Riggo’s Rag quarter-season draft prospects position rankings
Quarterbacks
Honorable Mention: Dwayne Haskins – Ohio State
When it’s all said and done, Dwayne Haskins could very well be No. 1 on this list. He has a strong arm, with a feel for deep ball accuracy. He typically does well reading through his progressions, but can get caught locking in on a target every once in awhile. He has good size, but could stand to put on some muscle, and serviceable athleticism. If Haskins keeps performing at this rate, there’s no reason he can’t be the first quarterback taken. He takes care of the football and has shown the ability to drive down the field. I’m excited to see his growth for the rest of the season.
No. 5 – Deondre Francois – Florida State
I think in terms of natural ability to fit the ball in a tight window, Deondre Francois is the most natural. He can put some heat on it. Unfortunately, Florida State isn’t as good as their pedigree would expect them to be. The Willie Taggart era has gotten off to a rocky start, and in the sacrifice of Francois. I think once Francois gets into an NFL system, and develops his mind, he can be a great NFL passer.
No. 4 – Will Grier – West Virginia
Will Grier has started off the season as hot as anyone. He’s not gonna wow you with his measurables or athletic abilities, but he gets the job done. He moves the sticks, and can drive down the field. He puts the ball where he needs to and can throw it deep. Grier has led a very good Mountaineers offense for years, and will look to translate his college success to the NFL. Grier doesn’t have what some call a “trump” card. He doesn’t have any particular skill that will bail him out of a game, but he’s smart with the football and can command an offense. I’d be most comfortable starting Grier before any other quarterbacks in this class.
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No. 3 – Jarrett Stidham – Auburn
My preseason QB1, Jarrett Stidham has actually dropped in my rankings since the beginning of the season. I don’t think he’s played particularly well this season. He had an average game against Washington, and made a number of mistakes in his loss against LSU. Stidham has an NFL arm, and has shown he can compete at the highest level with wins last year against teams like Alabama and Georgia. If Stidham can get better at processing the the play and moving through his reads, theres no reason he can’t be an excellent NFL starter.
No. 2 – Drew Lock – Missouri
Size, athleticism, and arm strength. Lock has every physical trait you could ask for, he can throw it any where on the field. He can put the ball in any window, and he does it with great speed. Lock has been crippled by a group of receivers who seemingly drop the football better than they can catch it. Lock needs to develop mentally, but he will be a better pro when he has a competent receiving corps.
No. 1 – Justin Herbert – Oregon
Similar to Lock, Herbert has all the physical tools of an elite NFL quarterback, his has a great arm, elite size, and upper tier athleticism. Elevating Herbert over Lock is Herbert natural feel for ball placement. Herbert puts the ball exactly where it needs to be, he can float it or zip it in depending on what the situation requires. He can gain first downs with his legs, adding variety to an offense as option plays become real threats. He will need to take a step mentally as he can get flustered when under pressure, but if he can learn to step up and read through the play consistently he’ll be fine. Herbert is in a good position to be the first quarterback taken, and maybe even the first overall pick.