Dorsey: There is no definite first round QB

[RunKC]

No clear quarterback choice for Chiefs in the draft
By ADAM TEICHER
Kansas City Star
Published Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at 3:36 p.m.
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Pros and cons
Matt Barkley, 6-2, 230, USC: Superb leadership skills, the first one at practice or meetings and the last one to leave. But his arm strength is suspect. May be a system fit.

Mike Glennon, 6-7, 220, North Carolina State: Strong arm. He’s easily able to make all the necessary throws. But a lack of mobility could be a problem against a strong pass rush.

Ryan Nassib, 6-2, 225, Syracuse: Good mobility and throws well on the run. But he’s a late-bloomer who might need more seasoning before he’s ready for the NFL.

Geno Smith, 6-3, 210, West Virginia: Has best ability of all the top prospects. Was durable in college, but he’s not an imposing specimen. So how will he hold up in the NFL?

Tyler Wilson, 6-2, 220, Arkansas: Will stand in and take a hit but still make an accurate throw. But he’s short for an ideal NFL quarterback and has small hands, which could lead to fumbling problems.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs spent the last several days setting their draft board in preparation for this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The process merely confirmed for new general manager John Dorsey that when it comes to quarterbacks, their homework is only starting.

Opinions on the top available quarterbacks in this year’s draft are that varied.

“There is no quarterback where personnel guys can definitely say, ‘He’s a first-round pick,’ ” Dorsey said. “There were so many inconsistencies in the collective group. There was not one guy that stood up and said, ‘I’m the guy in the position this year.’ There really wasn’t one clear-cut guy.

“There are too many technical flaws, scheme flaws. There are so many different variables that there are a lot of people all over the place on naming the top four or five guys and who those guys would be.”

The Chiefs aren’t the only team having trouble sorting through the top quarterback prospects. From the natural ability of West Virginia’s Geno Smith to the smooth leadership skills of USC’s Matt Barkley to the willingness to take a hit in the face of a strong pass rush of Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson, there are plenty of things to like.

There are reasons to pause just the same. Smith faltered late last fall against better competition. Barkley and Wilson had disappointing, injury-marred senior seasons.

This is a particular problem for teams like the Chiefs, who have a gaping need at quarterback. Dorsey didn’t say so specifically, but he didn’t sound like the Chiefs were planning to take a quarterback with the first pick in this year’s draft.

More likely, the Chiefs will select a quarterback later in the draft — if they take one at all.

Dorsey said both he and coach Andy Reid would be in attendance at the workouts of most, if not all, of the top available quarterbacks.

“I think Andy is a really good evaluator of quarterbacks,” Dorsey said. “I want him and I to go to as many quarterback workouts as possible and actually set our own up.”

The quarterback rankings for last year’s draft were determined almost a year in advance. Stanford’s Andrew Luck was a consensus choice to be the top player selected as soon as the 2011 draft was finished. Baylor’s Robert Griffin III came on as a senior to win the Heisman Trophy and make the race interesting, but in the end, Luck was selected first by Indianapolis. Griffin was taken with the next pick by Washington.

“Last year was an easy evaluation,” draft analyst Mel Kiper said. “Automatically, you put Andrew Luck and RG III up there.”

This year, quarterback ratings are scattered. Some teams like Smith, but others have different favorites, like Barkley, Wilson, North Carolina State’s Mike Glennon or Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib.

“The year didn’t go the way Barkley and the USC Trojans hoped,” Kiper said. “He began the year number one on my big board. You saw what happened with USC. They lost four games with Barkley at quarterback and lost a couple more when he was hurt. They didn’t have a signature win all year. They dropped down the rankings from number one and he dropped down the rankings from number one.

“Geno Smith started out great. It looked like after Barkley struggled you could lock Geno Smith in. Then he has a disappointing second half of the season, so there are issues in terms of what type of starting quarterback he can be. Glennon was hot for a while even though he had a subpar supporting cast, and he didn’t play great (in the bowl game) against Vanderbilt and didn’t have a wow-you-over Senior Bowl week.

“Things didn’t fall into place at Arkansas, and that affected Tyler Wilson. The wheels came off for all the quarterbacks at some point (last) year. Things just didn’t fall right to allow them to maximize their ability. That’s why the teams are right now in the predicament they are, trying to figure this whole quarterback thing out and not overdraft or push a guy up when he’s not deserving.”

