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Below you will find our 2011 NFL Draft Quarterback Spotlights. These NFL QB Prospect spotlights are loaded with analysis, stats and video footage.
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Height: 6-6, Weight: 250, Forty: 4.58
Smitty’s Outlook: (8/1/11) With DeAngelo Williams resigning in CAR, Newton is going to have even more surrounding support to turn heads as a rookie. As we continue to say time and time again, we are not expecting miracles during his first NFL campaign, but this kid will soon be elite, let’s say in 2-3 seasons. We will see flashes of brilliance in 2011, though, so get ready!
Smitty’s Outlook: (7/10/11) Newton is reportedly making very good progress so far this off-season. He is working on playing football under center, and he has worked on his footwork. These will be things that Newton struggles with during his first NFL season, but we stand by all of our bold predictions and stances when it comes to Newton. We were ahead of the curve suggesting he would be the number 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft — Everyone called us crazy when we had him slotted in at No. 1, and we had him there back when the 2010 NFL Season wasn’t even over yet. Newton, if healthy, will likely be as good as we predict. Sure, anything can happen, and some injuries can end anyone’s career, but we like the odds when we look at Newton talent-wise. He has Mike Vick upside in 2-3 seasons!
Smitty’s Outlook: (6/18/11) Cam Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, feels that he already has “a grip” on the Panthers’ offense. This report coming in early June. Newton was able to get his hands on a playbook on April 28, and he has reportedly been studying it with dedication. Team captain Jon Beason has reportedly praised Newton’s “great leadership” abilities and reportedly called Newton a “specimen” at Panthers player-organized workouts. As I continue to write, Newton is going to go through some growing pains here and there throughout the 2011 NFL season, but this kid has elite-like talent and could very well be the next Mike Vick.
Smitty’s Outlook: (6/3/11) The lockout could really delay the emergence of Cam Newton, but I still firmly believe the passer will finish the season strong and head into his sophomore season on a high note. As I’ve said several times below, his rise to the elite will not happen over night, and it could take 2-3 years before we start seeing that Michael Vick-like talent, but the talent is present, that I firmly believe. The sooner this lockout ends, the more time Newton will have to prepare for his first NFL season. Newton is expected to participate in informal workouts organized by Panthers offensive linemen Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton next week, so at least the passer will get to know the offense a bit more than expected during this idle time.
Smitty’s Outlook: (5/8/11) Back in Decemeber of 2010, we took a lot of heat for projecting Cam Newton as the No. 1 overall pick (in one of our first 2011 NFL Mock Drafts). Of course months later, Newton’s name started popping up as the No. 1 overall pick on NFL Mock Drafts everywhere… Then, a few months ago, we took even more heat for ranking Newton inside our top 12 for dynasty quarterbacks. Well, we’re use to making bold predictions and then taking heat for it… we’re also getting use to landing such predictions, though. We don’t land everything here at Fantasy Football Xtreme, but if there is one thing we’re good at, it’s landing big-time breakout candidates. It may take Newton a couple of years before he starts looking like the next version of Michael Vick, but I firmly believe he will turn into that type of talent. Carolina made the right move in selecting Newton No. 1 overall.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/23/11) Ok, so there are all kinds of Newton-related reports surfacing right now as we head closer and closer to this year’s 2011 NFL Draft. Some reports suggest that the Panthers will take a last minute detour and draft DT Marcell Dareus, but other sources, like Panthers beat writer Joseph Person, suggest that it is still expected that the Panthers will draft Cam Newton No. 1 overall. I still firmly believe that the Panthers will select Newton. Even if they don’t grab the Auburn passer, he is still by far my No. 1 ranked quarterback from this 2011 draft class. The bottom line is, Newton remains the most talented/athletic quarterback to come out of college for quite some time. Doubt him all you want, but I see Mike Vick in this kid. He is a playmaker, and if he is used right, and a team doesn’t try to change his game too much, he will turn heads at the NFL level. There will be all kinds of doubters all the way through this passer’s first NFL season, but how quickly those doubters will fade once Newton gets settled into a starting line-up and has at least a good year of learning under his belt. It won’t be a short road for Newton, and the doubting will probably get worse before it gets better.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/11/11) As predicted, Cam Newton’s draft value has been all over the board, but there are still more doubters than believers. And that’s fine, as again, I predict the kid to be a great fantasy football quarterback in the coming years. It could take him 1-2 seasons, if not more, to get his game together in the pros, but he has Mike Vick talent – I stand by that, as you can read below. A recent report by NFL.com’s Gil Brandt suggests that Auburn QB Cam Newton is a no-brainer pick at the No. 1 overall draft slot this year. “I would take Cam Newton and I wouldn’t even think twice,” writes Brandt. “He has the ability to transform a franchise into a winner and an exciting team like Josh Freeman did down in Tampa Bay.” We have taken a lot of heat this off-season for our Cam Newton predictions and rankings (dynasty rankings on our site), but sleepers is what we do here at Fantasy Football Xtreme (proven with Arian Foster, LeSean McCoy and Mike Wallace last season). Could I be wrong on Newton? Sure, if this kid stays healthy and gets the support he needs, I firmly believe the sky is the limit! Stay tuned for more coverage and predictions after the draft (or before, if news breaks, and we expect it will).
