QBFS 2021 Big Board: The Quarterback Edition

Well it is that time of the year, the most wonderful time of the year for draftnik's. Over the next two weeks we will be doing position by position big boards and analyzing the players. This will all culminate in the assembling of the first ever QBFS Top 100 big board.

As quarterback is the most important position in football, and our namesake, it's only right to start there. This is an exceptional QB class with a generational talent and the potential for 4 to 5 more starting quality quarterbacks. We will be reviewing the top 10 QBs in this draft class, as always remember that scouting is subjective. Just because I like a prospect does not mean the Mel Kiper’s and Daniel Jeremiah’s of the world will feel the same way, and just because they feel a certain way does not mean NFL teams will feel the same way. Enough small talk, there is a lot to cover so let's dive in to this class of QBs. Number 1 on this list should be a surprise to nobody.

1.Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, Jr.

Let's all be real for a minute here, the number one prospect was never in doubt. There isn't too much to be said about the guy who’s play has spoken for itself. Trevor Lawerence has everything a scout could want in a QB. He has the size (6’6 220lb) he has the accuracy, the arm strength, the athleticism, the production and the winning pedigree. In his three seasons at Clemson he has been nothing short of sensational. He has a sparkling 90:17 TD to INT ratio, 943 rushing yards with another 18 TDs; and has completed nearly 67% of his passes. The stats that matter most are in the win/loss column though. Sunshine has a 39-2 record as the starter at Clemson, his only two losses coming in the 2019 National Championship game and the 2020 CFP semi finals. He is head and shoulders (and hair) above the competition, not only compared to the  quarterbacks in this class, but above every other QB prospect we have seen in the last 9 years since Andrew Luck. Let us all just hope The Jaguars and Urban Meyer don't ruin this football unicorn.

2. Zach Wilson, BYU, Jr.

Every year it seems like someone at the quarterback position takes a huge leap and emerges as a first round talent. This year is Brigham Young’s Zach Wilson, dubbed the Mormon Manziel. He was viewed by most as a day two or day three pick coming into this season, and he set out to prove the doubters wrong. He came out guns blazing this year and showed off his NFL ready accuracy and top notch mobility all season long at BYU. He put up career bests across the board torching defenses to the tune of 3,700 yards through the air, another 250 on the ground and 43 total TDs. His delivery of the ball is arguably his best trait, seeing that he can make all of the awkward throws from all different arm slots. He is decisive with the ball and always seems to know when to use his legs or throw the ball away. His arm strength and the competition he faced in his career aren't on par with TLaw or Justin Fields; but that doesn't mean he has a noodle arm and it's not like he is playing an FCS schedule. Some people are wary of the “1 year wonder” types but he has consistently gotten better every year he has been in the spotlight. If you believe in natural progression he is on track to make another leap as he transitions into the pro game. He has arguably the most upside of any quarterback in the class not named Trevor Lawrence, and the right coaching staff could elevate Wilson into a perennial pro bowl caliber talent.

3. Justin Fields, Ohio State, Jr.

At the conclusion of the 2019 season it seemed that Fields was a lock to be the second quarterback taken in the 2021 draft. He took a bit of a step back throughout the year with some pretty average performances, but when the lights were shining brightest Fields showed why he is held in such high regard by NFL front offices. He absolutely went off against Clemson in the CFP semis, posting 385 yards, 6 TDs and completing nearly 80% of his passes. His biggest highlight of the night was a play where he was destroyed by a Clemson defender and he continued on, finishing the game and leading OSU to a national championship appearance. Fields can throw the ball on a frozen rope and has great anticipation, he consistently throws to where his targets will be; which is a skill that is needed on Sundays. Fields is also a dangerous runner posting at least 250 yards and 4 TDs on the ground in each of his three seasons at OSU even when he wasn't a full time starter. Some have concerns about his completion percentage, turnovers with pressure in his face, and his reliance on his legs to get out of tough situations. There is pressure on almost every play in the NFL and QBs who bail out too early oftentimes find themselves on the IR. Some will also point to the less than dazzling history of Ohio State QBs in the NFL, from Bobby Hoying to Dwayne Haskins, the track record has not been pretty. Alas, Fields has all the physical gifts to excel at the next level, it's just a matter of harnessing them properly.

