Training Camp is just around the corner and that obviously means it's time to start discussing the 2011 NFL Draft. BCC will once again strive to be your go to place for all Jaguars draft related topics during the season as well as during the lead up to the draft itself. Until the college football season winds down, we'll only be talking about seniors for the time being.
Christian Ponder,QB, Florida State
The drums are already beating for a potential Heisman run as Ponder looks to return FSU to college football's elite. National Scouting had him rated as the top draft eligible QB coming into 2010, ahead of even Jake Locker. He's being coached by Jimbo FIsher, the man who managed to turn JaMarcus Russell into a #1 pick. Ponder has all of the qualities Gene Smith seems to look for in a prospect, particularly in terms of his character.
Jake Locker,QB, Washington
Many were surprised Locker decided to stay at Washington for another year. Many had him rated higher than eventual #1 pick Sam Bradford. Locker is one of the most physically talent QB prospects in recent memory and will have another year in a pro style offense under his belt. Locker is also a great character guy, turning down NFL millions to hopefully get Washington from 0-12 his freshmen year to a bowl game.
SBN's resident draft gurus at Mocking the Draft did a comparison between Locker and Ponder
Pat Devlin,QB, Deleware
Devlin is the top QB in the FCS and some are comparing him to former Blue Hen Joe Flacco. The Jaguars have certainly shown a lot of love to physically gifted prospects from lower division and Devlin would be no exception.
Jerrod Johnson,QB, Texas A&M
I'm not a fan of Johnson, but he's still worth mentioning. He's a very raw QB with a lot of upside. Either way, he'll need at least two years of clip board holding and practice before he'll be ready for the NFL.
Case Keenum,QB, Houston
The Jaguars attended several Houston games to get a good look at Keenum. His numbers are out of this world and he could set several records in 2010. However, most brush off his Playstation-esque production by playing in a gimmicky offense and say he has a weak arm.
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Peterson is one of the top CB prospects to come along in awhile. He has the production to match his physical skills as well. If things go south with Rashean Mathis, the Jaguars may elect to hold off on their QB of the future if Peterson is still available.
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Quinn is the top defensive linemen in the draft, but may end up being suspended for the year thanks to attending a party thrown by an agent. Still, his talent is undeniable.
Kai Forbath, K, UCLA
If Josh Scobee has another bad year, Forbath could be considered. Depending on how he does this year, he may end up being the highest taken kicker since the Chargers took Nate Kaeding in the 3rd round.
Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa
Ballard goes largely unnoticed thanks to the fact he plays across from a near certain Top 10 pick in Adrian Clayborn. However, Ballard is no slouch himself. He could play end in either a 3-4 or 4-3 and may be a target in the 2nd/3rd round.
Mark LeGree, FS, Appalachian State
One of the top players in FCS, LeGree is an athletically gifted safety who could eventually play corner. He's another mid-late round target.
These are some of the players who I'll be watching this year, what about you?