NFL Combine 2015: Quarterbacks to watch for Ravens
Jan 21, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Shane Carden of East Carolina (5) passing during North squad Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Despite taking Keith Wenning in the 2014 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens should still be watching the quarterbacks closely at the NFL Combine 2015. The opportunity to groom the right backup seems to appeal to Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens more so than signing a guy off the street, so the Ravens could very well be looking to draft another quarterback.
Here are some guys to watch.
Brett Hundley, UCLA
In terms of draft stock, there could be no bigger boom-or-bust prospect than Brett Hundley. A team could fall in love with his physical gifts and take him in the second round, or teams could be so scared of his pocket presence that he falls out of the draft entirely.
There is no questioning his physical tools, so what Hundley runs in the 40 really doesn’t matter. What will matter is the interviews. Teams love to find out just how much a quarterback knows about the game and how quick he can learn. If Hundley proves a student of the game in the interviews, he could be a valuable developmental backup.
Bryce Petty, Baylor
Though Bryce Petty looks like a career back-up on film, he looks like a darn good one. Baylor’s offense is not necessarily conducive to the pro game, but Petty is athletic enough with enough arm talent to make it in the league. Like Hundley, Petty will need to impress in the interviews, and teams will also be curious to see how he performs in the on-field drills.
Sean Mannion, Oregon State
In a lot of ways, Sean Mannion looks a lot like Joe Flacco. He’s big, tall and has a cannon. The question marks, as with the other quarterbacks in this class, are accuracy and consistency. Consistency can be developed in a hard-working student of the game, so again, Mannion’s interviews will be crucial. Seeing consistent throws on the field will be important as well.
Shane Carden, East Carolina
Maybe the most intriguing late-round quarterback in this draft is Shane Carden, a guy who pretty much carried his college team to heights the Pirates had never experienced before. Though shorter than the other quarterbacks on this list, Carden is a solid athlete with a strong, accurate arm. His sidearm release needs work, as does footwork. The natural tools, though, are undeniable, including leadership.
Others to watch: Blake Sims, Cody Farjado, Connor Halliday, Nick Marshall