Each week Josh Norris will unveil a set of rankings. Whether it be updating the quarterback spot, or moving on to a different position, Josh will recall specific examples for the prior weeks’ action to back up his evaluation and player slotting. For that reason, remember these lists are fluid. Feel free to share your opinion in the comments below.
Preseason quarterback rankings have not been my strong suit, however, I believe the picture becomes much more clear after the first few weeks of the new season.
Along with a numerical ranking, tiers are very important in recognizing gaps in talent at specific positions. Remember, these are subject to change. And they will.
QUALITY STARTER
1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon (rJunior) - There is a big difference between Mariota and other athletic/extremely mobile passers: he effectively creates space to throw or run outside and inside the pocket. Mariota can play the quick or progression game.
My favorite play from this past weekend (versus South Dakota) showcased Mariota’s eye level development. With around four minutes left in the second quarter, Mariota climbed the pocket, evaded left once reaching the apex, and found a receiver for a ten yard touchdown. All with his eyes up. That sounds easy, but it does not happen enough.
Mariota does not get enough credit for how comfortable he is in the pocket. He wins there, but is not limited to it. With that said, his vertical passing was very spotty against South Dakota.
For a more specific, detailed evaluation, read Cian Fahey’s post.
2. Jameis Winston, FSU (rSophomore) - Upon first viewing, I thought Winston’s performance against Oklahoma State was his worst as a Seminole. It still might be, but it was not as bad as some are making it.
The biggest issue was Winston dropping his eyes against pressure and retreating on two occasions. Another throw, or heave, to the right sideline was made from a very unbalanced base.
Winston is an accurate passer, but does not have great placement. His receivers adjust to targets very well, but sometimes Winston leaves yards on the field because of placement. Other times, however, he throws complete lasers in perfect spot (crossing route vs OK State). Some will critique “staring down receivers” as another habit.
Regardless, I am not worried about Winston. He works through reads, shows composure and poise more often than not and throws with anticipation. In a vacuum, that is much more than other quarterback prospects offer.
For a more specific, detailed evaluation, read Cian Fahey’s post.
POSSIBLE QUALITY STARTER
3. Connor Cook, Michigan State (Junior) - Cook showed positive traits in this game, many of which I wanted to see more consistently last year.
Cook climbed the pocket against an edge rush on his first touchdown, drifted right, and lofted a beautiful ball while taking a low hit. Then later he made a check at the line of scrimmage after seeing single coverage on the outside in the red-zone. The result was an endzone lob for a touchdown.
If Cook continues to show positive pocket movement and an ability to throw in closing spaces, he will cement himself as the third quarterback prospect in my eyes.
For a more specific, detailed evaluation, read Cian Fahey’s post.
4. Brett Hundley, UCLA (rJunior) - Let me start by saying there were some outstanding instances where Hundley looked practically perfect. But there were others that focused on the exact opposite.
Let’s focus on the latter.
Hundley has a tendency to drop his eyes in the face of a pass rush. Virginia was very smart up front, using a lot of twists, stunts and loops to give UCLA’s depleted line different looks. Expect it to be copied.
Hundley is great at evading the first rusher. After that, he becomes a running back, failing to keep his eyes downfield or lift them and reset as a passer. Think Jake Locker, a comparison Justin Mosqueda made.
This is not a new issue for Hundley, so do not blame UCLA’s offensive line. It is not a very talented unit, but Hundley does not help the cause.
For a more specific, detailed evaluation, read Cian Fahey’s post.
POSSIBLE ADEQUATE STARTER
5. Chuckie Keeton, Utah State (Senior) - This is more a ranking of faith than being impressed with Keeton’s game against Tennessee. I’m not sure anyone thought it was a positive showing.
Tennessee’s defense played much faster than I expected and was locked in on Keeton’s timing and anticipated targets. He could get nothing started, and even when Keeton flashed velocity in tight windows (which was a bit lacking in this game), his receivers could not come down with the ball.
POSSIBLE SPOT STARTER/BACKUP
6. Bryce Petty, Baylor (rSenior) - Let me start by saying two things. One, maybe I am not smart enough to be able to separate Petty from his offense. Two, this has nothing to do with his back injury.
My biggest issue with this evaluation is Petty’s receivers are so open. When he is asked to throw into coverage or beyond 10 yards, things do not go well. He tends to be much better to the right side of the field in these situations. But better does not mean good. I will need to watch a lot of Baylor to find meaningful throws that are not immediate rock step and release passes.
7. Cody Kessler, USC (rJunior) - Kessler might not be “good,” but he is not “bad.” That is the kind of analysis you get from me.
Outside of his first throw resulting in a dropped interception, Kessler showed positive traits against Fresno State. The Trojans will use plenty of quick throws at the line of scrimmage this season, but when asked to hold the ball and look at multiple receivers, Kessler does not get complacent with his feet and is not afraid to throw to gaps between defensive backs.
On one play he recognized a loaded box, immediately drifted right, motioned his receiver to work back towards the line of scrimmage and converted a nice completion. I doubt Kessler moves up, but he can be steady.
DEVELOPMENTAL
8. Nate Sudfeld, Indiana (Junior)
9. Bryan Bennett, Southeastern Louisiana (Junior)
10. Travis Wilson, Utah (Junior)
OTHER NAMES: Kevin Hogan, Sean Mannion, Devin Gardner, Brandon Bridge
