Matt Barkley

Hey everybody-excluding Mel,

Time to start scouting the future NFL players of 2013, starting with the guy everyone seems to agree is the consensus number 1 pick overall, Matt Barkley.

First things first, this kid is really good.  Had he declared for the draft, RGIII and Barkley would have been battling it out for #2 overall, with a fair share of people clamoring for him to go #1.  A three year starter at USC, Barkley has improved drastically each year, just look at his completion percentage-60%, 62.6%, and a huge increase to 69%.   His decision making has also progressed at an alarming rate, nearly cutting his INT's in half from 2010-2011 (12 to 7).  Now having Robert Woods always helps, and playing in the weak PAC-12 may inflate his numbers a bit, but he has put together some huge games against the top competition USC has faced.  Oregon, Stanford, and Notre Dame saw Barkley put on a show, especially Stanford, going toe to toe with Andrew Luck and nearly pulling out a huge victory.  Barkley shows above average to good coverage reading ability as well as the ability to throw on the run.  His pocket presence is already good and will continue to improve.  Although he doesn't have a cannon for an arm, he can make nearly any throw on the field and should have no problem making NFL quality throws.

Detractors of Barkley cite his lack of elite size (6'2") and mobility (-41 yds on 107 carries), and that he plays in the weak PAC-12.  Also having Robert Woods, an elite WR and potential top 5 talent, seems to be another reason for Barkley to be knocked down a few pegs.  His accuracy was also questioned heading into the 2011 season, but the gaudy 69% seems to have settled that debate.

Although not on par with Andrew Luck as a projected NFL superstar QB, Barkley should develop into an upper echelon QB who could start for the majority of NFL franchises.  If Barkley goes to the right team, and is allowed to develop, he has a chance to be a Drew Brees type of QB.  The flip side of that argument is that he can become a less athletic Mark Sanchez if he is rushed and not allowed to Develop.



RATINGS
ACCURACY:A-
ARM STRENGTH:B+
POCKET PRESENCE:B+
MOBILITY:C
DURABILITY:A
POTENTIAL:A-
OVERALL:A-