Backup QBs to Watch

Ryan Mallett should learn a lot playing behind Brady.

  

     Today's NFL is centered around the quarterback position. Winning a Super Bowl requires excellent quarterback play. Because franchise quarterbacks are mostly drafted at the top of the draft, smart teams will take talented but unpolished passers later in the draft to groom and develop. While most of these players don't pay dividends, some, like Tom Brady, become stars.

     I won't discuss the quarterbacks who were picked high and are clearly going to start for their team in the future. Most fans know quite a bit about those players, but the purpose of this article is to bring attention to under-the-radar guys who still possess the ability to start down the line or at least develop into a solid backup.

Ryan Mallett (Patriots)

 To kick the list off, we start with a guy who can really throw the pigskin. Though he fell to the third round in last year's draft due to character concerns, Ryan Mallett easily has one of the strongest arms in the NFL. At 6'6", he has the size to view the whole field and pick apart defenses with laser throws. With confidence in his ability to make every throw, Mallett throws aggressively into tight coverage often, which sometimes results in interceptions. However, his aggressive style of passing keeps defenses cautious, opening up more opportunities in the running game. In addition, despite lacking mobility due to his size, he shows the ability to maneuver in the pocket when he needs to buy time. He fits best in an offense that throws downfield often and has the offensive line to give him the time to make those deep passes.

 Brian Hoyer (Patriots)

Another Patriot, Hoyer is actually ahead of Mallett on the depth chart. While he wasn't blessed with any elite physical tools, he gets the most from his skill set. He shows neither good scrambling ability nor "plus" arm strength. Yet he makes smart throws, and the Patriots are confident that he can come in and manage the game if something were to happen to Brady. Hoyer makes his living on shorter throws, as he places the ball accurately. With his confidence and competitive nature, he should be signed by a team to compete for a starting job.

Joe Webb (Vikings)

Ridiculously athletic, Webb eludes would-be-tacklers with moves that should theoretically be impossible for a man his size. He was originally drafted for his speed and athleticism to play receiver. However, once they saw his raw arm talent up close in camp, they kept him at quarterback. Still needing improvement with his mechanics, he struggles with his accuracy. When he is forced into the starting lineup, he can provide a spark with his exciting style of play. As the Vikings already have their starter in place with Christian Ponder, Webb will probably need to sign with another team to receive a shot at starting.

Mike Kafka (Eagles)

Much like Brian Hoyer, Kafka lacks elite skills, but he plays well when he gets opportunities. Though he throws lack great zip and velocity on his passes, he can get the job done, and his arm strength is only improving. He places the ball accurately for the most part and with excellent touch. Kafka was praised in his rookie year for learning the Eagles' system extraordinarily quickly, which credits his intelligence. Perhaps most importantly, he has delivered in the clutch throughout his football career. For now he provides the Eagles with insurance in case of a Vick injury, but he could earn a starting gig in the future.

Terrelle Pryor (Raiders)

Pryor was taken in the third round of the supplemental draft after facing a suspension for improper benefits. The late Raiders' owner Al Davis believed that the quarterback from Ohio State would eventually develop into a franchise player for them. Now Pryor is trying to prove that Davis was correct by throwing himself into studying and practicing. A real playmaker with his crazy athleticism and rocket arm, he has incredible upside. His size/speed combination can prove to be nearly unstoppable if he can improve his footwork and throwing mechanics and also master the offense. Carson Palmer will eventually be replaced, perhaps by Pryor.

Tyrod Taylor (Ravens)

Though short in stature, Tyrod Taylor can flat-out play. With athleticism to spare, he is mostly utilized on rollout passes as he does struggle to see over his line at times. Nevertheless, his arm is quite strong, and his passes, especially on the move, are placed very accurately. While many athletic quarterbacks tend to take off too quickly, Taylor plays with a pass-first mentality and uses his athleticism to buy time for a throw. He might not ever become a starter, but he should provide his team with an athletic and exciting backup.