First look at 2012 QB class
When evaluating quarterbacks, it is important to consider all aspects of their games -- mental makeup, accuracy, release/arm strength and pocket mobility.
Now that Scouts Inc.'s initial 2012 draft board is ready, here's how we rank the top quarterbacks in each of the above skill sets (draft-eligible underclassmen denoted with an asterisk), followed by a look at all draftable 2012 prospects, market trends at the position and 2011's Day 1 quarterback picks.Mental Makeup
Makes decisions that put his team in the best position to succeed. Makes intelligent pre-snap reads, including blitz pickup, coverage recognition and possible audibles. Also can identify coverages while dropping from center. Consistently looks off the safety and/or avoids telegraphing his throws. Understands the importance of ball security. Displays outstanding mental toughness. Is poised under pressure. Tireless worker on and off the field.
To see which seniors and underclassmen are tops in each skill area, as well as the rest of Scouts Inc.'s quarterback breakdown, become an ESPN Insider. ![]()
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The 2011 NFL Draft

Draft Tracker | Kiper Home | Draft Blog
Mel Kiper
- Mock Draft 5.0 (4/27)
- Mock Draft 4.0 (4/6)
- Mock Draft 3.0 (3/9)
- Mock Draft 2.0 (2/16)
- Big Board (4/27)
- Top 5's: 2011 draft | 2012 draft (4/27)
- Best draft fits for Cam Newton (3/8)
- Greatest top 10 NFL draft picks ever (3/4)
- Combine winners and losers (3/2)
- Pre-combine stock watch (2/23)
- Replacing NFL veterans via the draft (2/11)
- Regrading the 2010 draft (1/28)
- Mock Draft 1.0 (1/19)
- How Luck changes draft (1/7)
Todd McShay's projections
- 4/28: Final seven-round mock draft
- 4/20: Mock Draft 6.0: Team scenarios
- 4/13: NFL Scouts' Mock Draft
- 4/6: Mock Draft 5.0: Newton goes No. 1
- 3/16: Mock Draft 4.0: Dareus goes No. 1
- 2/10: Mock Draft 3.0
- 1/19: Mock Draft 2.0
- 11/10: Mock Draft 1.0
Scouts Inc.'s draft coverage
- 3/21: Draft Buzz: McShay's draft tools
- 3/21: Stacking the Board: Offense
- 3/21: Stacking the Board: Defense
- 3/15: Breaking down the talent tiers
- 3/11: Draft Buzz: Pro day notes
- 3/8: Questions remain for Newton, Fairley
- 3/2: CBs, OLB Miller combine winners
- 2/23: Horton: NFC team offseason needs
- 2/22: Horton: AFC team offseason needs
- 2/15: Sneaky depth at RB
- 2/14: Three QBs to watch
- 2/9: Combine snubs
- 2/1: All-star risers and fallers
- Bowen: 5 second-year breakout candidates
- Sprow: Namath wrong, Smith pick smart
- Joyner: 5 fantasy breakout players
- Red Flags: NFC East | North | South | West
- Kiper: 2014 Big Board | Top TEs | OLBs | ILBs