4. Mac Jones, Alabama, Redshirt Jr.

Our first graduate on the list, Mac Jones had to wait quite some time to get his chance to shine. When he got his shot, he grabbed the bull by the horns. Jones had to sit behind two NFL QBs during his time at Alabama, and maybe the sitting and watching paid off. In his first season as a starter Mac Jones lit college on fire, he put up 4,500 yards and a 41:4 TD/INT ratio; leading The Tide to yet another National Championship. Mac Jones has good size at 6’3 and 220 lbs, exceptional accuracy, and played against the best competition in the country down in the SEC. He has tons of poise in the pocket, consistently waiting till the last moment for the most optimal read, against some of the most ferocious pass rushers in the NCAA. His body of work is very limited, and he doesn't have the athleticism we’re seeing in so many of these young NFL QBs which could give scouts pause. We also can’t discount the fact that he had two first round WRs, the best running back in college football, and an offensive line with a handful of future pros surrounding him. It's so hard to get a true read on a quarterback when they are surrounded with so much talent, but he has shown enough to be considered among the classes best. The kid has a winning pedigree, makes quick decisions with the ball and could be a nice fit in a west coast style offense in the NFL.  

5. Trey Lance, North Dakota State University, Redshirt So.

Trey Lance is arguably the most enigmatic prospect, not only at the position, but in the whole draft class. Lance only has one year and one game of tape playing against FCS competition. His one full year really wowed pro scouts, posting an absolutely ridiculous stat line. He threw for 28 TDs with no interceptions, completed 67% of his passes, and chipped in another 1,100 yards and 14 TDs with his legs. He was seen as the next Carson Wentz coming into the 2020 season, a FCS QB who shined so bright he had to be a top 5 pick. This year derailed that hype train a bit, he played in only one game this year and the results were concerning to say the least. Against Youngstown State he completed only 50% of his passes for 149 yards and 2 TDs and 1 INT. He ran for 149 yards and 2 TDs but people really wanted to see more out of his lone performance this year. Lance certainly looks to have NFL ready size and the arm strength that coaches adore in a QB. His accuracy and low turnover ratio are also very enticing. But as with all small school players, level of competition is a pretty big concern. He also seems to be a one read QB and utilizes his legs when his first read isn't promising. He has the arm talent to make almost any throw, but you have to trust your arm and show enough poise to stick around long enough to make the throw.  Take into account that he only has one (tremendous) season on tape, and you can understand why someone so talented is slipping down some draft boards. If Lance makes it to the mid to late 1st round a team could find themselves with an ultra high upside player at a great value. If a QB desperate team reaches for him in the top 10 and he doesn't develop, he could go down as another QB who just couldn't put it all together. Lance is far and away the most polarizing QB, only time will tell how NFL teams feel about him.

6. Jamie Newman, Georgia, Sr.

Jamie Newman is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class, but his body of work is pretty limited, only having one full season as a starter. Newman played for Wake Forest his first three years in college. He redshirted his first year, and played only four games in his sophomore year before becoming the opening day starter in his junior year. He transferred to The University of Georgia for his senior season but he opted out due to the pandemic. He arguably lost the most stock of any player in the country by sitting out; if he would have shown even more growth against SEC competition he could easily be a top 50 pick.  Newman has an intriguing skill set. He is just as deadly with his legs as he is with his arm, and unlike most young athletic QBs such as Trey Lance or Sam Ehlinger; he doesn't revert to them when things get tough. He has tremendous arm strength, and a touch on the ball beyond his years. He is a solid 6’4 230lbs and doesn't take many big hits, so the durability issues that come with being a mobile quarterback aren't as concerning with Newman. There seems to be some concerns that he never played in a pro style offense, but it seems like Justin Herbert did just fine transitioning from a run and shoot. Newman can be a bit erratic when it comes to intermediate accuracy as well. Some of the problems come from less than ideal pocket footwork and sometimes it stems from putting too much on the ball. He has all the tools to become an NFL QB akin to Josh Allen. If the right team gets a hold of him, he could be one of the steals of the draft.

