It's interesting to look at how Simpson has done compared to Jalen Milroe last year. Alabama didn't lose too many key offensive pieces to the draft so it's a decent apples to apples comp. Simpson's numbers absolutely blow Milroe's out of the water, at least from a passing perspective. My early preference for a QB is probably Simpson or Mendoza. Still need to do a lot more homework though.
Dodge the draft/Jets and risk having your career derailed by injury or poor play. Get drafted by the Jets and risk having your career derailed by the Jets. Tough one.
This is really probably the best year in recent history to trade down and still be able to get a QB of similar skill level. Whether that’s in the first round or even the second round. I don’t really know where Maiava, Rocco Becht, Sellers, Simpson and Nussmeier fall if they come out. But I don’t think the drop off is that bad from Mendoza & Moore to any of those five. Becht probably a bit deeper down the list but it’s hard to ignore the gamer element he has to him. Our problem is going to be finding a suitor that wants to move up and feels Moore or Mendoza are that much better of prospects. The Browns (maybe?), Dolphins, Raiders and Saints are the only teams that’ll be picking in the top ten that are desperate for a QB. The Raiders are probably the most desperate in terms of the way Geno’s looked this year. The Browns still have the two kids they’re evaluating and are stuck with Watson if/when he ever comes back. If Gabriel and Shedeur continue to suck I imagine they’ll throw Watson out there with all his money.
I think the concern with Simpson is Deboer’s offense. It’s not quite as gimmicky as Tennessee’s (in that it’s not as vertical minded) but it does have a similar timing element to it. The receiver will be in X-spot at X-time. If you deliver it on time it will be complete. Simpson is throwing with really good anticipation in that sort of scheme. Milroe wasn’t built for that at all. I’m going on the basis that I don’t think Penix is a good pro or will be a good pro - is Simpson somewhat a product of this system?
How does this compare to what Mendoza is asked to do? Do any of the top QB candidates run non-gimmicky offenses well?
I’m just speculating because it’s impossible to know but I think Mendoza has more decision making power as to where the ball goes on any given play based on what the defense gives him. I think Simpson is given a defined place where the ball goes. Simpson is also placing the ball better than anyone in the country in terms of tight window throws though. There are advanced stats out there that show he’s way ahead of everyone in that category and anticipation categories.
I think we’re moving into an era where there are no real stud superstar QB’s, at least for a while. Since 2020 no real stud superstar QB has emerged. There’s a ton of very good QB’s from 2020, including 2 legendary ones, but nothing close ever since. This upcoming crop will give more of the same. I think there are a handful in this coming draft that will be very good, but there are no legends here.
What's your take on why Lanorris Sellers is so high on QB rankings? From what I've seen, the production is pretty mediocre.
Raw athletic ability and every tool in the tool box. I watched him a bit more last year but I saw him against Oklahoma and he had no help. Running for his life, no real running game and meh receivers. I hope for his sake as a prospect and a good kid he stays in college whether that’s at SC or somewhere else. I think he has Heisman potential in a better situation. Assuming Maiava comes out, the other USC might be a good landing spot to do that. He might get a second round grade from the competition committee though and think he can blow everyone’s balls off at the combine to fly up the board.
Sellers could be great. That’s a pro style system he plays in too. Absolutely elite measurables. I think he squats something like 500 lbs which is like Jalen Hurts. Except he is bigger and faster than Hurts. escapability in the pocket reminds me of Roethlisberger His release is slow though. Someone needs to work with him and make him great
Good perspective, thanks. Haven't seen much of him outside of that SEC documentary series on NetFlix.
