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By Lucas Kochevar The NFL draft is still months away, but the buzz will continue in a draft that sees multiple intriguing quarterbacks. The draft runs through Chicago, who also has a quarterback situation on their own roster. The big question will come back to whether or not two years of Fields and an extension looming is better than a fresh slate with star USC QB Caleb Williams. If they trade out, who will jump up? There’s countless questions with the teams that are searching for the guy, but who are the guys? The first one is the name I mentioned already, Caleb Williams. The Heisman winner from two years ago is finally making his way to the NFL and he’s quickly becoming a polarizing prospect. People have labeled him the best prospect since Andrew Luck and I’m not sure I’m there with him. In his defense, I think any of the rumors that he wants ownership in a team or that he’ll pull an Eli Manning are complete BS. He’s still a really great prospect that holds everything you need in a guy. He’s a mobile, improviser that can make magic happen. He’s got a great arm and his ability to keep his eyes down field at all times is special. With that being said, I think we could see him slow down at the next level in a similar way that Bryce Young slowed down. The game speeds up for young quarterbacks and guys that hold the ball forever end up paying the price in the NFL. That’s my only real concern for Caleb at the next level. The guy after Williams is someone that I’ve been looking forward to seeing at the next level. North Carolina’s Drake Maye is another strong candidate for a top five pick and although people have reservations about him. He’s statistically not the best, but his anticipation and timing in spots is spot on. If he can put it together consistently, he can ascend to one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Throws like this at unique angles are a big reason I think he has serious potential. After Williams and Maye, there’s this season's Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels. Daniels is a little older at 23, but he’s still younger than the quarterbacks I’ll mention after him. It’s funny he played Justin Herbert in college. Daniels is a unique prospect with a quick release that goes 60-plus yards and the legs to make defenders look silly. My fear for him is durability because he’s got a smaller frame than typical quarterbacks. He’ll still find his place in the league because of his unique skill set and where the league is heading. I think he’ll be a top ten pick, but not one of the top two guys. I have no idea where the next couple of older guys will go in the draft. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix have been in college for a long time. Penix Jr. had injury issues that held him back early, but an incredible last season has put him in position to get drafted in the first couple rounds of the draft. Although he was subpar in the national championship, Penix has shown his unique ball placement and ability to evade sacks throughout this season. He’ll also have the chance to show off for scouts at the Senior Bowl. Another guy that could raise his status at the Senior Bowl is Oregon’s Bo Nix. Nix is an interesting prospect with the fact he’s accumulated so many stats at Oregon over his last couple seasons and there have been a lot of great flashes, but can he put it together at the next level? I’m not so sure. I definitely see the appeal in Nix with his arm talent, but I think he projects more as a Sam Howell type. Good player at times looks like the best quarterback on the field, but week-to-week you never know. The last notable prospect that could be taken in the draft is the recent national champion, J.J. McCarthy. The Michigan QB scares me more than any other prospect. McCarthy’s numbers aren’t flashy, his arm isn’t otherworldly and his athleticism is just solid. McCarthy’s status stands with his potential and record in college. He holds one of the best records all-time as a starter in college with 27-1. McCarthy is a true project for any coach that takes him on and there’s a good chance whoever drafts him as a GM could get fired if he's not good. That's true for most GMs that draft quarterbacks, but McCarthy is so shaky to me. I’m open to McCarthy, but I would approach him with extreme caution. Other guys that’ll be notable in this draft are Spencer Rattler, Sam Hartman and Michael Pratt. The NFL draft is the most important part of most team’s offseason and this crop of quarterbacks feels like the most volatile group in years. The 2020 NFL draft is probably the most similar draft to this year’s group, except I don’t think five guys will go in the first round. As the draft process goes on and I watch more film, I’ll have more thoughts on where these players might go.
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Lucas KochevarI love sports and I'm a local fan of the Falcons, Hawks, and Braves. You can find my quick thoughts and more on my twitter @lucaswkochevar |