PHOTO:
David Greene from the University of Georgia vs. South Carolina 2004 .
Patriots
Draft Prospects: 2005 Quarterbacks
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Aaron Rodgers School:
California
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 223 40: 4.77 Year: 3Jr
Bio: Junior college
transfer who made a major mark on the Cal program the past two seasons. All-Conference
selection as a senior after posting 66.1% / 2,566 yards / 24 TDs / 8 INTs. Also
added 247 yards rushing with 3 additional scores. Junior quarterbacking totals
were 61.6% / 2,903 / 19 / 5.
Positives: Athletic passer with the
physical skills and mental intangibles needed to lead a franchise at the next
level. Quickly sets up in the pocket, sells ball fakes and technically very sound.
Poised under the rush, steps up to avoid defenders and works to keep the play
alive. Patient, buys time in the pocket and waits for receivers to come free.
Does an excellent job with his reads and natural looking off the safety. Does
not make mental errors and throws the ball away rather than toss the errant pass.
Times the short and intermediate throws well, as receivers rarely wait for the
ball out of their breaks. Outstanding vision and immediately spots the open receiver.
Possesses a quick release, live arm and zips the outs or gets the ball downfield.
Throws with touch. Sits in the pocket and takes a big hit in order to get the
pass off. Fleet-footed and picks up yardage with his legs when necessary.
Negatives:
Though accurate, lacks top pass placement and has receivers extending vertically
to pull the ball out of the air. Must improve his accuracy down the field. Lacks
top footwork releasing the ball off a three step drop. Lacks pocket stature.
Analysis:
A physically gifted passer with a great understanding of the position, Rodgers
has made himself one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects the past two
seasons. May not fit every system, but should quickly flourish in the NFL for
a timing offense that does not throw the ball down the field with regularity.
Offers a good amount of upside and is a coachable player who should continually
improve his game.
Patriots Interest: Expected to be drafted within
the top-five, well out of the teams reach in the first round. Trade or other move
to acquire him, unlikely.
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Alex Smith School: Utah
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 217 40: 4.76 Year: 3Jr
Bio:
Two year starter voted MWC Player of the Year last season after passing numbers
of 67.5%/2,952/32/4. All-Conference selection as a sophomore after posting 65%
/ 2,247 / 15 / 3.
Positives: Efficient and reliable passer that’s
done well in his college system. Accurate in the short field, leads receivers
over the middle and places throws where only his target can make the reception.
Solid timing on crossing patterns. Patient in the pocket, effectively reads the
defense and does not make poor decisions. Goes through receiver progressions,
waits for pass catchers to come free and throws to the safe underneath target
if nothing’s available downfield. Sets up with solid fundamentals and passes
with an over-the-top delivery. Keeps his feet active and easily gets outside the
pocket, making the throw on the move. Displays outstanding wherewithal and knows
where receivers are on the field. Throws tight spiral with good zip. Stands strong
and poised in the pocket as it collapses around him.
Negatives:
Must improve his corner patterns in the end zone as passes tend to be flat. Rarely
threw the ball down field in the Utah system.
Analysis: A natural
leader that does an excellent job running the offense, Smith has been very productive
the past two years. Stays away from mistakes and has a tremendous touchdown-to-interception
ratio. Does not have a deep passing arm just yet but would be initially effective
in a timing or West Coast offense as he grows into a pro passing game.
Patriots
Interest: Expected to be the other player taken in the top-five. Also out
of the teams reach in the first round. Trade or other move to acquire him, unlikely.
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Jason Campbell School: Auburn
Ht: 6-4.5 Wt: 230 40: 4.69 Year: 5Sr
Bio:
Three-year starter named SEC Offensive Player of the Year last season after totaling
69.6% / 2,700 / 20 / 7 as a passer and adding three more scores on the ground.
Positives: Athletic passer who took his game to another level as
a senior. Patient in the pocket, buys time for receivers and poised under pressure.
Feels the rush, steps up to avoid it, then finds the open pass catcher. Improved
his reads in the pocket, displays solid field vision and overall awareness. Looks
off the safety, goes through receiver progressions and does not force the ball
if nothing’s available.
Negatives: Cannot drive the deep pass,
late on the outs and loses accuracy throwing on the move. Rarely makes plays with
his legs.
Analysis: A prospect with the physical tools to work with,
Campbell improved his overall game and made a big jump up draft boards the past
six months. Most effective in a short passing offense that does not rely on the
vertical game.
Patriots Interest: Scouts were at the Auburn Pro-day,
and the combine. Current level of interest unknown.
