Matt Barkley doesn't resemble elite quarterback prospect in 2012

[Branden Albert's Huge Balls]

Fatality.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...rback-prospect

When Matt Barkley returned to USC for his senior year, it was likely with visions of bagging a national championship and the Heisman Trophy before entering the NFL as the No. 1 pick in next April's draft. However, Barkley's subpar performance in this disappointing season that has ensued is threatening to send him plummeting down draft boards across the league.

The Trojans are sitting at 7-4 with just one game remaining in the regular season, and USC is out of contention in the Pac-12 race. Barkley doesn't have a chance of winning college's top individual prize, either, with playmakers like Kansas State QB Collin Klein, Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel and Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o emerging as the main contenders.

Now, it is important to note that Barkley was not a lock to be a top-10 pick a season ago. In fact, scouts told me last spring that Barkley wasn't a cinch to be the third quarterback in the 2012 draft class, despite having a more impressive collegiate résumé than Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill (who went to the Miami Dolphins with the eighth overall pick) and Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden (drafted by the Cleveland Browns at 22nd overall). Evaluators cited Barkley's lack of elite physical tools (height, arm talent and athleticism) as major concerns. Although Barkley was listed at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, scouts questioned whether he was tall enough to play the position at the next level, and worried that his lack of athleticism would make him a sitting duck in the pocket.

Scouts also worried about Barkley's lack of elite arm strength. Although he displayed the capacity to make short and intermediate throws with zip and velocity, he didn't blow evaluators away with his deep-ball range, accuracy or touch. Barkley routinely underthrew his receivers on vertical throws, relying on Marqise Lee and Robert Woods to make plays on the ball. Both playmakers are regarded as future elite NFL prospects; some wonder if Barkley's production is a byproduct of their remarkable skills.

With so many questions surrounding him, Barkley decided another year at the collegiate level would help him refine his game and make him a polished quarterback worthy of being selected at the top of the draft.

I've watched Barkley perform throughout his senior season. Here is my assessment of his game and whether he has a legitimate shot at hearing his name called first on draft day:

Arm talent

Barkley is a classic drop-back passer with sound throwing mechanics and a smooth delivery. He shows a compact windup and an over-the-top throwing motion with a quick release. Barkley displays good (but not great) arm strength on intermediate and deep throws. Although his balls tend to flutter on out-breaking routes that are longer than 15 yards, he shows adequate zip and velocity on his throws. Barkley can certainly fit balls into tight windows on intermediate throws inside the numbers, but he lacks the overpowering arm strength to complete the deep comeback from the opposite hash on a rope against tight coverage. The exceptional speed and quickness of NFL defensive backs will result in break-ups or interceptions, unless Barkley shows extraordinary timing and anticipation, releasing the ball well before the receiver comes out of his break.

On deep throws, Barkley shows a throwing range of about 50 to 55 yards. He has routinely connected with Lee and Nelson Agholor on vertical routes down the field. While most of those completions have resulted from his exceptional timing and anticipation, Barkley has shown the arm strength to throw the ball over the top of the defense when defenders squat on routes. This was particularly evident against Oregon on Nov. 3, when he connected on 75- and 76-yard touchdowns on deep post routes to Lee and Agholor, respectively. In my mind, these throws certainly squelched some of the concern about his deep-ball ability. However, the fallout from "Inflate Gate" could alter that opinion. (A USC ball boy was reprimanded following that game for deflating footballs, which he later admitted to doing; the use of underinflated balls makes it easier for quarterbacks to throw the ball down the field with greater zip and velocity.)

With the arm talent to make most of the throws at the next level, Barkley shouldn't have a problem succeeding as a starting quarterback, if he plays to his strengths.

Mobility

Barkley is not the kind of explosive athlete who can beat defenders with his legs on the perimeter. However, he flashes enough mobility and movement skills to be effective within the pocket. Barkley will routinely climb the pocket to avoid penetrating rushers, and his efficient footwork allows him to make accurate throws under duress. When the pocket completely crumbles, Barkley will attempt to escape, but he lacks the speed and quickness to run away from defenders on the perimeter.

As a passer on the move, Barkley is nimble enough to make accurate throws on bootlegs and rollouts. He shows the ability to deliver on the run without losing balance, which would allow him to make the most of the movement-based throws in West Coast offensive systems. Given the fact that Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer have succeeded in passing games that feature extensive movement in the backfield, Barkley's athleticism shouldn't impact his ability to start in most systems.

Game management

Barkley will enter the NFL with 47 games of starting experience at the major college level. The wealth of knowledge accumulated in those contests will ease Barkley's transition to the pro game, and allow him to quickly adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Looking at Barkley's career arc, I've been impressed with the way that he manages the game at the line of scrimmage. He has been exposed to hot reads and sight adjustments, and has also utilized audibles to counter potential defensive looks.

