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Matt Leinart
QB, USC
War Room analysis
Arm strength: Has the ideal height and frame. Makes all the necessary throws. Drives the ball downfield. Uses long arms and big hands well. Had elbow surgery for tendonitis but is back to putting more zip on the ball and delivering passes into tight spots. Grade: 8.3.
Accuracy/delivery: Is very accurate with a nice touch. Hits receivers in stride and away from defenders but long lefthanded motion might allow NFL defensive backs to jump throws. Has a high release point that receivers love. Never gets a pass batted down. Sets up quickly and shows good footwork. Grade: 8.9.
Field vision: Has the height to easily see over offensive line. Reads defenses well and finds open receivers quickly. Reads coverage better than several current NFL passers. Grade: 8.9.
Running ability: Has adequate straight-line speed but below-average mobility. Isn't a running threat; struggles against pressure when flushed to the right. Has great awareness and pocket presence, however. Has improved ability to sidestep and keep plays alive. Grade: 8.5.
Intangibles: Is a tremendous leader whom teammates trust. Is poised and confident under pressure; doesn't get rattled easily. Is a tough competitor and a proven winner. Has great attitude and passion for the game. Grade: 8.9.
Bottom line: Leinart has the skills to be a fine NFL quarterback, and he excelled in an NFL-style offense at USC. He is a lefty, so the team that drafts him must invest heavily in an elite right tackle. He still must strengthen his upper body, but he seems to have overcome his minor durability concerns. Although Leinart is not as athletically gifted as Vince Young, his overall skills and strengths make him a better pro prospect. He should be the first QB drafted.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is big, poised and skilled -- in the mold of the Colts' Peyton Manning. Is a proven winner and leader who quarterbacked Southern Cal to a 37-2 record. Is lefthanded. Lacks elite arm strength, but has enough to throw out-routes. More important, is very accurate. Hits receivers in stride, and throws with a nice touch. Makes good decisions, and knows how to read defenses. Is as ready for the NFL as a quarterback could. Avoids pass rushers well. Knows when to throw away the ball. Shows excellent instincts.
No. 1 on Pompei's QB rankings
QB, USC
War Room analysis
Arm strength: Has the ideal height and frame. Makes all the necessary throws. Drives the ball downfield. Uses long arms and big hands well. Had elbow surgery for tendonitis but is back to putting more zip on the ball and delivering passes into tight spots. Grade: 8.3.
Accuracy/delivery: Is very accurate with a nice touch. Hits receivers in stride and away from defenders but long lefthanded motion might allow NFL defensive backs to jump throws. Has a high release point that receivers love. Never gets a pass batted down. Sets up quickly and shows good footwork. Grade: 8.9.
Field vision: Has the height to easily see over offensive line. Reads defenses well and finds open receivers quickly. Reads coverage better than several current NFL passers. Grade: 8.9.
Running ability: Has adequate straight-line speed but below-average mobility. Isn't a running threat; struggles against pressure when flushed to the right. Has great awareness and pocket presence, however. Has improved ability to sidestep and keep plays alive. Grade: 8.5.
Intangibles: Is a tremendous leader whom teammates trust. Is poised and confident under pressure; doesn't get rattled easily. Is a tough competitor and a proven winner. Has great attitude and passion for the game. Grade: 8.9.
Bottom line: Leinart has the skills to be a fine NFL quarterback, and he excelled in an NFL-style offense at USC. He is a lefty, so the team that drafts him must invest heavily in an elite right tackle. He still must strengthen his upper body, but he seems to have overcome his minor durability concerns. Although Leinart is not as athletically gifted as Vince Young, his overall skills and strengths make him a better pro prospect. He should be the first QB drafted.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is big, poised and skilled -- in the mold of the Colts' Peyton Manning. Is a proven winner and leader who quarterbacked Southern Cal to a 37-2 record. Is lefthanded. Lacks elite arm strength, but has enough to throw out-routes. More important, is very accurate. Hits receivers in stride, and throws with a nice touch. Makes good decisions, and knows how to read defenses. Is as ready for the NFL as a quarterback could. Avoids pass rushers well. Knows when to throw away the ball. Shows excellent instincts.
No. 1 on Pompei's QB rankings
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