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/27/11) ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that Auburn QB Cam Newton will be the No. 1 overall pick in April’s 2011 NFL Draft.. I agree. I also stand by my comments below that suggest that this kid is the real deal and will be an elite NFL passer in 1-2 years. He has Mike Vick potential from a fantasy perspective. Doubt him all you want, but the upside is there. All he needs is a shot, which he will get, and then he just needs to stay healthy. I firmly believe he will develop fast, and Carolina will likely start him right out of the gate, or very early on, in an attempt to sell tickets.
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/9/11) Just four days ago I just wrote how trendy it was to doubt Cam Newton, and already there has been a shift in the media surrounding Newton’s draft upside. While there still are some Newton doubters out there in the media and scouting world, grips in both categories of people are now predicting that the passer will be the No. 1 overall pick during next month’s 2011 NFL Draft. The shift in thinking is partly due to Newton’s Auburn Pro Day performance yesterday, where the passer connected on 50-of-60 throws in passing drills. ESPN’s Todd McShay reported that Newton had “excellent accuracy” during his passing session. I can’t say this enough – Newton has so much upside I just don’t get the doubt. He has a lot to learn, no question, but his natural talent can’t be measured… It could take him a couple seasons to adjust to the way the game is played at the NFL level, but if healthy, I firmly stand by my predictions that he will be a great NFL quarterback and a great fantasy quarterback. In the right system, and again if healthy, I see Newton becoming the next Mike Vick.
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/5/11) It’s almost becoming trendy to doubt Cam Newton right now, but keep in mind that the draft is still a ways away. I will continue to back Newton as this draft’s best passer, and I still firmly believe that Newton’s fantasy upside is endless. Even with all the media doubt surrounding Newton right now, a recent CBS poll involving seven league sources showed that four of those sources had Auburn’s Cam Newton rated as the draft’s top quarterback… the other three league sources had Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert ranked second. According to sources close to the situation, that I have talked, there is just as much doubt, or more, surrounding Gabbert, it’s just a much more quiet doubt that can’t get out of the shadow of Newton’s media coverage.
Smitty’s Outlook: (2/27/11) Auburn quarterback Cam Newton went just 11-of-21 during accuracy drills at the NFL Combine on Sunday. Not good. Some scouts and reports called Newton’s workout terrible, and most reports suggest that he was quite high on most of his passes. SI.com draft writer Tony Pauline reportedly noted that Florida State’s Christian Ponder “looked more like a first-round pick” than Cam Newton during these combine drills. What does this mean? Does this change our stance on Newton from a fantasy perspective, or even an NFL perspective? I say no. It does force us to slot him lower in our 2011 NFL Mock Draft, but that’s only because we now expect other teams to doubt Newton a little more. However, I do not doubt him as a future stud in this league. He is an unbelievable talent, and the accuracy will come, just like it did for Vick. I predict Newton to be at Vick’s level in 3-4 years. He will still be plenty productive along the way, as well. Also, keep in mind that Newton can redefine his draft value once again during Auburn’s March 8 Pro Day.
