The Redskins bypassed quarterbacks more polished than Terrelle Pryor in April. It makes little sense for them to look at him now that he might be available in the supplemental draft. His development would take too long, and they likely will need a young quarterback to take over in 2012. Pryor would not be ready.
Besides, the upcoming draft class could be one of the best in a long time.
“It really is good,” said former scout Russ Lande, who heads the Sporting News’ draft coverage. “This year everyone talked about 1983 [because of the numbers], but everyone knew it wasn’t there in terms of talent level. Next year could be like 1983 in terms of pure talent.”
And 1983 is the gold standard for quarterback classes. Six quarterbacks were picked in the first round, including Hall of Famers John Elway (first), Jim Kelly (14th) and Dan Marino (27th). Todd Blackledge (seventh), Tony Eason (15th) and Ken O’Brien (24th) also were picked that year.
But if next year is going to be that good, it makes sense to wait. Three could be special:
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford » Safe to say he would have been the first pick this year ahead of Mr. Red Flag, Cam Newton. He has a good arm, mobility and brains. Right now, there’s little to dislike.
2. Matt Barkley, USC » If he opts to come out, Barkley is a top-10 talent after throwing 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a sophomore. He’s entering his third season as a starter, so he’ll be experienced enough to make the jump. He’s also considered a good leader.
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma » In two years he has thrown 64 touchdown passes to 26 interceptions. And he has good size at 6-foot-4. He’s inconsistent throwing downfield, but he has a chance to vault high in the draft.
“Both Jones and Luck could be the slam-dunk top-two picks in the draft,” Lande said.
Other quarterbacks to watch, Lande said, include Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins, Arizona’s Nick Foles and Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson. But watch with a warning.
“Things happen when it comes to quarterbacks,” Lande said.
