Jon Gruden Breaks Down QB Prospects with SB Nation
Former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden loves quarterbacks. He loves talking about them, berating them, breaking down their game film and helping them improve. While this year’s quarterback class isn’t as stellar as the RGIII and Andrew Luck-led draft last year, there are plenty of intriguing opportunities for teams to jump on to improve their outlook in 2013. More so than any other position on the field, a quarterback can make or break a team’s season. Therefore, QB prospects are crucial for savvy gamblers to keep an eye on as the season opens. Who’s better than projected? Who’s worse? If you do legwork on the prospects right now, it can reap huge dividends next season when you’re staring at the spreads and trying to make a decision. For instance, somewhat surprisingly, Gruden thinks that Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib could end up being the best quarterback in this draft.
A big thanks to SB Nation for all quotes from Gruden.
He started off the conversation by discussing the transition between college quarterbacking and professional football.
“The speed of the game, No. 1, you never know how a player is going to adapt to the speed of the game,” Gruden said. “Windows, we talked about earlier, are so much tighter. Red zone, third-down passing is so much more difficult. How much they can handle right away. Some of these quarterbacks struggle with adapting to a new system — from the snap count to the terminology to the audible system. Some guys struggle significantly when they don’t get their reps they’re accustomed to getting in college. I think those are the big things, certainly, that are the hardest things for a young quarterback.”
Gruden on West Virginia’s Geno Smith:
“I think he’s as complete, from a versatility standpoint, as there is anyone in this draft,” Gruden said. “He can run 4.55. I’ve seen him drive the ball accurately down the field. I’ve seen him throw the ball with touch and accuracy, make quick decisions, and I’ve seen him be dominant at times. I credit Geno Smith with not only being productive, but I think his skill set is very versatile. I think he’s going to adapt nicely to any system you want to run.”
Gruden on Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib:
“I selfishly really like this kid at Syracuse, I’ve said it a couple of times,” said Gruden. “He’s a nuisance runner, I think he can scramble for first downs, if you want to run the read-option, I think he could execute those plays, I really think he’s sharp mentally, he’s a guy that’s been trained by (former Syracuse and current Bills head coach) Doug Marrone, formerly of the New Orleans Saints. He’s been in a really ambitious offensive scheme, taking care of the ball, he’s tough, durable. I like his upside.”
Gruden on Tennessee’s Tyler Bray:
“I just think this kid has a rare ability to throw a football, and a lot of what he did at Tennessee, I think, is overshadowed with their won-loss record. I just think there’s a lot of refinement that has to take place. He’s got to learn how to manage the situation better, he’s got to deliver at crunch time, he’s got to polish his game, he’s got to do better in terms of handling pressure. He’s not a mobile quarterback. He’s got to know where his hot receivers are, he’s got to know what audible to get to. I think his preparation needs to increase so he can be all that he can be.”
Gruden on USC’s Matt Barkley:
“I think Barkley’s going to be a starter in the league at some point. Obviously he’s coming off an injury. I think he’s done an excellent job rehabbing that. I saw him make all the throws personally with my own two eyes. I think Matt is going to have to function as a pocket passer. I don’t think he’s going to be a scrambling, option-style quarterback.”