X’s Outlook: (2/19/11) Cam Newton landed with Auburn in 2010 after being courted by all of the major colleges, and lived up to the hype by throwing for over 2,800 yards and rushing for nearly 1,500 more. In the process he scored 50 touchdowns, 30 through the air and 20 on the ground, one of only three NCAA players to ever surpass the 20 TD mark in both categories in a single season. Although Newton enters the draft as the Heisman Trophy winner, scouts have plenty of questions about his NFL readiness; his exclusive work out of the shotgun and his inexperience with reading defenses top that list. Regardless, Newton is a first round prospect with all the physical tools to succeed in the right situation and under the right tutelage, but don’t expect that until 2012 at the earliest.
Video Footage: Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3
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Height: 6-5, Weight: 235, Forty: 4.63
Smitty’s Outlook: (8/1/11) David Garrard will likely start the season, but he will be on a short leash. Gabbert has nice upside, but we are a handful of years away before we even start talking about this guy being a future top 12 fantasy quarterback.
Smitty’s Outlook: (6/3/11) Will Blaine Gabbert start as a rookie? I say yes, but I think the team will likely wait until a handful of weeks are in the rear view before they shove Gabbert into battle. If the Jags start off winning without Gabbert, they will likely wait until passing struggles arise before they try and ignite that rookie flame. If the Jaguars struggle early for wins, I really think they will shove Gabbert into the line-up, but the lockout is going to set his learning back quite a bit, so don’t expect him in there anywhere near Week 2 or 3. David Garrard, who could be asked to take a paycut, is owed nearly $8 million in 2011. If healthy, I couldn’t imagine the Jaguars not starting him entering Week 1. Gabbert’s only fantasy value is in dynasty leagues, where he has the upside to eventually be a top 8-12 NFL quarterback.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/29/11) The Jags really wanted Blaine Gabbert, proved by Jacksonville trading up to land the passer on draft day. Gabbert could have been drafted as high as No. 3 overall, but the Jags were able to almost steal him at No. 10 overall. While I still have some questions about Gabbert’s game, I really think this is a solid situation to get drafted into – Gabbert could eventually become a top 10 NFL quarterback. He has top 10 fantasy upside as well, but he will need some serious upgrades at the receiver position before we go there (we do like Mike Thomas a lot, FYI).
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/23/11) ESPN’s Mike Sando, Arizona Republic’s Kent Somers and AzCardinals.com’s Darren Urban all predict that the Arizona Cardinals will not draft a quarterback at No. 5 overall in this year’s 2011 NFL Draft. Those are three pretty big names in terms of writers that closely follow the Cardinals. I have to admit, it will be quite disappointing to see the Cards pass on a chance to give Larry Fitzgerald the kind of passer he deserves. Given that the Cardinals most glaring need is at the quarterback position, it would make no sense to pass on the chance to groom an elite passer in that offense. Wherever Gabbert goes, he should develop into a strong NFL passer. Just because I like Newton so much, that doesn’t mean I don’t also like, and believe in, Gabbert. In the right spot, he will thrive within 2-3 years.
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/27/11) The Charlotte Observer is reporting that Blaine Gabbert to the Panthers at No. 1 overall was never really realistic and it was more of a media hype machine. As of today, everyone expects Cam Newton to go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers. Gabbert, if available, could go to the Cardinals at No. 5 overall. Michael Bidwell is reportedly a big fan of the Mizzou passer.
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/12/11) Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert reportedly scored a 42 on the Wonderlic. For a baseline, anything inside the 30-40 range is considered very good, and the average passer sits around 24-26. It sounds like “smarts” isn’t an issue for the passer, but many scouts and analysts have questioned his ability to be an accurate quarterback. The bottom line is that a handful of teams will take a stab at this quarterback and he will most likely be off the board before we get to pick 10 on draft day. He will need good receivers in order to excel quickly in this league – He might just get those solid receivers. Stay tuned for more updates on Gabbert and all these 2011 quarterback prospects.
X’s Outlook: (2/19/11) In his two years as starter at Missouri, Blaine Gabbert amassed 18 wins behind 6,700 passing yards and 43 touchdowns – three of those on the ground. While those numbers put him in elite company among Missouri quarterbacks, many were surprised to see him elect to enter the NFL draft early, citing his inexperience playing under center in a traditional collegiate offense. On the flip side, Gabbert has good size, a solid arm, a quick release and has earned praise for his leadership and film study. All told, Gabbert figures to be an early first round pick and could surprise in 2011 if he lands in the right situation.