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Adrian McPherson School: x-Florida State
Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 218 40:
4.55 Year: 4Jr
Bio: Played with the Indiana Firebirds last
season in the Arena League completing 59.9% / 3,297 / 61 / 5. Dismissed from the
FSU program in November of that year after being found guilty of forging and cashing
a stolen check. Later brought up on misdemeanor charges of gambling, a trial which
ended in a hung jury.
Positives: Naturally gifted athlete with an
abundant amount of upside potential. Possesses a live arm, zips the outs or easily
drives the ball downfield. Displays a good sense of timing, hits receivers in
stride yet also puts touch on passes when necessary. Sized well and has the ability
to make plays with his legs.
Negatives: Short arms his throwing
motion and delivers the ball with a three-quarters delivery. Marginal experience
playing against top competition on a regulation football field.
Analysis:
A prospect with top athletic skills and football abilities, McPherson could end
up as the steal in this year’s draft. Seemingly overcame his off the field
problems.
Patriots Interest: Current level of interest unknown,
it is expected the Rams, Dolphins, Lions and possibly up to 5 others teams may
have an interest in McPhearson if he falls to them in the right place.
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Charlie Frye School: Akron
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 225 40: 4.88 Year: 5Sr
Bio:
Four-year starter and All-Conference quarterback who holds numerous passing records
at Akron. Posted 63.6% / 2,623 / 18 / 8 as a senior.
Positives:
Nice-sized passer and a natural, smart leader. Sets up in the pocket with good
footwork, remains poised and goes through receiver progressions, buying time for
wideouts. Displays good field awareness and very good at finding the open wideout.
Throws with an over-the-top delivery displaying zip on the short throws and the
ability to quickly get the ball into the intended targets hands. Tough competitor
who plays while injured.
Negatives: Steps out of throws on occasion,
which adversely affects his accuracy. Possesses a solid arm, yet does not have
the gun to drive deep throws.
Analysis: A signal caller who’s
displayed progress throughout his college career, Frye offers both the physical
and mentalintangibles for the next level. More athletic than given credit for
and can be used in a variety of passing offenses.
Patriots Interest:
Patriots were at Frye's pro-day along with a number of other NFL teams. Expected
interest in Frye indicates he would be a possible target later on day one.
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Andrew Walter School: Arizona State
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 233 40: 4.91 Year: 5Sr
Bio:
Second-team All-Conference selection as a senior after passing numbers of 57.3%
3,150 / 30 / 9. Broke into the starting unit as a sophomore completing 56.7% /
3,877 / 28 / 15.
Positives: Big, strong pocket passer who’s
been productive throughout his college career. Patient, buys time for receivers,
and has a good sense of where his targets are on the field. Possesses a quick
release and immediately gets the ball out of his hands. Fires the pass between
defenders, easily gets the ball downfield and zips the outs. Displays a sense
of timing, nicely places his passes, and does not have receivers waiting on the
throw. Sees the field, senses the blitz, and for the most part, finds the open
wideouts. Accurate down the field laying passes in front of targets. Always working
to make something positive happen. Strong enough to withstand the rush and get
the ball off with defenders in his face.
Negatives: Slow setting
up in the pocket, releases the ball with a three-quarter motion, and has a low
trajectory for a tall passer. Immobile and cannot escape the rush. Erratic, misreads
defenses and throws the ball into coverage. Makes the errant toss off his back
foot. Does not throw tight spirals or the prettiest passes. Usually high of the
mark and has receivers extending vertically to grab the ball out of the air.
Analysis:
A big, strong quarterback with excellent physical skills, Walter is a prototypical
drop-back passer for the next level. Must be more consistent with his reads and
decision making if he’s to ever be a starter at the next level.
Patriots
Interest: Current level of interest unknown. Walter is rated higher than the
QB's the Pats have looked at in person or visited their pro days. If he falls
far enough, the team may switch their strategy.
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David
Greene School: Georgia
Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 226 40: 4.83 Year: 5Sr
Bio:
All-Conference selection as a senior after numbers of 58.5% / 2,508 / 20 / 4.
Junior totals included 60.3% / 3,307 / 13 / 11. Set an NCAA Division I-A for most
victories by a starting quarterback with 42.
Positives: Intelligent,
tough passer best in the short field. Sets up with solid footwork, senses the
rush and patient throughout the play. Buys time for receivers, displays a good
sense of timing and rarely has pass catchers waiting on his throws. Excellent
field awareness, does not make poor decisions and finds the open receiver. Tough
and will play with pain.
Negatives: Takes a while setting up in
the pocket, steps out of throws and cannot elude the rush. Lacks the explosive
release, overall arm strength, and tends to be high of the mark.
