DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 233 pounds
40 time: 4.83
2016 college stats: 2,925 pass yds, 26 TDs, 9 INTs, 472 rush yds, 8 TDs
Analysis: Kizer passes the eye test with flying colors, standing at 6-foot-4 with a well built frame. His arm is capable of making all of the throws and there are a number of "wow" passes on tape that display he has an NFL-caliber arm. However, those are balanced out by several abysmal interceptions and streaks of poor decision making. Kizer is a decent runner too, though his 40-yard dash time left something to be desired. He's this year's version of the traits/measurables prospect, as his stats and #QBwinz don't stack up with some of the other quarterbacks in this class. Kizer has the raw skills and frame to become a starting quarterback in the NFL, but his landing spot/coach could be the ultimate determining factor in his future NFL/fantasy success.
Pat Mahomes, Texas Tech
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 225 pounds
40 time: 4.80
2016 college stats: 5,052 pass yds, 41 TDs, 10 INTs, 285 rush yds, 12 TDs
Analysis: Perhaps the most intriguing highly-rated quarterback in the class, Mahomes is a fun study. His release and footwork are at times unconventional, but he can flat out play. The term "gunslinger" is overused in quarterback parlance, but Mahomes fits the bill. He's shifty in the pocket and can be deadly accurate while on the move from a wide variety of release points and angles (front foot, back foot, side-armed, etc.). He needs to work on his patience in the pocket and let plays develop/trust the system, but his arm talent is unquestioned. If a coach/coordinator can harness his ability to freestyle and keep him comfortable within the confines of their system, he could find early NFL and fantasy success.
Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 222 pounds
40 time: 4.67
2016 college stats: 3,748 pass yds, 30 TDs, 6 INTs, 308 rush yds, 5 TDs
Analysis: Trubisky measured two inches shorter than expected at the Senior Bowl but apparently gained one of those inches back by the time the combine rolled around. On the field, Trubisky's strong arm and good mobility (he ran a 4.67-second 40) have been catalysts for his hype machine. His deep ball occasionally drifts and can be inconsistent and many of the big big plays in the Tar Heels passing game were run after the catch. But his tape does show some nice touch throws and his ability to extend plays with his legs will serve him well. Trubisky is being considered by some to be the top quarterback in this draft class, going as high as second overall. That would place a tremendous burden on him to immediately step in and be a team's "savior". He's at least a couple of seasons from getting there. Being a starting QB in the NFL at least earns you fantasy draft cred but it just might only be in dynasty drafts.
Davis Webb, California
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 229 pounds
40 time: 4.79
2016 college stats: 4,295 pass yds, 37 TDs, 12 INTs, -110 rush yds, 6 TDs
Analysis: Webb had plenty of chances to put his work on tape playing in an Air Raid offense where he averaged 51.7 pass attempts per game. He has a very easy delivery, but doesn't consistently duplicate it -- even from a clean pocket. Webb has a strong arm and isn't afraid to go deep. The problem is that doesn't always push the ball with consistent velocity and struggles with accuracy downfield; Webb is your prototypical pocket statue. His ability to stand tall and patient might be appealing. His lack of mobility will decidedly not be. The obvious comparison for Webb will be Jared Goff, who played in the same Cal offense and landed as the No. 1 overall pick in 2016. There won't likely be a similar outcome for Webb in 2017 and he's likely to be a project wherever he lands. He won't be a fantasy impact player this season.
Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 221 pounds
40 time: 4.66
2016 college stats: 4,593 pass yds, 41 TDs, 17 INTs, 629 rush yds, 9 TDs
Analysis: Watson took Clemson to back-to-back National Championships against Alabama in 2015 and 2016, winning the second time around in thrilling fashion. Watson can sling it, but battles streaks of inconsistent accuracy. This was partly to blame for his 17 interceptions in 2016, though to his credit he cleaned up his act over the final five games. Of his four INTs in that span, two were tipped, his receiver fell down on one, and the other was a great defensive play. Back to Watson, he shows great poise in the pocket and displays excellent touch and anticipation on his throws. He looks like a complete quarterback and will likely push to start in Week 1 this season. His running ability boosts his fantasy value the most, and in the right offense he could be worth a late-round flier in redraft leagues.
