2011 NFL Quarterback Class’s Impact
The 2011 NFL Draft featured large number of quarterbacks selected before the middle of the 2nd round. This was no doubt a result of many quarterback needy teams and the fact that the NFL is driven by quarterback play. Heading into the draft, many identified as many as 8 teams that needed to upgrade their quarterback situation.
The quarterbacks selected early include: Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton, and Colin Kaepernick. Each of these quarterbacks represents the future of their franchise and will be expected to win many football games. The majority feel that all of these players will need time to develop but will likely be thrust into action early.
After the Jump I take a closer look at the different situations.
The #1 overall pick, Cam Newton is not ready to contribute this season. However, due to the lack of other options will likely be forced on the field. He has all the physical attributes needed to be successful but does not have the necessary experience for an easy transition. The Panthers will not be looking for early wins but rather signs of improvement. Carolina is not ready to contend so signs of improvement from Newton will be the biggest focus.
Locker is taking over after the failed Vince Young experiment and will be asked to provide some hope at the quarterback position. The current roster does not offer any viable quarterback options so it is likely that Locker will be thrust into the starting roll early. Locker needs a lot of development but could lean on Chris Johnson and the Titans running game. However, it is likely that Locker will face some early season struggles if forced into the starting roll.
The Jaguars offer Blaine Gabbert the best position of all the young quarterbacks. David Garrard is the current starting quarterback and will provide Gabbert with an excellent mentor and time to develop. Gabbert should get an entire season to sit and learn, unless Garrard suffers and injury.
Christian Ponder will likely be the first of these quarterbacks to start a football game. If not the first then the most likely to start. The Vikings do not have many legitimate opinions on the roster and still view themselves as playoff contenders. Ponder will be asked to play early and lean on Adrian Peterson to carry the load and take pressure. I have stated many times that I feel Ponder is the most NFL ready quarterback in this draft class.
The Bengals' quarterback future is very cloudy because of the uncertain future of Carson Palmer. I feel strongly that Palmer will never play for the Bengals again which means Andy Dalton is an important piece to the puzzle. I remember that prior to Palmer's trade request; many felt that the Bengals would make a move for a new quarterback. If Dalton is asked to play early he is in a good situation because of his surrounding cast. The offensive line is solid and the receiving corps is more than capable with AJ Green, Jordan Shipley, and Jermaine Gresham.
Kaepernick needs the most work out of this entire quarterback class. His footwork and throwing mechanics all need a ton of work. However, he will be learning under quarterback guru Jim Harbaugh who will no doubt spend plenty of time developing Kaepernick. The key with Kaepernick is that he is provided enough time to learn and develop.
So overall this quarterback class will significantly shape the futures of each franchise. There is no doubt that some of these players will fail and it will be interesting to see which ones and why.
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