Top 5 QB's for the 2009 Draft

We all know Rex Grossman is not the answer at quarterback. After this season, we will know if Kyle Orton is or isn't. Let’s say Orton is not the answer. Then the question beckons: What quarterbacks should the Bears keep their eyes on for the 2009 draft?

Unfortunately for the Bears, the 2009 quarterback class is looking like one of the worst in recent memory. The senior class has no first-round worthy quarterbacks. Unless some underclassmen declare early, very few quarterbacks will be drafted in round one.

Here is my list of the top 5 quarterbacks the Bears should keep their eyes on for next year’s draft (in no particular order).

* denotes underclassmen

• Sam Bradford* (Oklahoma)—Bradford is only a redshirt sophomore, so he still has two years of college elgibility left. He is the best pure passer in college, and if he declares early for the draft, he should be number one on the Bears quarterback board. Has shown composure in the pocket and can make all the throws.

• Chase Daniel (Missouri)—Daniel is listed at only 6’0’’ which is going to be a major drawback for a lot of NFL teams. Daniel is a leader and is durable, not missing a start since he took over at the end of the 2006 season. He has excellent physical and mental toughness, and his teammates have been quoted saying they believe in him. Daniel also has demonstrated good enough mobility to be able to scramble and get outside the pocket.

• Colt McCoy* (Texas)—McCoy is a junior quarterback with a year of elgibility remaining. He has great size, 6’3’’ 210 lbs. and can make all the throws. He also has scrambling ability, which is important in keepings plays alive. McCoy is off to a great start this year, and it would be wise of the Bears to keep an eye on his performance throughout the rest of the season.

• Mark Sanchez* (USC)—Sanchez is a redshirt junior who still has one year of elgibility remaining. This is his first year as the starter, so he’ll only get better with more game experience. He has all the physical tools necessary to be a great quarterback in the NFL. He’s 6’4’’ and has a real strong arm.

• Matthew Stafford* (Georgia)—Stafford has a great arm and above average mobility. He can throw the deep ball really well and has matured as a leader. This is his 3rd year starting, and he has improved every year. The Bears would be wise to take a look at Stafford if he declares early, but he needs a couple years of seasoning before he could start in the NFL.