News & Info/Headlines

Andrew Luck – As the first pick of the draft, Luck will step into the starting role for the Colts the moment he takes the field for them. The lack of elite arm strength is the only quality missing from what a perfect NFL prospect at this position might look like. Luck profiles as a low-level backup this coming year in redraft leagues, but he’ll be considered in the first few picks in dynasty leagues as his career should be excellent.

Robert Griffin III – The Redskins chose Griffin with the second pick of the draft and like Luck, he’ll be given the keys to drive the offense immediately. Griffin brings a strong arm along with tremendous mobility to the table while he works on going through progressions and adjusting to pro sets. That mobility could make him a slightly better option than Luck this year as a low-level backup, but he’s an elite player to be chased in dynasty leagues.

Ryan Tannehill – The Dolphins selected Tannehill with pick No. 8 in the first round. With Matt Moore and David Garrard on the roster, Tannehill will be allowed to progress at his own pace early in his career. That likely means we’ll see him no earlier than midseason as a starter or perhaps not at all if the team can be competitive for a playoff spot. He has a very solid set of tools but needs more experience and time to adjust to the pro game. Avoid him in redraft leagues but dynasty owners should be interested in him as a project candidate with significant upside.

Brandon Weeden – The Browns, in my opinion, reached for Weeden with pick No. 22 in the first round after failing to trade up to No. 2 where they would have taken Griffin. Weeden is going to be given the opportunity to start immediately on a team that should be able to run the ball while still lacking in big-play receivers. Possessing a reasonable skill set, his age and talent ceiling likely mean he’s not cut out to be a star in the league. Redrafters should keep him in mind as an in-season injury replacement while dynasty owners should only take a flier if your roster has room for a long shot at this position.

Brock Osweiler – The Broncos used a second-round pick to grab Osweiler who immediately becomes the heir-apparent to Peyton Manning. A huge man with a big arm, the circumstances Osweiler finds himself in remind one immediately of Ryan Mallett though Osweiler is not near as good as Mallett was when he entered the league last year. Because Osweiler will only play if Manning can’t, he’s no more than a desperation handcuff selection for redrafters. Dynasty owners can take a chance that Manning teaches him well, but Osweiler’s emergence is certainly far from guaranteed.

Russell Wilson – The Seahawks added Wilson to their quarterback depth after signing Matt Flynn in free agency. Wilson has all the tools he needs to be a success in the NFL but at just over 5’10”, his height will be a challenge to overcome. He will be given a chance to compete and can land the starting job if things break right for him. His value in a redraft league will depend on whether he wins that job while dynasty owners who want to take a chance on Wilson overcoming his height might be richly rewarded if he can do so.

Nick Foles – The Eagles pulled the trigger on Foles in the third round. A pocket quarterback with a big arm, Foles was brought on board to give the team options as Michael Vick progresses through his thirty’s. Foles was rated as the best quarterback in this draft when throwing under pressure which suggests he might be able to make the adjustment. That said, he’ll be the team’s third-string quarterback this year which means redrafters should avoid him. Dynasty owners are likely to be sitting on him for a minimum of three years before he either gets a chance to start in Philly or he is traded elsewhere to do so.

Kirk Cousins – The Redskins shocked the NFL by taking Cousins early in the fourth round to sit behind Robert Griffin III but his availability in that round is evidence that no team considered him starting material at this point in his development. There is no quarterback controversy here unless Griffin totally fails, but Cousins is an inspirational leader who has good tools all around but who does not stand out in any area of his physical game. Those in redraft leagues should pass on him this year while dynasty owners should acknowledge that intelligent mediocrity is likely his career ceiling.

Ryan Lindley – It was the sixth round when the Cardinals called Lindley’s name. Blessed with ideal size and a very strong arm, Lindley has mechanical issues with his throwing motion that have compromised his accuracy. That said, he also made some of the best throws in college football this past season when he was on. If you play in a redraft league, you don’t need to know this name. Dynasty league owners who aren’t impressed with Kevin Kolb or John Skelton might consider a late-round flyer to see how he progresses.

B.J. Coleman – The Packers decided that their next quarterback project would be Coleman, their seventh-round selection. Coleman is an athletic player who can put some heat on his throws and who is also a very good leader. He needs to work on his progressions and having a better clock in his head for knowing when to get rid of the ball while under pressure. He’s not on redraft draft boards this year, but dynasty owners will take note that he’ll receive excellent tutelage while in Green Bay which might make him worth a flyer if you have good depth at this position.

Chandler Harnish – The Colts opened the 2012 NFL Draft with the selection of a quarterback and they ended it the same way with the selection of Harnish. A dual threat due to his speed and running ability at quarterback, his accuracy while throwing the ball leaves a lot to be desired. Given that and very good size, I would not be shocked to see him moved to receiver and/or special teams if he can make the team. At this point, he’s undraftable in any Fantasy format.