Kiper doesn’t have a quarterback rated among his top 25 players. In fact, in his latest mock draft, Kiper doesn’t have a single quarterback being selected in the first round.

“It’s just a tough evaluation, trying to figure out which quarterbacks in this draft, if any, will be great starting quarterbacks,” he said.

Dorsey said he expects at least two quarterbacks to be drafted in the first round because so many teams have a need. It’s a matter, though, of which ones.

Things could solidify in the next couple of months. The draft doesn’t begin until April 25. Meanwhile, the combine begins this week, followed by pro days on college campuses and then individual workouts.

To Dorsey, at least, personal interviews might be the most important part of the postseason draft process. He said a quarterback can improve his draft standing with a series of strong interviews.

“The most impressive interview I’ve ever had in the last 25 years of doing this? Russell Wilson,” said Dorsey, referring to the quarterback drafted by Seattle last year in the third round. “Wasn’t even close. You could feel that guy as a person, how strong he was, how intellectually deep he was, how mentally tough he was, that he had the charisma to lead other players. I always try to look at kids like I’m in the locker room and I’m a teammate. It was easy to see this guy leading a team.

“A quarterback wants to come across in the interview process as confident, as having a vast understanding and knowledge of defenses, as being capable of leading a group of men. That’s what you’ve got to convey to the teams. On film, his physical traits and skills will come out. But you have to over the next few weeks impress on teams the character of his soul, his ability to lead a franchise.”

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2013/02/16/267...#storylink=cpy

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

We're allowed to have opinions, even if we're not actual professional football minds. And lest we forget, professional football minds are exactly what have given us classics like Tyson Jackson, and Jake Long being selected ahead of Matt Ryan. Being a professional football mind does not make one infallible.

Cherry picking my post is cool. Pioli had 4 years. I actually said if Reid/Dorsey don't solve the QB position in 2 or 3 then "fire away." I won't hold it against them if they don't go QB #1. Benefit of the doubt. I mentioned that too.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pink

I'm telling you, you put Cam on that team and its a different story. He's just not a winner at this level. No brains at all. Hell of a talent, but it's all going to go to waste. Watch

I've watched him take two poorly coached teams with shit talent to 7-9, while setting rookie passing record and dealing with dumb****s.

The dude is sick.

[Rugby Thompson]

All you guys need to hop off Geno's cock too, he never won jack in College.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by BossChief

That's flat out ridiculous.

So, you believe that Kap is more talented?

[NJChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Dr. Johnny Fever

Honestly I think way too many people here are married to Geno/QB #1 or bust. If the Royals changed leadership they'd get my full approval and a good chance to prove themselves right or wrong over a couple years. No shit.

I get that football is a different game because of the immediacy rookies can make an impact. I'm still of the mind that if Reid/Dorsey don't take a QB in round 1 it's because they truly don't feel one is worthy, they'll find one elsewhere and they'll get it fixed.... and mind you I don't even like the Reid hiring. I seriously doubt he'll be any better than anyone here before him.

But for now I'll give him the benefit of the doubt along with Dorsey. Whatever they choose is ok with me. They know better than any of us do. If in a couple/three years we're still in the same position... then fire away.

I understand what you are saying. But at some point there is a line. If this group went with Cassel and no other changes I would be at the breaking point. Now that isn't going to happen but my point is there is a line where the benefit of the doubt can be severed early.

The QB spot needs to be fixed. There is no way around that. So being on a QB or bust train isn't that crazy. Needing one in the first comes more out of wanting to the best guy around instead of risking losing them. There are extreme points of view, but I think its been over-blown on how many people are actually taking that stand. A lot of things are creating emotions right now, warping people's points and others interpretations of them.

As for baseball, as you mentioned it's a different game. Can't really compare the QB spot, especially in today's game, to a position in baseball. Pitcher would be the closest, but even then it's a 1 every 5 day piece of control. Imagine if a SP pitched every game. The new Royals management come in and go with Chien-Ming Wang as your guy. No concerns? No concerns that you would voice on a message board?

[BossChief]

Cam can't learn a play book, Dane. They can only run 25% of the play book because the dude is dumb as ****.

That's not the coaches fault.

