FOF – NFL Draft Central: The Top 5 QB Rankings – 2013 Draft

Where does Aaron Murray project in the 2013 NFL Draft?

Find out in the latest Fan on Fire: Top 5 QB Rankings

There is no Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III in this draft, so I don’t think we’ll see a QB go with the number one pick.  But there are a number of teams that need a QB, so I expect most of these names to go in the first two rounds.  There is no Russell Wilson in this draft either.  A QB drafted outside of the first two rounds that ends up being top ten caliber.

Simmering Under:  E.J. Manuel, Tyler Bray, Ryan Nassib

5.  Mike Glennon - N.C. State - (6-6, 232) – Strengths: Excellent Height, Good arm strength, and good passing mechanics.  Weaknesses: Not very mobile, or very good at extending plays.     Projection: Late second to High Third Round pick, Reasonable Comparison: Carson Palmer, Best Case Comparison: Matt Schaub, Worst Case Comparison:  Derek Anderson

You can tell that Mike Glennon has studied Peyton Manning a lot, because the way he moves in his mannerisms and throwing motion is very Peyton Manning-like.  He has a similar build to Manning in that he’s tall and rangy.  However, having the mental make up and desire of a Peyton Manning is a whole other thing entirely.  Glennon could force his way into the first round like Brandon Weeden did last year with a good combine performance and some good workouts.  Or he could turn out to be another Tony Pike.

4.  Tyler Wilson – Arkansas - (6-3, 220) Strengths: Does not possess a cannon but has a good strong Arm, Good size, and can make all the throws. Weaknesses: Could stand to improve his mechanics and footwork, and wears his emotions on his sleeve.  Projection: Early to Mid-Second round pick, Reasonable Comparison: Jay Cutler, Best Case Comparison: Matthew Stafford, Worst Case Comparison: Rex Grossman

Wilson was criticized for throwing his teammates under the bus in a press conference after Arkansas was humiliated by Alabama.  Wilson did not play in the game due to injury, but stated he felt some of his teammates quit.  Wilson probably could have gone about how he delivered that message a little better, as the top QB’s are typically more diplomatic when discussing their teammates in front of the media.  However, I do think he showed in that moment that he’s not afraid to put the pressure on himself or his teammates, and that’s a quality you want in an NFL QB.

3.  Aaron Murray – Georgia - (6-1, 210) -Strengths: Put up great numbers in the SEC, tremendous work ethic, and leads by example. Weaknesses: Lacks prototypical height, prone to throw bad interceptions, and hasn’t come up big in the big games.  Projection: Early to mid second round pick, Reasonable Comparison: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Best Case Comparison: Drew Brees, Worst Case Comparison:  David Greene

Murray hasn’t announced whether he’s coming out or not, but NFL analyst Tony Dungy thinks the Chiefs should take Murray with the first overall pick, but Murray’s not on that level.  However, I could see a team falling in love with him, and taking him in the first round.  Sort of like what happened with Jake Locker and Christian Ponder a few years ago.  The fact that Murray left such an impression on Tony Dungy, suggests that others might end up drawing favorable conclusions about him too.

2.  Matt Barkley – USC - (6-2, 230) – Strengths: Has a lot starting experience at a big time program, has good arm strength, and is more than comfortable performing in the spotlight.  Weaknesses: Is coming off of a recent shoulder injury, couldn’t elevate his team as a senior.  Projection: Mid to late First round pick, Reasonable Comparison: Sam Bradford, Best Case Comparison:  Tony Romo, Worst Case Comparison:  Matt Leinart

USC QB’s who came before Barkley like Mark Sanchez, Matt Leinart, and Matt Cassel have flamed out in the NFL.  Carson Palmer started fast, but injuries halted his fast track to NFL superstardom and he’s now a journeyman.  This track record might cause some to look negatively at Matt Barkley, and he will have fight that perception throughout the draft process and early in his career.

1.  Geno Smith – West Virginia - (6-3, 220) – Strengths: Good Arm strength, very good accuracy, decent mobility, and has good passing mechanics.  Weaknesses: Couldn’t elevate his team out of a slump.  Projection: Top 10 pick, Reasonable Comparison:  Josh Freeman, Best Case Comparison:  Matt Ryan, Worst Case Comparison:  Joey Harrington

RGIII and Andrew Luck both displayed the ability to elevate their teams in college, but Smith didn’t.  RGIII played in the Big 12 like Smith, and led Baylor to a ten win season.  The number one overall pick should have the ability to elevate their team in college.  That’s not to say that Smith won’t be a good QB in the NFL, because he can be.  But compared to RGIII and Luck, Smith is not a number one pick.  However, the only thing that might matter is if Smith is better than anyone the Chiefs have right now, and the answer is yes.

Related articles

• Fan on Fire: 2013 NFL Mock Draft – Vol. 6  (fanonfiresportswire.com)
• FOF - NFL Draft Central: Is Aaron Murray as good Tony Dungy thinks? (fanonfiresportswire.com)
• 2013 NFL Draft: Aaron Murray has big decision upcoming (atlanta.sbnation.com)