The Next QB- Kirk Cousins

We have seen the first three candidates for QBs to be taken after Andrew Luck and RG3 in this year's NFL Draft. Ryan Tannehill has the athleticism but ability issues. Brandon Weeden has the skills, but with age issues. Brock Osweiler has the arm and footwork, but might be too tall. Who is next? A guy with all the things you can't measure.- Michigan State's Mr. Intangibles, Kirk Cousins.



- It is rare in college football to be a three year starter at a big time program. It is even rarer to be a three year captain. That's just one example of how special Kirk Cousins was to the Spartans. He is a natural leader and a great locker room presence. He was also very productive at MSU. His heart helped him overcome his slightly undersized frame (6'3, 215 lbs), and his clutch play in big games helped the Spartans to the B1G title game and a triple overtime win in the Outback Bowl this past season.



- Cousins had a very impressive combine as well. While his workout numbers were slightly above average across the board, his throws looked crisp. He outperformed his grade and expectation, taking advantage of bad weeks by the likes of Nick Foles. He ran a sub-5 second 40, and has moved himself up into mid-round territory.

- While he answered many questions at the draft and with his senior season, there are still some concerns about Kirk Cousins. He does need to add bulk to his frame. An extra 10 to 15 pounds of muscle would help him stay healthy if he is to play every day. His throws were impressive, but he still lacks the arm strength of many pro QBs. A good comparison in the pros could be a New York Jet era Chad Pennington. Same size, same arm strength, but same intangibles.

- So, what is the projection for him in the 2012 NFL Draft? Well, he is climbing up draft boards slowly but consistently. I wouldn't be surprised if, like Weeden and Osweiler, he gets picked up when there is a run on QBs in the mid-2nd or early 3rd round. He would be a fantastic backup that could thrive in a system based on protecting the ball, accuracy, and having some athleticism. San Francisco could develop him behind Alex Smith and take him at pick 62. The Eagles or Dolphins could reach slightly if they don't address the QB situation before their 2nd round picks. If he slips to the 3rd, any team in need of a solid backup and developmental QB could go for him. I think he would fit great in Green Bay, learning under Aaron Rodgers, and be the next Matt Flynn.


The Next QB in the 2012 NFL Draft? Nick Foles, Arizona.