2011 Draft Picks: QBs & Running Backs
The NFL 2010-2011 season is just under way, and with the NCAA about to follow suit many young college players are setting their eyes on the pros. Here’s a list of the 2011 season top offensive draft prospects in the fields of quarterback and running back.
Let’s start with quarterbacks, as they basically define the team and lead them to victory. They are the backbone of any organisation and as such, they need to be selected wisely. Stanford Cardinals have high hopes for Andrew Luck. He became their starting quarterback last season and since then he’s been commanding attention. He’s got the strength, size, and stamina to be a pro already. With his deft outlook on the field, his quick decision making and his smart play, draft watchers are setting their sites on this up-and-comer.
Jake Locker of Washington decided not to participate in last April’s draft. Instead he returned for his senior campaign. Many point out that it shows incredible maturity to know when you’re ready for something, and when you're not, while others claim he was just scared. No matter what you believe one thing is for certain, this is a great athlete.
In fact his baseball playing has gotten fans talking just about as much as his handling of the pig skin. This boy could, like Bowe Jackson, end up playing in the MLB as well. Hopes are high that he will progress his game a little more this season, developing into a complete passer.
Ryan Mallet of Arkansas shocked the Nation last year after transferring out of the Big Ten and into the Southwest Conference. Since then he’s been pulling off pocket passes like an artful thief. His arm is incredibly strong, but this in-your-face player lacks accuracy and his decision-making is questionable. He has yet to mature into a fully fledged professional, but with a little guidance there is no limit to how well this kid could develop.
No one would argue that Christian Ponder of Florida State is a weak physical athlete. He just lacks the natural skills of most of the other quarterbacks mentioned above. But what he lacks in physicality, he more than makes up for in decision making. His style of play is smart, and if it wasn’t for a sidelining shoulder injury incurred last year, he would already be top billing on everybody’s radar.
Jerrod Johnson of Texas A & M is Christian Ponder’s antithesis. He’s got natural athletic ability, great instincts and supreme arm strength, and all of this has him ranked among the best of the senior class. He can make all types of passes and has no fear of the tight spots. Instincts and courage aside, his decision-making and technical prowess leave a lot to be desired, but if he can pull it together this season - and if he takes the time to be humble and learn the books and the fundamentals - he will make a huge leap in the draft. This guy’s got potential but his game is still in development.
Up-and-coming running backs
Mark Ingram of the Alabama Crimson Tide has already won a Heisman Trophy. He’s the best player in college football and undoubtedly the best running back. He uses his strength to carry the ball on the inside and also has the speed and stamina to run around the tackle. With his eagle eye and deft fingering, no ball evades this catcher who can spot them from the backfield and complete the plays others might fumble. He is highly rated, and if things keep going the way they have been, this young running back is poised for top billing.
Evan Royster of Penn State decided to return to University this season instead of prematurely entering the draft. This young man still needs room to grow, but he’s fast and he moves well. Any NFL team would profit from his contribution.
Kendall Hunter of Oklahoma State has struggled with injuries in the past, and he failed to capitalize on his 2008 campaign. He catches the ball well and he knows how to avoid the tackle.
Mario Fannin of the Auburn University Tigers is underrated. His sophomore season was incredible, but the junior season that followed left a bad taste in everybody’s mouth. If he can get back into his rhythm he will be a prized draft pick.
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