Eric Sorenson
As with most NFL Combines the buzz usually focuses on the quarterbacks and the teams around the league who will be looking to add one at some point in April’s draft.
From all accounts it appears the Arizona Cardinals are on that list.
Unlike previous drafts where Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and others were extremely early first-round locks, the 2013 class is more of a mixed bag.
“You’ve got that finesse group of guys that don’t have the big arms,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay told Pros2Preps.com in Indianapolis. “The [Tyler] Wilson’s, the [Ryan] Nassib’s, the [Matt] Barkley’s, and then you have the power pitchers if you will. The guys with the strong arms…Landry Jones and Mike Glennon from NC State.”
It’s unsure what direction new Cards head coach Bruce Arians and first-year General Manager Steve Keim will go, but Keim likes the depth of the QB’s to choose from.
“I think it’s solid,” he told the assembled media at the Combine. “I think there are guys at every round that have ability. I think the player has to fit what you do and what you’re asking them to do schematically. If you’re convinced the guy is a good player, take him.”
One player who garnered plenty of attention from coaches and GM’s was Barkley who had a solid career at USC before seeing his senior season cut short by a shoulder injury. He did not throw at the Combine.
“I think what I’ve had to endure at USC has been unique,” Barkley said. “It’s not a traditional quarterbacks experience in college. With all the ups and downs, with coaches leaving, the NCAA sanctions…I think I possess leadership.”
Another likely high selection is Oklahoma’s Jones who thrived in Bob Stoops no-huddle, spread offense in Norman.
“It’s definitely a wide open year [for quarterbacks],” he explained. “There’s a lot of guys with a lot of talent. There’s going to be somebody that puts them self ahead and I think it’s the guy the works the hardest and the guy that wants it more.”
