Top-5 2016 Quarterback Prospects

Sep 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws a pass against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2: Cody Kessler

USC quarterback Cody Kessler is only 6’1″, 215 pounds but Joe Montana was the same height and neither have a huge arm. I’ll end the comparison there but Kessler put up big numbers in coach head coach Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense. He is often required to make a variety of downfield throws and check second and third reads before throwing.

Last year, Kessler completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,826 yards, 39 touchdowns and five interceptions. In two games this year vs Arkansas State and Idaho, he’s completed almost 80 percent of his passes for 7 touchdowns. The draft experts don’t have him in their top five but he’s outperforming all of their top prospect and it isn’t even close.

They’re more into the fool’s gold of the big arm and the size but I have him a No. 2 because of the way he’s playing. I also like that he’s playing at that level in a pro style offense to make his transition to the NFL minimal. However, I have my questions because when it comes to USC, you don’t know if you’re getting Carson Palmer or Mark Sanchez.

Next: No.1