It's widely believed that USC's Matt Barkley is the best quarterback in this draft class not named Geno Smith.
Greg Cosell, senior producer at NFL Films, has a less optimistic take on Barkley's ceiling as a pro signal-caller.
During an appearance on NFL Network's "Path To The Draft," Cosell told NFL Network's Paul Burmeister that Barkley is a fourth-round talent masquerading as a first- or second-round pick on draft boards.
"When I look at Matt Barkley, here's a couple of things I immediately see," Cosell said. "Number one, he has average arm strength by NFL standards. Number two, his feet are not particularly quick, he has slower feet. And three, he's a little shorter.
"So then I go beyond that and think, 'OK, how can he be successful in the NFL when you got certain limitations?' And I think those limitations are the things I notice immediately and it's very difficult for me to look at him as a first- or second-round pick given those limitations and given what I know works effectively in the NFL."
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Cosell added that Barkley only has shown flashes of pro-level ability when it comes to reading progressions, mobility in the pocket and being consistent in his ball location.
Long story short, Cosell seems to believe Barkley is a bust in waiting. Makes you wonder how many other NFL teams feel the same way behind closed doors.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