Analysis:
An efficient college passer with good quarterback skills, Greene offers limited
upside for the next level, yet could be very effective in a backup role. Better
suited to play in a short, timing passing offense.
Patriots Interest:
Patriots have an interest in Greene. Along with the other QBs on their radar,
Greene has the intelligence and the physical ability that they're looking for.
Would make a good pickup as a player the team would like to groom for a backup
position.
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Kyle Orton School: Purdue
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 233 40: 5.09 Year:
4Sr
Bio: Moved into the starting lineup as a true freshman. Posted
career numbers 60.7% / 3,090 / 31 / 5 as a senior.
Positives: Heady,
intelligent passer with solid intangibles. Patient in the pocket, buys time and
waits for receivers to come free. Sees the field, reads the blitz and immediately
gets the ball to the hot receiver. Possesses a nice sense of timing, leads receivers
in the short field and zips the intermediate passes.
Negatives:
Possesses an elongated/wind-up motion, which slows his release. Cannot drive the
deep throw as receivers are constantly slowing down to make the reception. Forces
passes downfield on occasion and must improve his long accuracy. Fizzled at the
end of his senior campaign and was benched.
Analysis: A signal caller
who will draw much debate and opinion, Orton has abilities to play in a short
passing game.
Patriots Interest: Orton has the savvy and the experience
to be the guy the Patriots need to solidify the backup position behind Brady.
What isn't known is if the Pats are interested in spending the pick required to
get Orton. It's more likely they'll go with someone they can get later on day
two. The Lions are showing a fair amount of interest in Orton and will likely
target him as his skills match the system they're installing.
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Derek Anderson School: Oregon State
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 242 40: 5.06 Year: 4Sr
Bio:
Three-year starter and second team All- Conference choice as a senior after passing
numbers of 54.2% / 3,615 / 29 / 17. Junior totals included 51.2% / 4,058 / 24
/ 24, when he set a school record for passing yards.
Positives:
Big, strong pocket passer with a live arm. Patient when given time, waits for
receivers to come free, then tosses the ball. Leads receivers over the middle,
gets the ball downfield and displays solid long accuracy. Puts air under the deep
throw letting receivers run to the ball.
Negatives: Stares down
intended targets from the get-go, and slow going to secondary receivers. Tends
to direct his passes. Makes poor reads, shaky under pressure and seemingly predetermines
where he will throw the ball, no matter if it’s into triple or double coverage.
Analysis: A passer with the physical skills to play at the next
level, Anderson made strides as a senior, lessening the errant throws.
Patriots
Interest: The manner in which the Beavers dismantled the Fighting Irish in
the Insight Bowl, it's no wonder Ty Willingham left without the big bang celebration
he deserved. His departure hastened the hiring of Patriots offensive coordinator
Charile Weis. If Weis has any contact with Belichick, he'll send him the game
tape of Anderson leading the way in a 38-21 victory over the Irish, and Belichick
may think twice about what he has in reserve on the roster. No current Patriots
interest confirmed.
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Dan Orlovsky School: Connecticut
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 225 40: 5.02
Year: 5Sr
Bio: Passing numbers included 63% / 3,354 / 23
/ 15 as a senior.
Positives: Well-sized pocket passer with a big
arm and solid intangibles. Sets up with solid footwork, displays good pocket stature
and patiently waits for receivers to come open. Sells the ball fakes, possesses
a quick release and zips the outs. Leads wideouts or hits them in stride over
the middle and displays solid timing on the outs.
Negatives: Slow
setting up in the pocket. Steps out of throws, which adversely affects his accuracy.
Directs his passes and gets wild at times. Gathers before releasing the ball.
Must improve his downfield accuracy. Performed poorly at the Senior Bowl and was
worse at the combine.
Analysis: Productive throughout his college
career, Orlovsky possesses the size, arm strength, and intangibles to develop
into a starting quarterback at the next level. Needs to brush up the fundamentals
and quickly get his game back on track.
Patriots Interest: On a cold
snowy day in tiny Storrs Connecticut, scouts from close to 25 teams made their
way in to see the UConn Huskies run through their drills. Once thought of as UConn's
best prospect, it's looking a lot like Alfred Fincher will win the bet with his
good friend Orlovsky over who will get drafted first. Fincher is expected to go
in day one. Orlovsky, played well for UConn leading them to their first bowl appearance
in years. He's reminiscinet of Brady in his character and his play. If the Patriots
do spent more time with Orlovsky, they'll get another scrappy kid from a blue
collar town industrial town in CT. Patriots have an interest, just how much is
yet to be determined.
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