1. Kyler Murray (Oklahoma)– It’s one thing to come in and replace a Heisman trophy winner because you’ll be known as the guy replacing one of the best in Baker Mayfield. Kyler was up to the task though and ended up putting together a season to remember with an outstanding junior season which turned into him winning the 2018 Heisman. I became a fan of his when I got to sit down and really focus on him. Although he’s undersized, that didn’t mean anything to me. He’s a playmaker whether it’s from the pocket or out the pocket on the run. The moments seemed to never be too big for him. He knows how to remain composed in all situations. This kid can make all the throws. I see a mix of Russell Wilson and some Patrick Mahomes in him, especially when he throws the football on the run. I think Mahomes is an accurate comparison because of that baseball background both guys have. He throws such a catchable pass along with possessing a lively arm that can challenge safeties. Whoever drafts him, he will become an instant starter.
2. Dwayne Haskins (Ohio State)– I remember the first time I watched him play. He came in for an injured J.T. Barrett in the season finale of the 2017 season against the Michigan Wolverines. A year later, he takes the country by storm and puts together a phenomenal for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes. He’s a big kid standing tall at 6’3. What I enjoy about Dwayne’s game is that he’s a risk-taker. He has the arm strength to fit the football into those tight windows that most of the other quarterbacks in the class can’t make. He’s a true pocket passer that can move within the pocket. He makes game-changing throws and is never phased by anything he does. He can flick the football down the field and makes it look effortless and the ball explodes out his hands when it leaves his hands. He’s both physically and mentally tough with taking a series of hits to deliver the football. He displays a sturdy build to shake away from traffic in the pocket. The experience maybe minimal, but he’ll learn as time comes along.
3. Daniel Jones (Duke)– Whenever Duke is being discussed athletically, basketball is always the first thing to come up of course. David Cutcliffe has done a terrific job at bringing the football program back to relevance. Scouts have really paid attention to the work he’s done to help groom Daniel into the best quarterback he can be. He’s not the most athletic guy, but he does so many things well. He’s a three-year starter that can operate with a wide variety of mechanics. He doesn’t have the special arm talent, but he can make those accurate passes and hit his receivers in stride. It helps when your head coach is considered a “QB Guru”. He did more with less at the skill position this year. He can hang in the pocket even with pressure being thrown in his face all over. He can also adjust his pre-snap plan to read the blitz and exploit open coverages. He’s made comparisons to Ryan Tannehill.
4. Will Grier (West Virginia)– This guy! When I think of someone who’s a gamer, I think of Will Grier. His collegiate career had some bumps in the road. He was suspended by the NCAA in October 2015 for taking PED’s. When he returned, he felt unwanted by the Florida, he decided to transfer to West Virginia where he became a star and had some memorable years. When I watched him, I saw a guy who had instant command of his offense. He ran it perfectly. I saw a football player who could make all the passes and hit his receivers down the field no matter who they were. He plays the position with an attacking and downfield mindset. I often think of two games this past season against Texas and Oklahoma, the classes of the Big-12 where he found himself making plays late to keep the Mountaineers in the game. Any team that selects him could be selecting a guy who could be their starter for many years to come.
5. Drew Lock (Missouri)– I see some Matt Stafford in him. The first thing I noticed about him on the tape was the ability to scan and process with good quickness. He throws the football with serious anticipation and he’s challenging when it comes to throwing the ball down the field. His deep ball throws give his receivers a chance to make a play on the ball. He’s very mobile and moves away well from pressure and edge rushers. Drew maintains great vision down the field even while on the run out the pocket.