In addition, Barkley has called plays from the line of scrimmage in no-huddle and two-minute situations, showcasing his mastery of the offense and knowledge of coverage. The utilization of the hurry-up approach also reflects his keen understanding of game situations and circumstances.

From a decision-making standpoint, Barkley has been mildly disappointing. He has made several errors in big games, leading to a high number of turnovers. While his touchdown-to-interception ratio is a respectable 36:15, the fact that he has thrown two or more picks in six games is disturbing. A quarterback with Barkley's experience should understand the importance of ball security, and he should avoid making risky throws. More importantly, Barkley should understand that tight coverage up the field means a check-down or safety valve is available underneath. Elite NFL quarterbacks operate that way; he has enough experience to know this strategy produces winning results. With nine interceptions in the Trojans' last four games, Barkley hasn't performed as expected; that will certainly affect his grade on draft boards across the league.

Clutch factor

Quarterbacks are ultimately judged on their ability to win big games. Barkley was outstanding in the Trojans' biggest games in 2011, but he has underwhelmed in such showdowns this season. In the Trojans' four losses, Barkley completed just 58.2 percent of his passes, recording 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. More importantly, he has made poor decisions in the opening moments of games, putting his team in an early hole. The most disappointing aspect of his performance is his inability to recognize pressure and coverage prior to the snap. For a senior with four years of starting experience, Barkley should display more poise under pressure and perform better in big games. Scouts will go back to the 2011 game tape to see if Barkley's problems are a trend, but his lackluster play in meaningful contests this season will give evaluators some pause when considering his prospects as a franchise quarterback.

Conclusion

Barkley was considered a strong possibility as a top-15 pick a year ago, but elected to return to school to hone his game for the pros. He has shown progress in some areas, but he is not the elite quarterback prospect some thought he'd be prior to the season. He is not in the same class as current young standouts Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers), Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts) and Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins), but he has enough polish and potential to still merit consideration as a pick in the latter half of the first round. Given the number of teams that are desperate for a quarterback, though, I expect Barkley will come off the board within the first 20 selections of the 2013 NFL Draft.

[whoman69]

We can all give the excuses, but if the Chiefs choose anything but QB in the first then the team should be immediately sold.

[KCFaninSEA]

Originally Posted by SNR

You are a fan of a team that has NEVER owned their own home-grown franchise QB.

You're going to get a shot at one here this upcoming draft for the FIRST ****ING TIME IN YOUR SORRY ****ING LIFE.

And you want to ****ing GAMBLE THAT AWAY just so you can get a measly ****ing DEFENSIVE PLAYER in the package?

Unbe****inglievable.

QBs aren't about draft value, you ****ing moron. If you don't have one, and a guy is available, YOU TAKE THE ****ING QB AND GO **** YOUR SISTER SO YOU SHUT THE **** UP.

****

I raise questions. That is it. I never said I didn't want anybody. I never said I wanted a certain player or position. I just raised questions. Why don't you learn to read and quit being so sensitive to a subject you obviously are very touchy about. If you would read what I have said, I stated they need a QB in a bad way. No doubt about it. But I also know this team sucks and needs talent in more areas than just at QB. Maybe if you spent some time watching some of the other losers on this team, other than the QB, you would realize this. QB is the most important position on the field, no question, my point is they need help all over the place and a good QB will only make this team average at best.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by Darth*****Satan

Zilla' has been a damned True Fan since the ***** hire and liked the Cassel trade, so just move along; NOTHING to see there, folks.


He's not a sprinter, but he can elude some mother****ers too.

You are better than this.

People know im not a true fan. Stick to the discussion points, not baseless character attacks like this.

[the Talking Can]

Originally Posted by KCFaninSEA

I raise questions. That is it. I never said I didn't want anybody. I never said I wanted a certain player or position. I just raised questions. Why don't you learn to read and quit being so sensitive to a subject you obviously are very touchy about. If you would read what I have said, I stated they need a QB in a bad way. No doubt about it. But I also know this team sucks and needs talent in more areas than just at QB. Maybe if you spent some time watching some of the other losers on this team, other than the QB, you would realize this. QB is the most important position on the field, no question, my point is they need help all over the place and a good QB will only make this team average at best.

i can't believe people still show up spouting this crap

[seamonster]

Originally Posted by Darth*****Satan

Zilla' has been a damned True Fan since the ***** hire and liked the Cassel trade, so just move along; NOTHING to see there, folks.


He's not a sprinter, but he can elude some mother****ers too.

