Two quarterbacks are expected to be selected within the first 10 picks of this year's NFL draft, which would seem to be a product of the position's importance and the desperate need several teams have at the position.
Fresno State's David Carr is poised to be the first pick of this year's draft, which is topped by the expansion Houston Texans. Buffalo, which has the fourth pick of the draft, also has a void at the position, and most expect Cincinnati would be interested in a passer at the 10th spot in the order.
Oregon's Joey Harrington is the clear choice to be the second quarterback taken, and he could even entice a team to trade up in the order, but even though Carr and Harrington are the cream of the quarterback crop, they may be major risks.
Carr, 6-3, 223, has prototype size and accuracy, but has anything but a pro-like release or the kind of mobility teams seek these days. Carr's semi-sidearm delivery would normally be a major red flag, but Houston's need for a quarterback may cause the Texans to overlook that concern.
Harrington is 6-4, 220, with a feel for the position and natural leadership skills, but Harrington's arm is not worthy of a top-10 pick. He may be the classic example of a "system quarterback."
The next level down may be more intriguing, which may be good news for the Jaguars, who are expected to begin looking at the available quarterback crop in the third round.
Tulane's Patrick Ramsey has shot up draft boards on the strength of a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Ramsey, 6-2, 225, is a hard-worker and an honor student. He is big, strong and durable, and what Carr and Harrington lack, Ramsey has; he has a quick release and a strong arm. He is not mobile or especially athletic, however, which will probably push him into the second round, though some draftniks are predicting Ramsey could move into the late first round.
Illinois' Kurt Kittner is ultra-productive and would be a solid selection in the third round. Kittner, 6-2, 219, has all of the intangibles coaches like, but lacks the kind of arm, mobility and physical ability scouts like. He would be the perfect choice for a team that needs to develop a backup.
After Kittner, the pickings get slim. LSU's Rohan Davey and Sam Houston State's Josh McCown are big, athletic and strong-armed prospects, but they'll each require a major commitment to the developmental process.
David Garrard, 6-2, 235, of East Carolina has been described to be a bullish runner and immovable in the pocket, but he lacks feel for the passing game.
Stanford's Randy Fasani is big and mobile and has adequate arm strength, but he's been moved around in his career and has yet to establish himself as a passer. He's another late-rounds developmental guy.
J.T. O'Sullivan of Cal-Davis is an interesting prospect from Division II football, and Brandon Doman comes out of the Brigham Young passing game tradition.
Northwestern's Zak Kustok, Texas' Major Applewhite, Georgia Tech's George Godsey and Pitt's David Priestley are sleepers who put up impressive numbers on the major college level, but could find themselves undrafted.
