FanPost

Shanahan, Quarterbacks, College Football, and the 2012 Draft

Mike Shanahan's comments concerning John Beck were surprising and unexpected. But it does give us some insight into what he is thinking and looking for in a Qb. Kyle has already praised Beck as a top prospect, so we can presume they are on the same page now. I think it is fairly safe to say the Redskins will be targeting a Qb early in next year's draft. John Beck now becomes the new standard in my opinion.

There are 3 traits that Beck clearly had above all others in 2007:

1: High football intelligence to understand a complex playbook and disect film.

2: Smart decision maker with pocket awareness going through multiple progressions.

3: Very accurate with quick release and great ball placement.

Beck is not very athletic, has slight build, and does not possess a strong arm. Those traits become secondary to the top 3 as they are with most NFL coaches. Bradford clearly met the requirements over and above. Ponder and Dalton meet the standard, but not like Bradford to risk the plunge, and too many other holes to fill.

This brings us to next year's draft:

Luck qualifies, but the Bills and Broncos have the inside edge on top pick.

Jones is solid, but there is also the Seahawks and Browns to contend with.

I believe Barkley stays in school for his senior season because of USC Bowl eligibilty returning, and his desire to be the top pick in 2013. Even if he comes out, I don't believe he fits the Shanny profile.

Cousins, Weedon, and Foles could fit, they need to be more productive, and the Raiders, Dolphins, or Cardinals could be in front of Washington also.

Lindley doesn't fit the Beck profile like the others in my opinion.

Which brings us to 2 prospects I didn't even consider. One is Chandler Harnish of Northern Illinois, but his competition will knock him down a few slots.

There is another college Qb that truly meets and exceeds Beck's accomplishments and attributes. His name is Robert Paul...wait..wrong movie. His name is Kellen Moore, and before you laugh, just consider how close they are, in fact Moore is far superior in my opinion.

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via sports.ap.org

John Beck played a spread for Brigham Young. 6'-2", 212 Lbs, slight build, high football intelligence, film rat, great on short to intermediate passes, not so on deep ones. A 4 year starter, his combined junior and senior season stats: 67% comp rt, 59 TDs to 21 Ints, over 7,500 yds, 152 rtg, 24 starts leading team to 17-7 record and bowl victory. Compares to Marc Bulger.

Kellen Moore enters his senior season playing a spread for Boise State. 6'-0", 187 lbs, A lefty with a slight build, high football intelligence, film rat, great on short to intermediate, not so much on deep balls. Will be a 4 year starter, compiled stats are impressive: 68% comp rt, 99 TDs to 19 Ints, over 10,000 yds, 166 rtg, 38-2 as a starter with 2 bowl victories. He should become the most prolific Qb in college football history with a strong senior campaign. Compares to elite NFLer Drew Brees.

Mike Shanahan's statements about John Beck should be taken at face value in my opinion. I believe he will be given every opportunity to start this season. Regardless of who is brought in, the Shanahan's love Beck's ability to digest the playbook, go thru his progressions, and have pinpoint accuracy in the short to intermediate game. Leinart has a similar capability, and that's why I think he may also be signed, Bulger also an option with the Beck comparison.

After this year's draft, anything is possible. I believe Foles has the inside tract and I still view Moore as a 3rd-4th round option, but like Ponder and Dalton, he will ace his interviews and private workouts to jump up a round or 2. Little Kellen Moore surpasses the Beck standard, and is now in play for the Redskins next year. Mike Shanahan is stubborn and will go with his guy no matter what, be damned with the critics and pundits.

Redskin fans have another college quarterback to check out this year, and don't be surprised if Kellen Moore hears his name next April, even ahead of higher rated prospects, as a Washington Redskin.