A look at some sleepers QB prospects

Almost anyone agrees that unlike the previous two years, this upcoming NFL Draft boost one of the most deluded quarterback classes in years. As was the case last year (Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman), only juniors are projected to be first round material.

Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen out of Notre Dame are the only sure fire selections. Both posses the necessary skill set and intangibles to become franchise signal callers. But aside the Big Two, no other QB is expected to be drafted in the first two rounds. In fact, there’s a good chance only four QBs will be drafted on Day One.

Aside Bradford and Clausen, only Cincinnati’s Tony Pike (6’6”, 212, 4.88) has the possibility of being a top, opening day pick while 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow (Florida, 6’3”, 245, 4.79), will most likely be selected higher than his ability to play the position merit due to his high public persona.

Despite this somewhat lackluster top half of the class, there are several good, late Day 2 prospects who have the talent to become future starters on Sundays. Topping the list is West Virginia’s Jarrett Brown. The 6-foot-3, 218 pounder is one of the faster risers in many boards thanks to his impressive postseason performance.

Brown sports the best arm of the class. He also is a creative player who has the ability to move the chains with his feet (4.64). He will need time to develop, but his skills will intrigue teams looking for a developmental quarterback who will sit and learn for a few years. Cleveland comes to mind. Last week the Browns signed Jake Delhomme. The former Carolina Panther QB, who will battle, and most likely will win, Seneca Wallace for Cleveland’s job; is viewed as just a stopgap measure until a big time playmaker can be find. Brown will be a perfect fit for the club if he is available in the middle rounds.

Another diamond in the rough possibility could be Jonathan Crompton (6’4”, 228, 4.76). The Tennessee product had a career year in 2009 playing in Lane Kiffin’s pro-style offense. He has the arm strength to make any NFL throw and the timing to play in a West Coast-type of system. He will need more coaching and experience, but the overall talent is there for him to make it as a starter. Projected as a mid-to-late fifth rounder, Crompton could prove to be one of the best Day Two picks this year.

That same label can be attached to Oregon State’s Sean Canfield (6’4”, 214, 4.94) who once was viewed as a mid-to-upper second round pick but due to a poor finish and an undistinguished postseason, has dropped all the way back to the end of fifth round. Still, his arm, mobility and accuracy are solid. He needs to work out on his mechanic and foot movement, but he does one thing that neither Brown nor Crompton seem to do, hit his receivers in stride. Look for a team such as New England or Indianapolis, clubs with established stars, to take a long, hard look at Canfield.

John Skelton (6’5”, 244, 4.89) out of Fordham is gathering the most attention of all the possible sleepers. His size and strength are reminiscence of the Raven’s Joe Flacco, but that where the similarities ends. Unlike Flacco (Delaware 2008) who blew scouts since away with his quick and savvy mind, Skelton hasn’t demonstrated the ability to promptly comprehend a complex playbook. That’s why his stock hasn’t rise above the fourth round territory. In time he could develop into a serviceable backup. He is more similar to former Temple great Walter Washington (un drafted FA in 2005) than to the current Baltimore starter.