The fanbase needs to slow down and lay off their raytown meth pipes if they think smith is in the same universe as an RGIII. That's the bust potential. The fact that everyone assumes because there's a black quarterback in the draft that the next hybrid RGIII/John Elway is among us. Linebackers don't know how to cover griffen because he runs as fast as jamal charles and can throw pin point back shoulder fades like aaron rogers. Those same linebackers probably arn't going to have the same fear of a quarterback that runs slower than they do and tends to overthrow intermediate routes. He's raw and has to learn on the job. Equals bust potential.

[SNR]

Originally Posted by KCFaninSEA

I raise questions. That is it. I never said I didn't want anybody. I never said I wanted a certain player or position. I just raised questions. Why don't you learn to read and quit being so sensitive to a subject you obviously are very touchy about. If you would read what I have said, I stated they need a QB in a bad way. No doubt about it. But I also know this team sucks and needs talent in more areas than just at QB. Maybe if you spent some time watching some of the other losers on this team, other than the QB, you would realize this. QB is the most important position on the field, no question, my point is they need help all over the place and a good QB will only make this team average at best.

This isn't the last draft the NFL will ever see, cockgobbler. Get your precious help next year. Or, you know, hire a GM worth two shits who can find talent in the middle rounds. We've got a ton of picks. We could conceivably fill ALL our holes in just this one draft. It's not likely, but it's possible.

If not, then there's next year. And the year after that. But don't ****ing gamble away the best QB in the draft just so you can get a ****ing slapdick DE that you can draft ANY ****ING TIME.

"I raise questions"

How about you raise a question that has merit? Like whether you should drink sulfuric acid or not

[PGM]

Originally Posted by Rausch

Not as much as your sister.

BANG!

She's a Geno fan too

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by seamonster

The fanbase needs to slow down and lay off their raytown meth pipes if they think smith is in the same universe as an RGIII. That's the bust potential. The fact that everyone assumes because there's a black quarterback in the draft that the next hybrid RGIII/John Elway is among us. Linebackers don't know how to cover griffen because he runs as fast as jamal charles and can throw pin point back shoulder fades like aaron rogers. Those same linebackers probably arn't going to have the same fear of a quarterback that runs slower than they do and tends to overthrow intermediate routes. He's raw and has to learn on the job. Equals bust potential.

This. Love his upside. Great guy for a #1 pick and a guy I like much better than cam or even Bradford. But yes, we can't pretend he isn't raw.

[SNR]

Say it with me:

The only people who made the comparisons to RGIII are retards who only look at his skin color. The national media and turds like BlackBob

I made the comparison at the beginning of the year based on buzz and momentum throughout the process (RGIII wasn't talked about as a top 5 guy until post-bowl season, so clearly I was wrong). But that's about it.

So enough with the "People talk like he's RGIII!" No, they don't.

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by KCFaninSEA

I raise questions. That is it. I never said I didn't want anybody. I never said I wanted a certain player or position. I just raised questions. Why don't you learn to read and quit being so sensitive to a subject you obviously are very touchy about. If you would read what I have said, I stated they need a QB in a bad way. No doubt about it. But I also know this team sucks and needs talent in more areas than just at QB. Maybe if you spent some time watching some of the other losers on this team, other than the QB, you would realize this. QB is the most important position on the field, no question, my point is they need help all over the place and a good QB will only make this team average at best.

Dude you are a member for a month now. See you what you don't know, you noob, is that you are just the latest person to come here saying this type of crap. When there are a lot of posters been saying we need a QB for years. We finally have a chance to get one now. You will not find the Aaron Rodgers falling type of thing with the new CBA. You get one at the top or you don't get one. All other positions can be filled any where else in the draft.

[Branden Albert's Huge Balls]

Just curious, can someone compare GSIII to a white QB?

[Branden Albert's Huge Balls]

Don't tell me you don't want this kid after reading this.

Grade School

Smith was classified as gifted and taught an advanced curriculum emphasizing creativity and the arts, including writing stories and poetry. Smith acted as well, performing in his school’s production of “The Nutcracker”. In fifth grade, Smith won an oratorical contest reciting work by the poet Langston Hughes. Smith even competed in chess tournaments, however, he enjoyed sketching cartoon characters the most.

Smith was admitted to Norland Middle School’s magnet program, which dedicated two hours a day to arts instruction. "There, Smith thrived, drawing with pencils and charcoal. Painting with pastels and acrylic paints required touch, foresight and patience. Minor mistakes could nullify hours of work. No matter what tools he employed, he was a perfectionist."

[Mr. Flopnuts]

**** yeah!

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Don't tell me you don't want this kid after reading this.

SOLD!

[Sorter]