The Year of Quarterback in NFL Draft?

At the top of the Heisman rankings are as strong of a group of quarterbacks as college football has seen in recent years, and others, without the jaw-dropping stats, could be first round picks as well. Although there may not be anyone of the caliber of Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III in this year’s class, there are an impressive six quarterbacks that crack the top twelve of SI’s Big Board.

Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota, Aaron Murray, Johnny Manziel, AJ McCarron, and Tajh Boyd are listed in the top twelve in that order with Bridgewater taking the top spot overall.

Zach Mettenberger, Braxton Miller, and Derek Carr are also ranked in the top 32.

While Bridgewater may be the only one considered for the number one overall pick, the others could all fall within the top ten. McCarron is the most prototypical NFL passer, while Murray may remind some of a poor man’s Drew Brees. Manziel and Mariota are wild cards but will certainly intrigue teams eager to land a dynamic athlete at the position. Clemson’s Boyd also has duel threat capability although he is more reminiscent of a Daunte Culpepper than a Michael Vick, probably the best comparison for Manziel.

Last year, the quarterback class was panned, yet Geno Smith, E.J. Manuel, and Mike Glennon have been starters for their teams. In April, it looks like there will be plenty of high profile options for teams to choose from in what looks to be the strongest and deepest class in recent memory. The Jaguars, Texans, and Vikings are a few of the teams needing upgrades at the position.