Senior Bowl Position Previews: Quarterback Prospects for the 2014 NFL Draft

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Senior Bowl is the biggest all-star game of the year for college seniors. This is the last game they will participate in before heading to the NFL combine in February. It is also the last chance for scouts to see prospects in a practice and game day situation. Although teams already have an opinion on players, this week can put a prospect over the top or knock them down draft boards.

Here is a look at the six quarterbacks that will be taking part in the Senior Bowl festivities.

South Team:

QB #4 – Derek Carr – Fresno State
Derek Carr was one of the most decorated quarterbacks this year statistically. He put up huge numbers in Fresno State’s high flying offense. He has one of the strongest arms in the class, and has a very nice deep ball. He puts good velocity behind every throw. The biggest downside to Carr’s game is his spotty footwork. He throws off his back foot far too often, which takes away from his strength and accuracy. He needs to develop better footwork to be successful in the NFL.

Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

QB #10 – Jimmy Garoppolo – Eastern Illinois
You are sure to hear Garoppolo’s name a bunch from now until draft day. Every year there is a small school quarterback who catches the attention of NFL teams. He shined at the Shrine Game last week, enough to be invited to the Senior Bowl. Garoppolo has the tools to be a starting quarterback at the next level. He throws the ball with good velocity, and has good composure in the pocket. Look for him to impress throughout this week’s events.

QB #12 – David Fales – San Jose State
Fales is a very accurate passer. His short and intermediate game is incredibly sound. When he tries to throw the ball downfield he has problems. Arm strength is an issue for him. He needs to load up to throw the deep ball, and has trouble throwing to the sidelines. In the NFL, defensive backs will eat up his deep game. Another knock on Fales is his height. He measured in at 6’1’’, which is too short in some eyes. He will need to prove he can make plays regardless of his negatives.

North Team:

QB #3 – Logan Thomas – Virginia Tech
Logan Thomas has had scouts hyping about him since he stepped on the field for the Hokies. He has great size and a power arm, but he has been somewhat of a disappointment over his college career. He has the makeup to be a decent NFL prospect, but will need some good coaching at the next level if he wants to make the necessary improvements. He has some pretty bad accuracy too, especially downfield. This leads to the other team catching the ball way too often.

Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

QB #10 – Tajh Boyd – Clemson
Boyd is a shorter guy, but has a solid build. He has taken his fair share of big hits over his career at Clemson. He was not asked to make a large amount of tough throws in college, but he does have the ability. Most of his game was built off screen passes and slant routes, so his short and mid range accuracy is a strength of his. Boyd also has the ability to move the chains with his legs. He is comfortable in the pocket, and isn’t afraid to take a hit in order to complete a pass. He had more hype towards the beginning of the season, but has since fallen off.

QB #17 – Stephen Morris – Miami
Stephen Morris is a competitor. He isn’t afraid to stay in the pocket and make tough throws under pressure. He has a strong arm and great accuracy. At times he trusts his arm too much, which can lead to late-game turnovers. With speed to burn, he is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Morris is a tad undersized and may slip into the later rounds of the draft. He is a name that is not really brought up in draft talks, so he is looking to change that this week.