[HolyHat]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

So, you believe that Kap is more talented?

More talented than Cam? Hell yes.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

So, you believe that Kap is more talented?

Physically, it's close...mentally, CK CLOWNS Cam...it's not even comparable.

He doesn't raise the level of play of those around him because of his attitude.

He has entitlement issues, treats teammates like second class citizens, trats everyone else like he is above everything and is a mental midget.

I'd trade our first for Kaepernick before I'd trade our second for Cam.

[HolyHat]

From the class of '11 it goes
1. Kap
2. Dalton
3. Cam

Cam could easily be #1 if he had half of a brain. He could be one of the sickest QBs of all time. He's just an idiot and is a terrible leader.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Cam can't learn a play book, Dane. They can only run 25% of the play book because the dude is dumb as ****.

That's not the coaches fault.

Bull ****ing shit.

If you fail to believe that Jim Harbaugh wouldn't have had the 2011 49ers in the Super Bowl with Cam Newton at the helm, that's just plain ****ing stupid.

This from a guy that thought Ricky Stanzi was a second round pick.

No offense but I can no longer take your evaluations seriously.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Bull ****ing shit.

If you fail to believe that Jim Harbaugh wouldn't have had the 2011 49ers in the Super Bowl with Cam Newton at the helm, that's just plain ****ing stupid.

This from a guy that thought Ricky Stanzi was a second round pick.

No offense but I can no longer take your evaluations seriously.

I love how every time you disagree with me, you bring up stuff from 2010.

You really want to go into player evaluations with me tonight?

[HolyHat]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Bull ****ing shit.

If you fail to believe that Jim Harbaugh wouldn't have had the 2011 49ers in the Super Bowl with Cam Newton at the helm, that's just plain ****ing stupid.

This from a guy that thought Ricky Stanzi was a second round pick.

No offense but I can no longer take your evaluations seriously.

This is a very interesting topic that I don't believe we've talked about here...I might be wrong. I'll search it. But debating Cam Newton is a pretty good topic.

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

I understand what you are saying. But at some point there is a line. If this group went with Cassel and no other changes I would be at the breaking point. Now that isn't going to happen but my point is there is a line where the benefit of the doubt can be severed early.

The QB spot needs to be fixed. There is no way around that. So being on a QB or bust train isn't that crazy. Needing one in the first comes more out of wanting to the best guy around instead of risking losing them. There are extreme points of view, but I think its been over-blown on how many people are actually taking that stand. A lot of things are creating emotions right now, warping people's points and others interpretations of them.

As for baseball, as you mentioned it's a different game. Can't really compare the QB spot, especially in today's game, to a position in baseball. Pitcher would be the closest, but even then it's a 1 every 5 day piece of control. Imagine if a SP pitched every game. The new Royals management come in and go with Chien-Ming Wang as your guy. No concerns? No concerns that you would voice on a message board?

As the Royals starting pitching goes I was on record as having serious doubts last season... although I thought the team as a whole would be better.

Yes... I agree QB has to be fixed. No disagreement there at all. What I'm saying is if Reid/Dorsey don't see that fix at #1 I respect that. Neither does anyone else outside of CP it seems. If we don't draft QB #1 it isn't the end of the world. Blasphemy to many.

They have the benefit of the doubt with me as I said. I also said I doubt Reid is any better than his predecessors. But for now... with a change of scenery and new motivation I'll trust him.

[BossChief]

Here's just a taste, since you decided to take us down this road...

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud
Once again, you're moving the goalposts.

Please explain to us how and why Clark Hunt would fire Scott ***** after the 2012 season, even IF the Chiefs were to end the season with a losing record.

Personally, I'm not buying it. He continues to add young talent to this team each offseason. He's drafted "bargains" like Asamoah, Moeaki, Lewis and Houston while hitting on higher draft choices like Berry, Hudson, Allen and possibly, Bailey. The team has a brighter future, personnel wise, than they have in decades.

To categorically state that ***** will be fired following the 2012 season, especially with $5 million remaining on his contract, is a Fool's notion.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by BossChief

I love how every time you disagree with me, you bring up stuff from 2010.

You really want to go into player evaluations with me tonight?

That was 2010? Hey man, I guess I just have a good memory.

Just don't tell my wife.