Post by MGB01 on Jun 29, 2019 0:24:38 GMT -5
We begin our draft series by looking at quarterbacks
Drew Lock, Missouri: Three things put him over as the near, um, lock at #1 to Tampa: Size, arm strength, and can read defenses well. Was also a four-year starter for the Tigers.
Prediction: Tampa Bay. The franchise has drafted their QBOTF in their first draft in their new digs (2002: George Godsey; 2010: Colt McCoy) and will make it a third with Lock. The few negatives he does have are true of current starter Brandon Allen, but he easily compensates with what makes him the lock (that's it, we promise) at #1. The only question is how long until Marc Trestman puts him in or does he go from day one and supplant the sometimes solid largely unspectacular Allen?
Jarrett Stidham, Auburn: Started at Baylor before moving on to Auburn, plenty productive although his first year was better than his second. The biggest question coming to the XFL is how his game translates from Art Briles/Gus Malzahn college offenses. Like Lock he can read defenses, but also leaves pocket too early at times and doesn't wait for plays to develop, which could be a problem if he ends up in a team with a bad OL.
Prediction: St. Louis. Stidham began his collegiate career vying to replace Bryce Petty, he'll do so again at the next level as the former Outlaws hit the reset button at QB as they reset the franchise in the Gateway City. It's a good bet (nod to their former home) that whoever they sign is a stopgap while they groom the rookie to take over in 2021, so Stidham will have a year to ready himself.
Tyree Jackson, Buffalo: A strong-armed mobile quarterback, but is pass-first. Still in development but if he gets to the right coaching staff, look out.
Prediction: Kansas City. Admit it, you'd love to see (as would we all) him in the hands of the best coach (Matt Nagy) and offensive coordinator (Mark Helfrich) in the league. Also put him behind the best quarterback (Case Keenum) in the league where he can watch and learn and perhaps the "other" Kansas City team can have a Patrick Mahomes (though in Cam Newton's body) of their own.
Ryan Finley, North Carolina State: Can hit open receivers all day but what kind of QB is he when heat's turned up, as it was against Clemson during his career? Will have to go to a spot where he isn't expected to be the guy from day one.
Prediction: Carolina. Staying home and playing in his college stadium could help ease the transition, especially on a Colonel team where, despite making the playoffs in '19, Kevin Hogan isn't guaranteed anything beyond 2020 so a big year is a must, and Luke Falk will get the first shot at replacing him if he can't step his game up.
Clayton Thorson, Northwestern: Good size and a smart passer, but not adept at reading defenses. Has also been slowed by injuries in his career, which has contributed.
Prediction: Chicago. The Enforcers will need to sign a veteran to back up Nate Sudfeld, leaving Thorson to compete for the third-string job with Austin Allen. The Enforcers were pretty much the only team to have all three quarterbacks active on gameday.
Drew Lock, Missouri: Three things put him over as the near, um, lock at #1 to Tampa: Size, arm strength, and can read defenses well. Was also a four-year starter for the Tigers.
Prediction: Tampa Bay. The franchise has drafted their QBOTF in their first draft in their new digs (2002: George Godsey; 2010: Colt McCoy) and will make it a third with Lock. The few negatives he does have are true of current starter Brandon Allen, but he easily compensates with what makes him the lock (that's it, we promise) at #1. The only question is how long until Marc Trestman puts him in or does he go from day one and supplant the sometimes solid largely unspectacular Allen?
Jarrett Stidham, Auburn: Started at Baylor before moving on to Auburn, plenty productive although his first year was better than his second. The biggest question coming to the XFL is how his game translates from Art Briles/Gus Malzahn college offenses. Like Lock he can read defenses, but also leaves pocket too early at times and doesn't wait for plays to develop, which could be a problem if he ends up in a team with a bad OL.
Prediction: St. Louis. Stidham began his collegiate career vying to replace Bryce Petty, he'll do so again at the next level as the former Outlaws hit the reset button at QB as they reset the franchise in the Gateway City. It's a good bet (nod to their former home) that whoever they sign is a stopgap while they groom the rookie to take over in 2021, so Stidham will have a year to ready himself.
Tyree Jackson, Buffalo: A strong-armed mobile quarterback, but is pass-first. Still in development but if he gets to the right coaching staff, look out.
Prediction: Kansas City. Admit it, you'd love to see (as would we all) him in the hands of the best coach (Matt Nagy) and offensive coordinator (Mark Helfrich) in the league. Also put him behind the best quarterback (Case Keenum) in the league where he can watch and learn and perhaps the "other" Kansas City team can have a Patrick Mahomes (though in Cam Newton's body) of their own.
Ryan Finley, North Carolina State: Can hit open receivers all day but what kind of QB is he when heat's turned up, as it was against Clemson during his career? Will have to go to a spot where he isn't expected to be the guy from day one.
Prediction: Carolina. Staying home and playing in his college stadium could help ease the transition, especially on a Colonel team where, despite making the playoffs in '19, Kevin Hogan isn't guaranteed anything beyond 2020 so a big year is a must, and Luke Falk will get the first shot at replacing him if he can't step his game up.
Clayton Thorson, Northwestern: Good size and a smart passer, but not adept at reading defenses. Has also been slowed by injuries in his career, which has contributed.
Prediction: Chicago. The Enforcers will need to sign a veteran to back up Nate Sudfeld, leaving Thorson to compete for the third-string job with Austin Allen. The Enforcers were pretty much the only team to have all three quarterbacks active on gameday.