Someone please tell me how to pick a franchise QB?

[teeray]

To be clear I'm not taking a side on the points discussed about bust rate (hehe I know) I just don't like using pro bowls as a measure of success. Also you have to consider things like Cutler being moved from team that drafted him to a new team and had a terrible season before this. He can't be called a bust but it's also too early to call him a success.

Were they deserved pro bowlers or altenates because the real good players turned it down or were playing in the SB, just curious.

I would say Flacco, Ryan, and Freeman are legit pro bowlers (although Freeman actually didn't make the pro bowl) but Cutler not so much. I have never really liked Cutler personally (he is overrated).

I think Bradford is going to be elite before it is all said and done (especially with McDaniel there) but I also can't yet declare him a legit pro bowl QB. Sanchez might get there but he is so damn helter skelter. I have no idea about Stafford he can't stay healthy. And I really like what The Golden Calf of Bristol did this year in his two starts. Threw for 300 yards in one of the games and brought his team back to win. Then the next game had 94 yards rushing but struggled a bit throwing the ball but still had I think over 200 yards (which I don't think Clausen did once).

So the jury is still out on a couple of these guys but they have promise. And there have been only three complete busts Leinart, Quinn, and Russell. (maybe 4 if you count Young)

[TheRealDeal]

So the jury is still out on a couple of these guys but they have promise. And there have been only three complete busts Leinart, Quinn, and Russell. (maybe 4 if you count Young)

I agree with you on Bradford that he could be elite but also I think you have to count stafford as some sort of bust right now. Kid just can't stay healthy and has had injuries to both shoulders (I believe) and with his type of shoulder injury the chance of reinjury is higher.

[bleys]

I agree with you on Bradford that he could be elite but also I think you have to count stafford as some sort of bust right now. Kid just can't stay healthy and has had injuries to both shoulders (I believe) and with his type of shoulder injury the chance of reinjury is higher.

technically, I have to agree with you about Stafford.. he's a bust due ONLY to being unable to stay on the field.. however, we know he can throw the ball and is a legit QB in the NFL otherwise..

most QBs are a bust because they suck.. that doesn't apply to Stafford by that definition.. he just can't stay healthy..

[bleys]

btw.. if anyone is saying we need to grab a QB in the draft, don't make it out to be there isn't a chance for him to bust just because they have all the NFL attributes necessary to succeed..

and if that isn't the point being made, then don't act like drafting one with a 1st pick is a no brainer.. the excuse, "he's better than what we have" is hardly a valid one. I mean, if that is the case, then we can grab a vet and he'll be better than what we have..

if our scouting department and coaching staff feel someone is capable of being an NFL caliber QB, then I'm sure he'll be taken.. but there is no valid reason to assume if they pass that it was a bad choice on their part..

[TheRealDeal]

technically, I have to agree with you about Stafford.. he's a bust due ONLY to being unable to stay on the field.. however, we know he can throw the ball and is a legit QB in the NFL otherwise..

I agree. I think when Stafford is healthy the Lions are the best team in the North but he just can't do it. For a #1 pick you have to be on the field AND you have to perform well. He performs well when he's on the field but isn't there enough to be worth the #1 overall. Also, injury concerns will remain a...ummm concern (Austin Powers anyone?) for the rest of his career.