An Early Look at the Top-5 Quarterbacks in the 2016 NFL Draft

Nov 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws a pass against the California Golden Bears at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1: Cody Kessler

Cody Kessler completed 71 percent of his passes in 2014 for 3,802 yards, 39 touchdowns and five interceptions. That’s almost 1,000 more yards, 19 more touchdowns, two less interceptions and a five more completion percentage points. And yes he did this in a pro style offense, making progressions and throw into tight windows.

Again, the best thing about a prospects numbers is seeing them get better to make it easy to project improvement. Talk about improvement, 2,261 of his yards and of his 28 touchdowns came in the second half of the season. At only 6’1″, 210 pounds, Kessler is a little undersized but has the skill set to be a starter for the NFL, particularly in the West Coast offense.

He’s not going to wow you with his arm strength, at least not as of now, but has enough to get it done. But what he has in spades is accuracy and he throws into tight windows with anticipation. But his most impressive trait is he’s a smart football player that reads defenses and is judicious with the football.

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