2015 NFL Draft: Top 5 Quarterbacks

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Bryce Petty, Baylor

Bryce Patty enjoyed a very successful, winning filled career at Baylor and to me he might just be the most intriguing quarterback prospect in the entire draft. A big strong armed pocket passer, Petty just looks like an NFL quarterback. Petty is a very tough kid and will take the needed hit in order to make the needed play.

Petty has what is often described as ‘functional pocket mobility.’ That is to say he’s not exactly Russell Wilson, but that Petty can move when needed in the pocket to extend a play. Petty is a leader who truly leaves it all on the field. The former Baylor quarterback now famed 2014 comeback win vs. rival TCU is all the proof needed in showing just how capable of a leader Petty can be.

Like many quarterback prospects, Petty is believed to be a bit of a system quarterback. Playing in a one read system at Baylor, if and when Petty is drafted he will have to begin what will be a long process in learning how to play the position at the NFL level. In terms of throwing accuracy, in a very similar way to Grayson, Petty has much room to improve.

I wouldn’t say Petty has poor throwing accuracy, but by starting NFL quarterback standards, Petty has a ways to go until I’d call his accuracy sufficient. As gutsy and competitive as Petty is, there is a lingering belief that Petty at times lets his failures pile up and get the best of him. Perhaps Petty’s sheer competitive will to win can be a double edged sword.

What Petty has going for him is many of his perceived weaknesses should in theory be fixable. Like almost every quarterback in the draft, Petty too will be best served sitting behind an established NFL quarterback for at least his rookie season. If such does actually happen, I could see Petty becoming a quality NFL starter down the line. Petty has a lot to learn and thus a lot to improve on, but Petty has the raw skills to be a successful NFL quarterback.

What could eventually determine Petty’s fate, is again, where he is drafted. Petty cannot afford for a team to reach for him in the early rounds and subsequently expect too much too soon. Expect to see Petty taken between rounds three and five.

Next: 3. Brett Hundley, UCLA