Dan Pompei rates the Quarterbacks

1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri, 6-4, 234. Gabbert looks the part of an elite quarterback, and he talks the part too. NFL teams love his leadership potential and feel for the game. He understands coverage schemes, pressures and offensive strategy almost like a coach. He also sees the field exceptionally well. He left Missouri early and still is green. He has not been as productive as you would like for a top-of-the-draft quarterback. In particular, he did not always respond well to pressure. He is a good athlete, however, who can avoid the rush. Gabbert has good arm talent but hasn't been as consistent as you would like. He probably will need some seasoning. He played in a spread offense and has little experience under center. The bust factor is considered low with Gabbert, and he has the potential to excel.

2. Christian Ponder, Florida State, 6-2, 229. He came into 2010 ranked higher than he came out of it (many saw him as the No. 1 QB prospect), mostly because an elbow injury affected his play. But the tape on Ponder before last season was outstanding. He has a long history of producing and winning. Ponder is a top leader with the athleticism to create plays with his feet and arm. His height and arm strength aren't perfect. He is a considered a safe pick who might be the most NFL-ready quarterback in the class. It helps that he played in a pro-style offense. Durability is an issue as he has had injury problems the last two seasons.

3. Cam Newton, Auburn, 6-5, 248. This is unquestionably the most gifted quarterback in this class and one of the most gifted in a long time. His size, athleticism and arm are phenomenal. He is a major threat as a runner. Big plays are his specialty. He won a national championship at Auburn and another in junior college and clearly steps up in the clutch. His 2010 season was one of the best for a quarterback in college history. Physically, he has been compared to Vince Young, Ben Roethlisberger and Daunte Culpepper. But he is not a very accurate passer and is an inconsistent decision-maker who played in a spread offense. His release is a little funny. Moreover, he is a one-year wonder after transferring twice and coming out early. Questions abound about his maturity and leadership as critics say he's a finger-pointer who's difficult to get along with. Newton comes with a demanding entourage. He's high-risk as someone with the talent to be a Hall of Famer who could be a complete bust.

4. Jake Locker, Washington, 6-3, 231. If you judged quarterbacks solely on skill and intangibles, Locker might be No. 1. He is mobile and strong-armed. He's as tough as a linebacker, highly competitive and very bright. But Locker has been inconsistent. His poor accuracy is troubling, and he can be baited into bad throws. He did not perform well as a senior, and his stock has dipped.

7. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, 6-7, 253. In a class full of strong-armed passers, Mallett is the arm king. He can throw it like Jeff George. The problem is he has a long release and virtually no mobility as a prototypical pocket passer. Mallett transferred from Michigan when Rich Rodriguez was hired and is leaving Arkansas' spread offense early, so he doesn't have extensive experience. Some teams question Mallett's intangible assets.

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