NFL draft analysis -- QB

There were many good QB prospects in this draft, but many people didn't look beyond the big three of Vince Young, Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler. Some guys went amazingly high, and several fell farther than expected. Let's look at the top quarterbacks from the draft.

Vince Young -- #3 pick to Tennessee -- While rumors swirl about the trade of Steve McNair, Young potentially steps into a starting role. The Titans have a good offensive line, and Young will have every opportunity to succeed. If Tennessee builds the offense around him, he has the potential to become a faster Donovan McNabb. If McNair stays in Tennessee, Young won't be a factor until 2007. If not, draft him as your backup until he has a few weeks under his belt.

Matt Leinart -- #10 pick to Arizona -- Leinart steps into the best situation out of the big three, as Kurt Warner hasn't played a full season since 2001. Arizona features the best young receiver tandem in the NFL with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Once he gets a chance, he'll put up good numbers. That might include some interceptions, but the yards will be there. I've said from the start that Leinart was the best QB in this draft, and now I agree from a fantasy standpoint as well.

Jay Cutler -- #11 pick to Denver -- The Broncos traded up to grab Cutler, then sent their second round pick to Green Bay for Javon Walker. This bodes well for Cutler, who will probably step into the starting role in 2007. He'll have a superstar receiver in Walker, and if Tatum Bell is able to play to his potential, Cutler will be able to use him to stretch the field. Denver liked him better than Leinart and Young, and doubting the Broncos hasn't been successful in the past. Roll the dice in keeper leagues and look to 2007.

Kellen Clemens -- #49 pick to the New York Jets -- The Jets passed on Leinart and Cutler, and then reached for Clemens in the second round. With his ankle injuries at Oregon, he probably would have fallen into the third round. That being said, he's an extremely intelligent quarterback who can make throws from any position. He's mentally ready to play in the NFL, and might be called to duty earlier than anticipated if Chad Pennington finds his usual seat in the ambulance. Clemens is a good pick for late in your keeper league draft because he'll be the #2 guy behind an injury prone starter.

Tarvaris Jackson -- #64 pick to Minnesota -- I'm surprised that the Vikings didn't trade up to select one of the big three quarterbacks. Jackson is a good project who will learn for a year behind Brad Johnson and then step in as the starter. He's a big, fast player and has been called a miniature Daunte Culpepper. That's not a bad thing, but he has to improve his technique and focus to be an impact in the NFL. He won't help your team in 2006, but could be a starter the following season.

Charlie Whitehurst -- #81 pick to San Diego -- Whitehurst was the sixth QB off the board, but he has a chance to become an instant contributor. The Chargers lost Drew Brees to New Orleans, but they've invested a lot in former first rounder Phillip Rivers. Whitehurst is a large, somewhat immobile quarterback who draws comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger with his size and ability. He isn't great on the run, and his technique leaves something to be desired, but with LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates on his side, he would perform well if given the chance. Keep your eye on him in case Rivers doesn't cut it in 2006.

Brodie Croyle -- #85 pick to Kansas City -- If he would have stayed healthy during his college career, he would have been on the same level as Jay Cutler. Both are smart quarterbacks who know how to manage a field. Both have slight inadequacies when it comes to being a complete player, and both know how to lead. The difference is that Croyle has blown the ACL in both knees and suffered other injuries to ankles and shoulders. If he can stay on the field, he has a chance to take over for Trent Green in 2007 and produce nicely. If not, he's worthless.

Others who were drafted:

Ingle Martin -- #148 pick to Green Bay -- He has great ability and tools, and should be the #2 QB in 2007. He had a great career at Furman, which nobody has ever heard of.

Omar Jacobs -- #164 pick to Pittsburgh -- The Steelers might have found the long-term backup to Roethlisberger. Jacobs has terrible technique, but is smart enough to get around it.

Reggie McNeal -- #193 pick to Cincinnati -- McNeal is a phenomenal athlete who might end up as a corner or receiver in the NFL. He has blazing speed, and will probably turn out to be the best sixth round pick in the draft.

Bruce Gradkowski -- #194 pick to Tampa Bay -- I'm surprised he was drafted, but he could turn out to be a good NFL backup, which means he's worthless to you.

D.J. Shockley -- #223 pick to Atlanta -- Now the Falcons have another quarterback who can't play the position. He'd be better off to switch to receiver, but it won't matter in Atlanta.