DRAFT TRACKER 2011

Gabbert has it all physically, but has a long way to go before he's ready to lead an NFL offense. He played in a spread offense and will have to learn to take snaps under center and make progressions in the pocket. However, he is a smart football player that seems to understand coverages and he has the arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows. He is also very mobile and elusive in the pocket and shows the ability to make plays with his feet. Overall, Gabbert's tools will be too alluring for a team without a quarterback, and he will likely be a top-10 pick, maybe even the first QB off the board.

Newton is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in draft history. Possesses a quick, clean release, enough arm strength to complete the deep out, prototypical size, and is a dangerous threat outside of the pocket. However, he has a ways to go before turning into a productive, reliable NFL starter. Was not asked to make pro-style reads or move through progressions in college. Footwork is sloppy and accuracy is inconsistent. He's competitive and vocal on the field, but has had several off-the-field issues and his character is in question. Despite the risk, Newton's talent will likely prevent him from lasting past the middle of the first round.

Locker decided to return for his senior season and his erratic performance has certainly hurt his draft stock. An extremely gifted athlete, Locker's production does not match his talent. He possesses a cannon for an arm, but he is not an efficient passer. At this point, his greatest asset is his athleticism and it is unclear if he will ever be a starting quarterback at the next level. Also, Locker has a history of injuries due to his aggressive style of play. Overall, Locker has all the physical tools and a team will likely take a chance on him in the first round despite his inconsistent production.

Mallett has the arm strength and size of a franchise NFL quarterback but still needs to continue to develop his accuracy and decision-making consistency. Can drive the ball down field and hit the deep out. When drop mechanics are sound, shows the ability to stick the ball into tiny windows. Has played in pro-style systems and understands reads and progressions but is still prone to taking some risks. Release is natural and over-the-top. Exhibits leadership qualities on the field but front offices will want to further investigate his character and ability to take coaching. Mallett's a really enticing package and will likely come off the board in round one.

Dalton is four-year starter and proven winner, but he will have a difficult transition to the NFL. He is undersized and will not be able to take off and run at the next level. He is generally an accurate passer, however he will make some poor throws when his mechanics break down. Also, he plays in a very user friendly scheme where he throws to a lot of wide open receivers and it is unclear if he can fit the ball into tight windows. Dalton will need some time to learn a more complicated offense and he looks to be a mid-round pick.

Ponder's a fit for a West Coast team that would allow him to use his good footwork and proficiency in the short passing game. Could become a starter if given time and decision making improves. Uses his feet to buy extra time, leave the pocket to throw, or take off and running for first downs. Exhibits the physical and mental toughness you like to see. Has enough arm strength but doesn't put elite zip on the ball and will try to fit it into too many tight spots downfield. Ponder has slowly climbed up boards, and he is almost certain to go in the second round.

Kaepernick has enough physical tools to be viewed as a developmental backup quarterback prospect. Experienced, competitive, productive and durable but very raw in terms of making NFL reads and throws. Will need to become accustomed to making pro-style progressions and must improve overall accuracy. Arm strength is good but needs to tighten up his delivery and work on getting the ball out on time with more consistency. Can make a lot of plays with his feet but will be too confident at times and take unnecessary sacks. Kaepernick will likely attract a team with his measurables and outstanding intangibles. His stock has risen considerably with solid workouts, so expect him to be taken some time in the second to third round.

Stanzi possesses the mental makeup and on-field moxy of a starting NFL quarterback but still has quite a bit of development left before he's ready. Can be a playmaker when using his feet to buy extra time, scrambling to throw, and allowing receivers more time to break free. Is accurate on shorter passes but must improve consistency on intermediate and deep routes. Flashes the ability to go through his progressions but ultimately still locks onto primary targets and forces too many throws. If Stanzi can improve his accuracy, awareness and footwork, could be a good one.

