NFL Draft 2007: Top Quarterback (Surprise, His Initials Aren't J.R. Or B.Q.)

Most people would say that the quarterback should be the pivotal position. Since I usually do not disagree with this rationale, these pre-draft opinions will begin at the prioritized position. As it happens to turn out in 2007, the best player in the draft pool - bar none - is not a signal caller. A huge, talented wide receiver from Georgia Tech takes that honor. Unfortunately, a wide out cannot flourish alone. A receiver's success depends on - you guessed it - the quarterback.

Unlike virtually every expert points out, Louisiana State University product JaMarcus Russell and Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn are not the top two sure bets to lead teams to future success--I repeat, they are not the top two quarterbacks in this year's crop. I am certain that a gunslinger near Mexico will prove himself to be the cream of the '07 crop. He offers a virtually untapped upside.

1. Kevin Kolb--Houston (6-3, 230)

Andre Ware and David Klingler he's not. The two previous Houston Cougars' quarterbacks were sure bets to be superstars in the National Football League. However, things did not pan out that way.

Like his predecessors, Kolb has a gunslinger-like arm. Unfortunately for him, his offense exhibited more of a dink-and-dunk passing scheme, rather than the wide-open aerial assault of the his predecesor's Run-and-Shoot offense. Once this strong-armed gambler is given the chance to pull his golden arm out of the holster on a consistent basis, he will win over more and more of the "experts." Kolb was a vertical passer, succeeding in a horizontal offense. Rarely did he unleash the frozen ropes that he is capable of lassoing. Given the chance, I have no doubt that he will flourish.

2. JaMarcus Russell--Louisiana State University (6-5, 260)

No, Russell's size is not a typo. He is a beast. As big as, if not bigger than, most blitzing linebackers. He is often compared to fellow quarterback Duante Culpepper. Russell possesses the rare ability to pass the ball on the move with as much velocity as he has from the pocket--without losing zip. However, his inconsistent footwork plagues him. Furthermore, he has been noted to rely on his cannon-like arm to squeeze the ball into tight spots. He got away with that too often in the SEC, but life will be different on Sundays. If the Raiders select him with the overall pick-and make him their opening game starter-expect Russell to never really flourish. He needs a year of NFL tutelage, gaining proper footwork habits.

However, if a team already having a quarterback - yes, Aaron Brooks is still capable, Oakland - Russell would greatly benefit from a year, at least half a year of soaking up the knowledge on the sidelines. This will give him months to work on his footwork. If he is given time to improve this one aspect of his game and he develops more pocket patience, NFL fans may see a future Hall-of-Famer in the making.

Were it not for Kolb, I - like most others - would be saying Russell is the surest signal caller on the board.

3. Brady Quinn--Notre Dame (6-4, 225)

If a team needs a quarterback to start today, then Quinn is the man. However, unlike the upside that Kolb and Russell bring, Quinn is polished and I do not see him getting a lot better than the serviceable quarterback he is now.

4. Jordan Palmer--University of Texas El Paso (6-5, 235)

Carson's little bro is about to step onto the greatest stage he could envision--The Sunday Platform. If he plans to be half as successful as his older, yet strikingly similar, at least in appearance, brother, he will have to cut down his mistakes. An intimidating presence, Palmer's accuracy did improve in each of his four seasons as the Miners' signal caller, as did his passing yardage. However, his touchdown-interception ratio was not overwhelming. Expect someone to take a gamble on the younger Palmer in the late second-early third round.

5. Troy Smith--Ohio State University (6-1, 215)

Troy Who?

Just a couple of years ago, that's what onlookers may have said. However, after the 2006 schedule, people undoubtedly know who Troy is. A proven leader on the field, Smith has proven that he can run and pass, concentrating more on the latter during his last two seasons at OSU. He has shown that he can adjust to making reads and picking apart defenses. However, his accuracy raises a red flag. Though he comes to Sunday's league with an incredible amount of accolades, Smith looks like a long-term, very capable back up in the professional ranks. This isn't Saturday anymore.

Though he's listed as the fifth quarterback, Smith could be quarterback # 4 selected, or he could fall to #6. This should be a nervously anxious day for the Smith household.

Best of the Rest:

6. Lester Ricard--Tulane

This strong-armed, huge QB is an almost lock with Smith for fifth best.

7. Drew Stanton--Michigan State University

If last season were never played, Stanton would probably be one of the top three quarterbacks taken. However, it was, and here Stanton is, laying in wait.

8. John Beck--Brigham Young University

From QB U, Beck has the potential to surprise many passers by.

9. Tyler Palko--Pittsburgh

A gamble, but well worth a second-day pick.

10. Jeff Rowe--Nevada

*see above

Els' Predictions

* Biggest 2007 impact: Quinn

* Biggest long-term impact: Kolb

* Biggest disappointment: Smith

* First-Round Picks: 3 (Kolb, Russell, Quinn)

* Surprise steal: Ricard