1. Tony Romo - Eastern Illinois – Cowboys
· DRAFTED: Undrafted Free Agent – Cowboys
· YARDS: 15,045 TDS: 107 INTS: 55 QBRAT: 95.6
· PRO BROWL: 2006, 2007, 2009
· After a very productive and successful career at Eastern Illinois, in which he was a three-time All-American and winner of the Walter Payton Award (Best Player in Div. I-AA), Romo was still unable to attract a strong enough following come Draft time. It seems as though scouts just weren’t able to get past his diminutive stature (just under 6’2”) and small-school experience. Romo sat on the bench and narrowly avoiding being cut for three years until finally getting a starting chance in 2006. Since then he has silenced all doubters, becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the league today. Romo has arguably the quickest release in the NFL and has shown outstanding escape ability. He is coming off three consecutive 3,000+ yard seasons (two over 4,000) while throwing for over 25 TDs in each as well. Romo holds several Cowboys team records and currently ranks third on the all-time passer rating list (95.6). He also has been named to three Pro Bowls. However, Romo has had trouble winning in the playoffs. A reputation that followed Romo until finally defeating the Eagles in the first round of last season’s playoffs (the first in 13 yrs for the Cowboys). Unfortunately, Romo had a dismal performance in their second round game against the Vikings (3 fumbles, an INT, and sacked 6 times) and lost 34-3. The jury is still out if Romo and the Cowboys will be able to make that leap to the next level or not, but Romo has done nothing but impress since becoming a starter and looks to have a bright future in the NFL.
INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Romo is a second-generation Mexican American.
ALSO IN THE RUNNING:
2. Carson Palmer – USC – Bengals
· DRAFTED: Round 1, Pick 1 – Bengals
· YDS: 18,724 TDS: 128 INTS: 80 QBRAT: 87.9
· PRO BOWL: 2005, 2006 (MVP)
· Has overcome substantial injuries to put up stellar numbers, but hasn’t consistently produced wins yet to deserve the top spot over Tony Romo in this year’s class.
INTERESTING SID NOTE: Palmer was best man at Chiefs QB Matt Cassel’s wedding.
3. Byron Leftwich – Marshall – Jaguars, Falcons, Steelers, Buccaneers
· DRAFTED: Round 1, Pick 7 – Jaguars
· YDS: 10,218 TDS: 58 INTS: 41 QBRAT: 79.6
· Great leader, but was inconsistent and fell off into the abyss after stint with Jaguars. He might get another chance as the interim starter for the Steelers until a suspended Ben Roethlisberger returns.
INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Appears in ending clips of film We Are Marshall, throwing pass and being carried by two offensive linemen on a shaky leg.
4. Rex Grossman – Florida – Bears, Texans, Redskins
· DRAFTED: Round 1, Pick 22 – Bears
· YDS: 6,197 TDS: 33 INTS: 36 QBRAT: 69.5
· Despite leading Bears to a Super Bowl appearance in 2006, Grossman took too many chances and poor play led to his being ousted as the starter in Chicago. Grossman places behind Leftwich because he had just one solid year and his team’s Super Bowl appearance was due more to play of their defense. However, a Super Bowl appearance is enough to rank above Kyle Boller.
INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Was Indiana’s Mr. Football in 1998
5. Kyle Boller – California – Ravens, Rams, Raiders
· DRAFTED: Round 1, Pick 19 – Ravens
· YDS: 8,745 TDS: 48 INTS: 50 QBRAT: 70.6
· A big arm did not translate into production for Boller. Inconsistent play placed him in and out of the starting lineup, ultimately resulting in his release in 2008.
INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Boller is engaged to former Miss California, Carrie Prejean (Best known her controversial comments on gay marriage).
0 comments:
Post a Comment