Video Footage: Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3
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Height: 6-2, Weight: 228, Forty: 4.59
Smitty’s Outlook: (8/1/11) With Matt Hasselbeck now a Titan, the Jake Locker project will be on hold, but this is great news for his long-term upside. If he is to be a future top 15 NFL QB, he needs to learn the game properly before he is thrown to the wolves… Hassel will be a good teacher. We are 2-3 years away from seeing what this rookie really has.
Smitty’s Outlook: (6/3/11) Like with Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, only dynasty leaguers should be investing in rookie quarterbacks. These three will be far from consistent during the first NFL campaigns, especially given the impact that the lockout will have on them. As for the future, I still firmly believe that Locker has monster upside. His progression could depend on how consistent Kenny Britt is (on and off the field)… if Britt plays like he is capable of playing, which really is like a top 15 NFL wide receiver, Gabbert could get in a nice groove in the second half of the season, and Chris Johnson will be back to his dominate self. Again, Locker’s value is in dynasty formats, but we love this situation and we love his future upside.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/29/11) Jake Locker could be the second-best quarterback coming out of this draft. There is no reason two passers can’t emerge from this draft class and dominate the NFL in a couple of years. Locker has that kind of upside (as does Newton). Tennessee still has to make some upgrades to perform, and some house cleaning to do, but one can’t argue against starting a career with Chris Johnson under center and Kenny Britt (if he can stay out of trouble) pulling in passes. Locker could progress fast – Titans fans have to love this selection (and Chris Johnson owners as well!). Expect more on Locker in the coming days.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/23/11) Locker’s stock has been on the rise over the past few weeks – Some call him a top 15 pick, or at least a dark horse top 15 pick. His fantasy value, and NFL value, will depend on where he lands come draft day, so stay tuned for more on Locker post-draft.
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/5/11) Scout reactions are mixed right now on Locker, but we anticipate Locker being the fourth quarterback to get selected on draft day. He has sleeper upside in the second-round for a team in desperate need of a franchise passer. In the right spot, Locker really could thrive in the NFL, but he needs to be able to use his feet and play his brand of football. While getting drafted in the second-round seems a lot more likely than getting drafted in the first, don’t be shocked if a team like Minnesota reaches for the passer early on in the 2011 NFL Draft. Where Locker lands will determine everything when it comes to his future fantasy value.
Smitty’s Outlook: (2/27/11) Locker looked relatively impressive during Sunday’s NFL Combine Drills. He ran an impressive 4.59 40-yard dash and looked accurate. He could very well be a first-round selection on draft day.
X’s Outlook: (2/19/11) A four year starter at Washington, Jake Locker’s best season came as a Junior where he passed for 2,800 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 388 yards and 7 more scores. He took a step back in his senior season, but his arm strength, balance and foot speed have led many to draw comparisons to John Elway. One legitimate concern for NFL teams is his dual-sport talent, he is currently under a six-year contract with the LA Angels, although he has made it clear he wants to pursue an NFL career. With the right coaching at the NFL level, Locker could very well develop into a solid starter over the next few years.
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Height: 6-4, Weight: 233, Forty: 4.53
Smitty’s Outlook: (8/1/11) Lots of upside, but years away.
Smitty’s Outlook: (6/18/11) Some say 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick isn’t fit for that 49ers system, but I don’t see it that way. Kaepernick is a hard worker and has a cannon for an arm. He throws with Brett Favre-type power and he is an eager learner. He is recovering from lower-leg surgery, but he is already running log distances and he isn’t going to start anytime soon. Kaepernick won’t play much early on in 2011, if much at all, but he is the future of that 49ers passing attack. The 49ers are a sleeper team to watch and I wouldn’t be shocked if Kaepernick got into the line-up later on in the 2011 season and showed flashes of what is to come in 2012 and beyond. With a great offensive line, Michael Crabtree and a nice running back crew in Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon, that squad, and Kaepernick, could turn heads as early as 2012. Because of the threat that he does very little in 2011, it’s hard to rank Kaepernick higher than this, but I love his upside!
