NFL Draft: Herbert’s decision to stay at Oregon shakes up QB rankings

With one of the top rated college quarterbacks, Oregon’s Justin Herbert, deciding to return to school for his senior season in 2019, Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins will sit at the top of the quarterbacks list if he declares for the 2019 NFL draft.

TOP 5 QB’s

1. Dwayne Haskins, also an underclassman, could become the first pick in the draft. The 6-foot-2, 214 pound redshirt sophomore is a natural passer who plays with confidence in the pocket. He has enough arm strength to drive the ball downfield and is an accurate passer with mobility to avoid the rush. Haskins puts the ball in spots where his receivers can make a play. Haskins completed 348 passes for 4,580 yards, 47 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions in the 2018 regular season.

2. Drew Lock (6-3, 225) the Missouri gunslinger, could move up to the No. 2 spot in the draft class. The senior is a combination of raw talent, toughness and knowledge of the game. He has shown solid pocket presence with a good delivery, driving off his back foot. Lock has a strong arm and quick release. He flashes a lot of upside.

3. Daniel Jones (6-5, 220), a junior from Duke, is a big strong-armed quarterback who is physically gifted. He can also make plays with his legs. Jones has the tools to be effective at the NFL level but he does need to learn to read coverages better. He completed 207 passes for 2,251 yards with 17 touchdowns and only 7 picks in 2018.

4. Will Grier (6-1, 215), the West Virginia senior with fine athletic ability, shows poise in the pocket with good foot quickness and feel for the pass rush. He has enough arm strength to make all the throws needed at the pro level. Grier can also put good touch on his throws when needed. He has a quick delivery and makes accurate throws on the run.

5. Ryan Finley (6-3, 212) out of North Carolina State is my No. 5 rated quarterback at this time. He transferred from Boise State for his chance to shine. Finley flashes ability to make plays with his legs and shows arm strength when throwing the deep out to the sideline. He is tough, rebounding from season-ending injuries. A productive leader with upside, Finley threw for 3,789 yards with 24 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 2018.

As singer songwriter Bob Dylan in one of his songs wrote, “The Times They Are A Changin” so we’ll see how this list moves during the months ahead.