7. Kyle Trask, Florida, Sr.

Some players take a while to develop and reach their full potential. Kyle Trask is one of those players. A two year starter for the Gators, Trask didn't light the world on fire in his first season. He threw for 2,941 yards and 25 TDs and 7 INTs. He came on strong down the stretch of the 2019 season helping the Gators to a 11-2 record.He was viewed as a game manager, and most of the draft buzz around him was a day 3 pick who could translate into a serviceable backup. This year he really stepped his game up, Trask led the nation in passing TDs and was 2nd in passing yards, The Gators were looking like a lock for the playoffs until a late season stumble knocked them out of the mix. Trask has great size for an NFL QB checking in at 6’5 and a stout 240lbs. He has next to no mobility and a mid level arm which is really hampering his draft stock despite his production against the nations best conference. Some still see Trask as a backup level QB, but he has garnered some attention from teams who think they could help him take another leap forward in his development. If a team can help him get his footwork together and play to his strengths he could be a mid tier QB for a team in need of a game manager. Hes viewed as a safe pick who could possibly have a better career than someone like Lance, but has nowhere near the upside. Trask is looking firmly like a mid 2nd to early 3rd round pick.

8. Sam Ehlinger, Texas, Sr.

Sam Ehlinger was a four year starter at one of the premier football programs in football. From day 1 he showed the leadership you love to see out of a QB1. Ehlinger is pretty polarizing to many pro scouts. Some have him as a high potential guy who could become a Dak Prescott type with his talent level, some view him as a backup at best. It's not hard to see why some scouts really love the kid. He has shown poise throughout his career, he is a natural leader on and off the field being a finalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award, he has rushed for at least 370 yards in all four of his seasons at Texas. He is a heady football player consistently looking off coverage and making the right read more times than not. He has a very gifted arm when it comes to driving the ball but his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. He has a 62% career completion percentage against soft BIG12 defenses, which is a definite red flag. He also has a propensity to use his athleticism to escape bad situations instead of hanging in the pocket to deliver the ball to an open WR. He has a slower release than you would like to see, combine that with being under 6’2 and you could see a lot of balls batted down at the line. Overall Ehlingers athleticism, leadership, and intelligence could lead to him being a mid level starter in a best case scenario if he can clean up his delivery. But more than likely he will be a really nice backup with some spot starter capabilities.

9. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M, Sr.

Kellen Mond was a highly touted recruit out of high school, choosing to become an Aggie. He sat half of his freshman year in 2017 and when he did see action it came with mixed results. He entered the 2018 season as the starter and did not relinquish that role over the next three years at A&M. Mond is a solid athlete, he won't blow anyone out of the water in a foot race but he makes great use of the mobility he has to pick up a first down or extend a play. Arguably his best quality is his ability to throw on the run leading to some highlight worthy deep touchdowns. He has NFL caliber arm strength, pushing the ball down the field with relative ease and putting the required zip on balls to throw the comeback and out route.  Mond’s biggest knock is his accuracy, it has really been an issue for him with a career completion percentage under 60% and leading him to throw 27 INTs. It seems like Mond will top out as a long term project or a spot starter in the NFL, unless someone can really get his footwork and accuracy issues worked out fast.

10. Ian Book, Notre Dame, Sr.

Ian Book was a three year starter at Notre Dame and led them to three double digit win seasons and two CFP appearances. That type of resume would normally garner some serious draft buzz, but that is not the case for Ian Book. Book stands only 6 ft tall, has a slight frame and while he does a lot of things well, he doesn't have one spectacular trait that could transition at the next level. He is a very good athlete and can extend plays with the best of them, but sometimes a play shouldn't be extended; and quite a few avoidable sacks and turnovers stemmed from that. Besides his athleticism he doesn't really “wow” you. He has a decent arm in the mid range but will have trouble making all the throws at the next level. He can't push the ball down field the way you would like a pro quarterback to, and his deep accuracy is often hampered by him sacrificing his mechanics to get more air under the ball  He is a proven winner and leader, great qualities in a franchise QB; but unfortunately his lack of arm talent will limit what he can do on Sunday. I'm sure a team will take a late round flyer on him, but his days of meaningful football probably came to an end this season.