Taylor is a hard working kid that has improved every year, but it is unclear if he can play quarterback at the next level. He has a quick release and a strong arm, but he is somewhat erratic as a passer. He also does not show the consistent sound decision making to be an efficient quarterback. His greatest asset is his athleticism and he should be able to contribute immediately as a running back, receiver or return man. A terrific senior season, where he completed nearly 60% of his passes, has helped his draft stock and he could sneak into the third round.

Enderle has the work ethic, game experience and desire to understand the finer points of playing quarterback that it takes to stick as a backup in the league. Assumed some NFL-like duties in college such as changing plays at the line. Can make some plays getting the ball out of his hand on three-step drops or climbing vertically in the pocket to allow receivers more time to get open. Throwing accuracy and arm strength are only adequate but could improve with more sound release mechanics and quickness. Enderle's a Day 3, developmental quarterback prospect.

McElroy could quickly emerge as a quality backup NFL quarterback but does not possess the physical attributes of a starter. Fully grasps the mental side of the game and has succeeded in multiple pressure-packed situations but simply does not have the arm strength to force and NFL defense to defend the entire field. Comfortable making NFL-type reads, accurate when hitting short to intermediate targets, and capable of moving around in the pocket. However, we don't expect him to be able to hit the deep out or zip the ball into tight coverage at the next level, so McElroy carries a late Day 3 grade.

Johnson looks the part of an NFL quarterback, but he lost his starting job as a senior due to poor play. He is a big strong kid with a good arm, but he rarely sets his feet and is a very inaccurate. He also makes poor decisions locking on to one receiver and forcing passes into harm's way. His athleticism is his greatest strength, as he is fast and shows good instincts as an open field runner. Johnson's erratic play and decision making will scare off a lot of teams, but his athletic ability could make him an attractive late round pick or free agent.

Portis flashes the physical tools of a developmental NFL quarterback prospect but is raw, will face a jump in competition level, and has character flags. As a passer, has adequate arm strength but will likely struggle to zip balls into tight windows at the next level. Stands in the pocket allowing receivers time to break open but does not possess the accuracy to consistently hit his targets and doesn't make enough correct reads. Can be productive when the play breaks down, buying time or picking up yardage with his legs. Portis will likely be available as a rookie free agent.

Devlin has a chance to turn into a starting NFL quarterback and should be a capable backup early on. Teams may want to investigate his transfer from Penn State to FCS Delaware. Blessed with the size for the position. Has enough arm strength for the next level but not quite enough zip to put the ball into tight spots. Accuracy is not on par with his outstanding competition percentage at this stage. Shows glimpses of a poised signal-caller who can scan the field and make good decisions with the football but isn't consistent enough yet. Probable mid-round selection.

Colburn lacks the arm talent and decision-making ability to be viewed as a potential starter but could provide depth for a team with West Coast principles. At times, displays great leadership qualities, composure and command of the offense but doesn't display enough consistency moving through his progressions and can force the ball late in tight games. Is adept in the short passing game when he's in rhythm but accuracy drops toward the sidelines and on deep throws. Not afraid to sit in the pocket and can shrug off arm tackles but overall mobility is lacking. Colburn is a likely rookie free agent.

Tolzien possesses the football IQ, toughness and enough ability to find a home in the NFL as a backup but likely does not have the physical tools to develop into a starter. Does a good job moving through his progressions, beating pressure by hitting his outlets and moving the chains with short passes. However, he's less accurate down the field, lacks velocity on deep balls and doesn't possess a clean release to compensate for arm deficiencies. Displays good drop mechanics, but pocket mobility is only adequate, and he isn't a threat to tuck and run. Tolzien should be selected on Day 3.

Yates likely does not possess enough physical tools (arm, feet) to be considered a future starter but has a ton of experience in a pro-style offense and could find a home as a backup. At times, appears to be a confident decision-maker in the pocket, capable of efficiently managing his team but occasionally forces throws and is not comfortable dealing with pressure. Shows good accuracy and touch in the short passing game but is not as effective when asked to drive the ball downfield. Tough player who has dealt with adversity and become a better player. Day 3 prospect.