IMO. No way I risk a 1st rounder on any of those three. Ponder, McElroy, Dalton all seem to be game managers at best, I'd rather wait into the 3rd round (if we can rustle up a pick somehow) and grab one of the three. Kaepernick I can see a high upside, I think I'd risk the 41st pick on him if we can't fill an immediate need (NT, OLB, CB, G, T) with an starting caliber player.