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/29/11) I like Colin Kaepernick a lot, which is why I bumped him into the No. 4 spot for rookie quarterbacks. Kaepernick has a cannon and throws the ball like Brett Favre (59 miles per hour, according to some reports). He ran a 4.53 forty… He is a big-time sleeper from this 2011 NFL Draft class… some teams missed the ball on this one! This selection helps Michael Crabtree most of all, as he has top 5-10 fantasy wide receiver upside, but he was trapped in an environment where he couldn’t get the football. That may have changed with this pick. The 49ers have a great offensive line, a talented group of pass catchers after Crabtree (in Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan)… Kaepernick could turn into one of the real steals of this draft. Again, Crabtree could be a real steal in fantasy drafts in 2011 (and a great buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues)!
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/2/11) Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick measured in at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also ran a 4.53 40-yard dash, which was the second fastest time among quarterbacks. He had a 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump. Kaepernick has a solid arm, as some sources reported that radar gun readings had Kaepernick throwing 59 miles per hour, which was the strongest thrown ball at the Combine. That was one MPH faster than Ryan Mallett and three MPH faster than Cam Newton. This kid will be a steal in the second-round on draft day – His fantasy value depends on where he lands and what kind of weapons he will have. Arizona would be a nice landing spot.
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Height: 6-2, Weight: 222, Forty:
Smitty’s Outlook: (8/1/11) With Donovan McNabb in Minnesota, Christian Ponder will probably not hit the field any time soon. Great news for the Vikings, as a rookie passer would equal a losing season, and this also has Ponder learning from a great, but aging, passer in McNabb. Ponder may sit for a year or two, then we will see what he has.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/29/11) How can you not like this landing spot? The Vikings have one of the league’s best running attacks in the league, powered by Adrian Peterson, and they have an underrated WR1 in Sidney Rice. Ponder could be a real sleeper coming out of this 2011 NFL Draft. He could be a nice fantasy football sleeper as well. Look for more on Ponder in the coming days.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/23/11) NFL.com’s Vic Carucci, SI’s Peter King and ESPN’s Adam Schefter all reportedly believe that Florida State QB Christian Ponder will be a first-round pick in this year’s 2011 NFL Draft. Ponder will climb our rankings if he lands in the right spot, as landing spots dictate everything when it comes to fantasy value.
Smitty’s Outlook: (3/12/11) More than a couple scouts/analysts believe that Florida State QB Christian Ponder could “sneak” into round one of the 2011 NFL Draft. Ponder was the MVP of the Senior Bowl and was considered by many to be the best performing quarterback at the 2011 Scouting Combine. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a team really reach for this passer on draft day, and I’m talking top 15. Ponder’s fantasy value will clearly depend on where he goes on draft day. With the right weapons, he could become a solid NFL quarterback.
Smitty’s Outlook: (2/27/11) Florida State QB Christian Ponder was reportedly the “consensus top performer” at Sunday’s NFL Combine. Ponder, who considered not throwing on Sunday, showed accuracy and arm strength. While he is an injury risk, he is starting to look like a lock to get selected before the second-round on draft day.
X’s Outlook: (2/19/11) Christian Ponder may be the most complete quarterback in this class with his combination of accuracy, footwork, quick release, and experience in both the pro-style and shotgun offenses. On top of all that, has proven himself a leader on and off the field and seems comfortable in that role. Holding Ponder back from being a higher-rated prospect is durability concerns; a severe separation of his throwing shoulder in 2009 ended his season, and multiple surgeries on his throwing elbow in 2010 caused him to miss two games. The bottom line is that Ponder could be the one rookie QB who makes an immediate impact in the NFL in 2011 – if he can stay off the injury report.
Video Footage: Clip 1
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Height: 6-2, Weight: 213
Smitty’s Outlook: (8/1/11) With only Bruce Gradkowski in front of him, Dalton will likely start games in 2011, but Gradkowski has the edge to start the year. Neither is a solid option from a fantasy perspective in 2011, or maybe even 2012.
Smitty’s Outlook: (4/29/11) Andy Dalton doesn’t have a cannon, but he is a solid prospect in now in a solid situation (possibly as early as 2011, if Carson Palmer is serious about not playing for the Bengals ever again). Palmer could still get traded later, as well. Keep an eye on this kid.
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