SI 300 Rankings: QB
Odds are, the next Tom Brady is in this bunch—but also a few Jake Lockers WITH 2014 STATS
2 MARCUS MARIOTA
Oregon (6'4", 222 lbs.)
4,454 yards / 42 TDs / 4 INTs
PROS
Ran a heavy Pistol play-action offense, which translates better to NFL than some think. Tremendous thrower on the run; good mechanics when he's not pressured. Doesn't always bail at the first sign of trouble.
CONS
Will find a tougher go in the NFL when first read isn't open. Faces steep learning curve with pro playbook.
NFL COMP
Aaron Rodgers
6 JAMEIS WINSTON
Florida State (6'4", 231 lbs.)
3,907 yards / 25 TDs / 18 INTs
PROS
Dynamite arm; ability to make every NFL throw, including deep-third verticals to opposite boundary. For a college QB, advanced understanding of routes, protections and Ds.
CONS
Functionally athletic but not a scrambler/runner per se; more of a pocket QB. Mechanics aren't consistent, and he can be labored with them at times.
NFL COMP
Jay Cutler
54 BRETT HUNDLEY
UCLA (6'3", 226 LBS.)
3,155 yards / 22 TDs / 5 INTs
PROS
Well-built dual threat with legitimate breakaway speed. Possesses many traits that could eventually lead to NFL success.
CONS
The mistake would be in assuming that he can be a pro starter right away. Tends to lock on to first WR; telegraphs reads. Will struggle with turnovers at next level.
NFL COMP
Colin Kaepernick
99 BRYCE PETTY
Baylor (6'3", 230 lbs.)
3,855 yards / 29 TDs / 7 INTs
PROS
Tough, competitive leader. Throws in rhythm with quick release. Has arm strength to make throws to all parts of the field.
CONS
Played in spread O. Struggled if first read wasn't available. Accuracy fell off with defenders at his feet.
NFL COMP
Derek Carr
129 GARRETT GRAYSON
Colo. State (6'2", 213 lbs.)
4,006 yards / 32 TDs / 7 INTs
PROS
Mountain West Offensive POY throws a great deep ball; showed confidence under duress and in the clutch.
CONS
Slow release, which could prove problematic against NFL pass rushes. Mechanics falter when flushed from the pocket. He's no rushing threat.
NFL COMP
Ryan Fitzpatrick
140 SEAN MANNION
Oregon State (6'6", 229 lbs.)
3,164 yards / 15 TDs / 8 INTs
PROS
Pure pocket passer with an impressive build and ability to make any throw. Very good at throwing his receivers open on deep balls.
CONS
Falls apart under pressure. Looks like a rock star when he's protected but completely lost when things don't go as planned. If he's on the run, his accuracy takes a nosedive.
NFL COMP
Zach Mettenberger
196 BRANDON BRIDGE
SOUTH ALABAMA (6'4", 229 LBS.)
1,927 yards / 15 TDs / 8 INTs
PROS
Great arm strength; solid deep-ball threat. Shows patience in the pocket but can extend plays and throw off the run if necessary.
CONS
Needs to be more accurate: completed just over 50% of his passes. Lacks experience against top-tier Ds.
NFL COMP
Ben Roethlisberger
226 CONNOR HALLIDAY
Wash. State (6'3", 196 lbs.)
3,873 yards / 32 TDs / 11 INTs
PROS
Excels at deep balls dropped over a secondary. Played through a lacerated liver; endured a coaching change, a lot of losing and some terrible O-line play. So toughness is not a concern.
CONS
Mike Leach pupils haven't often succeeded outside the pass-crazed systems they rode to prominence in college.
NFL COMP
Jeff Tuel
236 CODY FAJARDO
NEVADA (6'1", 223 LBS.)
2,498 yards / 18 TDs / 11 INTs
PROS
Smooth release. Great athlete—one of the best at the combine for the position. Tough kid; will take hits. Good timing on back-shoulder fade.
CONS
Played in Pistol O; will have to adjust to NFL offense. Doesn't have a big arm.
NFL COMP
Geno Smith
239 TAYLOR HEINICKE
Old Dominion (6'1", 213 lbs.)
3,476 yards / 30 TDs / 16 INTs
PROS
Precise on short and midrange passes. ODU's offense was built on his making quick reads, which he did well. Can throw on the run; doesn't panic under pressure.
CONS
Monarchs mostly ran one-read plays from a spread offense; he faces a huge transition to the NFL. Lacks arm strength to deliver deep balls.
NFL COMP
Chase Daniel
245 SHANE CARDEN
East Carolina (6'2", 218 lbs.)
4,736 yards / 30 TDs / 10 INTs
PROS
Able to keep his eyes downfield in the midst of pressure and then sling it deep. Athletic enough to make things happen with his feet and make throws on the run. Not afraid to go to covered WRs; able to make tight-window throws.
CONS
Tends to play frenetically and struggles getting enough on his sideline throws. Has to learn to cycle through and read coverages.
NFL COMP
Thad Lewis
269 BRYAN BENNETT
SE Louisiana (6'2", 211 lbs.)
2,357 yards / 18 TDs / 8 INTs
PROS
Lightning-quick release when he needs it. Athletic; can move and scramble. Can make drive throws to middle of the field.
CONS
Doesn't spin the ball as well as you'd like. Struggles to make throws when moved off his spot. Pressure him and it's over. Deep ball is a problem.
NFL COMP
Josh McCown
271 JERRY LOVELOCKE
Prairie View A&M (6'4", 248 lbs.)
2,473 yards / 16 TDs / 9 INTs
PROS
Has an NFL frame and a big arm that is best used fitting passes into tight windows over the middle. Showed the ability to improvise and get throws off in an imperfect pocket.
CONS
His 4.99 40 time at the combine underscores the concern that his impressive rushing stats were helped significantly by inferior competition and the deception of his team's zone-read O. Struggles with touch and consistent placement on deep balls.
NFL COMP
Logan Thomas
297 BLAKE SIMS
Alabama (5'11", 218 lbs.)
3,487 yards / 28 TDs / 10 INTs
PROS
Smooth throwing motion; dynamic in the open field. Can make all the throws, despite lacking a huge arm. Good on his feet; at times seems impossible to bring down in the pocket. Great body control; takes care of the ball.
CONS
Tends to stare down WRs. Balls get batted at line due to his height, arm angle. Likely not a starter.
NFL COMP
Colt McCoy
2014 FBS passer rating leader
MARCUS MARIOTA 181.7
Top 40 time at combine
MARIOTA 4.52
SCOUTING BY
Colin Becht, Peter Bukowski, Chris Burke, Ben Eagle, Zac Ellis, Doug Farrar, Ben Glicksman, Bette Marston, Aaron Nagler, Amy Parlapiano, Andrew Perloff and Eric Single
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KIRBY LEE/IMAGE OF SPORT/USA TODAY SPORTS
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TROY WAYRYNEN/AP (MANNION)
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MICHAEL CHANG/GETTY IMAGES (BRIDGE)
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CATHLEEN ALLISON/AP
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AL TIELEMANS FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED