The Eagles’ Quarterback Options In the Draft
Christian Hackenberg. (USA Today Sports)
Between Sam Bradford signing just a two-year deal and Doug Pederson’s public comments, it seems safe to say the Eagles will draft a quarterback next month.
We’ve been covering the consensus top three quarterbacks — Cal’s Jared Goff, North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz and Memphis’ Paxton Lynch — periodically, but the Eagles could certainly select a quarterback on the second or third day of the draft.
Because of that, we’ve compiled information on eight quarterbacks who are projected to be drafted after the first round. To give you a sense of the ranging opinions, we used NFL.com’s analysis, ESPN’s overall — and position — rankings and draft analyst Matt Miller’s seven-round mock selections.
Connor Cook, Michigan State
Height/Weight: 6-4, 217
Projected Round: 2
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 38 (#4)
Analysis (NFL.com): “As a four-year starter, Cook has the big game experience and the production from a pro-style attack that should warrant early consideration.The concern is that his short and intermediate accuracy has never shown the improvement and consistency that scouts expected to see. His inability to take over in big games this year could hurt his cause. Cook flashes the potential of an NFL starter, but he has the makeup of game manager over playmaker.”
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
Height/Weight: 6-4, 223
Projected Round: 2
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 52 (#5)
Analysis (ESPN’s Scouts Inc., no NFL.com “bottom line” available): “Hackenberg started all 38 games during his three seasons at Penn State and was very durable despite taking an unusually high number of hits. His best season was as a freshman under then-head coach Bill O’Brien (Texans). Hackenberg has ideal size, a big-league arm and adequate pocket mobility. In order to succeed in the NFL, his decision making must continue to improve, and he must become more consistent with his footwork (which would help elevate his accuracy).”
Jacoby Brissett, N.C. State
Height/Weight: 6-4, 231
Projected Round: 5
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 75 (#6)
Analysis (NFL.com): “With his size, arm and competitiveness, there are times when Brissett will remind you of Jameis Winston, but Winston understood the nuances of the position early in his college career while Brissett is still learning. Brissett?s overall ability as a passer is NFL-caliber and he should continue to show rapid improvement on the next level with better weapons and protection. While an NFL staff will need to help him overcome his bad habits and learn to be more consistent with his pre-snap recognitions, Brissett has the tools to become an NFL starter.”
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Height/Weight: 6-2, 226
Projected Round: 4
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 115 (#7)
Analysis (NFL.com): “Hard to find an NFL comp for Prescott because he’s built like Donovan McNabb, but lacks McNabb’s ability and polish. Prescott has NFL size, mobility and enough arm, but the tape shows a player who must improve his mechanics, poise and quickness through his progressions if he is to become a full-time starter in the NFL. There are absolutely draftable traits and upside, but he will need extended work to smooth out his flaws. Until then, a team would be wise to utilize him on short-yardage packages.”
Cody Kessler, USC
Height/Weight: 6-1, 220
Projected Round: 7
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 147 (#8)
Analysis (NFL.com): “Can orchestrate an offense with confidence and accuracy when operating from a clean pocket, but doesn’t appear to have the mentality of a player willing to take the risks necessary to strike with big plays often enough on the pro level. Kessler has moments where it is easy to like him on tape, but the traits and tape look more like those of a good, career backup than playoff starter.”
Brandon Allen, Arkansas
Height/Weight: 6-1, 217
Projected Round: 3
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 165 (#10)
Analysis (NFL.com): “Allen was an afterthought headed into this season but garnered draft attention with high-end production and a substantial spike in his play. On one hand, he is smaller than teams usually like and operated out of a play-action offense that didn?t ask him to get through many progressions. On the other hand, Allen has a quick release, an NFL arm, solid accuracy and good mobility. Allen needs to find the right home and eliminate his tendency to stare down targets, but he has enough talent to become an NFL backup.”
Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech
Height/Weight: 6-4, 234
Projected Round: 5
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 170 (#11)
Analysis (NFL.com): “Driskel still has the size, arm strength and athleticism that made him the top-rated quarterback coming out of high school, but he hasn’t experienced enough growth at the position due to his rocky path to the draft. A positive 2015 helped Driskell regain some confidence, but he’s not where he needs to be yet. With his upside and traits, Driskel is worthy of a day three selection and could yield dividends with patience and coaching.”
Cardale Jones, Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6-5, 253
Projected Round: 6
Overall Ranking (Pos.): No. 182 (#12)
Analysis (NFL.com): “Jones is like a complicated meal that may or may not have all the ingredients present and will likely take a long time to prepare. Will the payoff be worth the investment of time? Jones has very little starting experience and struggled to adjust once defensive coordinators had time to prepare for him this season. The right quarterback coach and passing scheme could promote rapid improvement and high-end production with his ability to strike downfield, but his issues with consistency and accuracy make the ‘bust’ label a very real concern.”