BEST OF: QUARTERBACKS

CLASS OF 2005

1.       Aaron Rodgers* - California – Packers

·         DRAFTED: Round 1, Pick 24 – Packers

·         YDS: 8,801 TDS: 59 INTS: 21 QBRAT: 97.2

·         PRO BOWL: 2009

·         Despite being regarded by some as the best QB and a top 10 selection by most in the 2005 draft, Rodgers slid down to the Packers at pick number 24.  With Brett Favre still in the lineup it was a little surprising to see Rodgers land in Green Bay.  After three seasons standing on the sideline, Rodgers would finally get his chance with the “retirement” of Favre.  Things became a little complicated later that off-season when Favre decided he wanted his job back.  The team stood strong behind their decision and moved on with Rodgers.  He put up outstanding numbers in his first season as a starter with 4,038yds, 28 TDs, and just 13 INTs.  However it wasn’t enough to generate wins, as the Pack went 6-10.  With a season under his belt, Rodgers followed his breakout season with even better numbers: 4,434yds, 30 TDs, 7 INTs, and 103.2 passer rating.  More importantly, he led the Packers to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.  Unfortunately, the Packers suffered controversial loss in the first round in an overtime shootout against the Cardinals (51-45). Rodgers has vaulted himself to being one of the best in the business and shows no sign of slowing down.  If he continues at this rate of improvement, the sky is the limit.

INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Rodgers was actually minimally recruited out of high school and attended Butte Community College (JUCO) before transferring to California.

ALSO IN THE RUNNING:

2.       Jason Campbell – Auburn – Redskins, Raiders

·         DRAFTED: Round 1, Pick 25 – Redskins

·         YDS: 10,860 TDS: 55 INTS: 38 QBRAT: 82.3

·         Campbell has been pretty successful considering the poor supporting cast in Washington the past two years, throwing for over 3,000yds in both and 20 TDs in 2009.  However, new coach Mike Shanahan wanted to start the new era with his own QB and traded for one of the best in Donovan McNabb.  The Skins ended up trading Campbell to the Raiders for a 2012 fourth round draft pick this off-season.  I still see potential in Campbell, who has all the tools to be successful.

INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Campbell had a different offensive coordinator every year while at Auburn.

 

3.       Kyle Orton – Purdue – Bears, Broncos

·         DRAFTED: Round 4, Pick 106 – Bears

·         YDS: 9,121 TDS: 51 INTS: 39 QBRAT: 76.9

·         Orton has had surprising success in the NFL despite possessing few standout qualities.  He set a bunch of team rookie records for the Bears including completions (190), yards (1,869), and TDs (9).  More surprising was his 10 victories as a rookie, most ever by a player drafted in the fourth round or lower.  Now with the Broncos, Orton remains a fringe starter at best who can get the job done until someone better is found.

INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Orton wore the number 18 at Purdue in honor of former Nebraska QB Brook Berringer, a charitable and loved member of the community, who tragically died in 1996.

4.       Alex Smith –Utah – 49ers

·         DRAFTED: Round 1, Pick 1 – 49ers

·         YDS: 7,029 TDS: 37 INTS: 43 QBRAT: 69.2

·         Smith still holds the title of “bust” after the 49ers took him number one overall instead of Aaron Rodgers.  Although brilliant in the classroom, Smith took a long time to adjust to the speed and schemes of the NFL.  He has been in-and-out of the starting lineup due to his inconsistent play.  Some in the organization expect him to breakout next season, but time is running out on Smith in San Francisco.

INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Smith graduated from Utah with a degree in economics in just three years with a 3.71 GPA.

 

5.       Derek Anderson –Oregon State – Ravens, Browns, Cardinals

·         DRAFTED: Round 6, Pick 213 – Ravens

·         YDS: 7,083 TDS: 46 INTS: 45 QBRAT: 69.7

·         PRO BOWL: 2007

·         Anderson managed to earn a Pro Bowl invite in 2007 with an impressive 3,787yds and 29 TDs.  However, his career quickly tanked the following season when an MCL injury sidelined him for the year.  It plummeted further last season when he played terribly and had a bad break with the Browns at the end of the year.  I see hope for Anderson in his new home with the Cardinals if starter Matt Leinart goes down.

INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: Growing up, Anderson was good friends with future 2007 Playboy Playmate of the Year Sara Jean Underwood.