First impressions of the top three quarterbacks
 

First impressions of the top three quarterbacks
Posted by Tom Kowalski | Opinion February 20, 2009 13:18PM

INDIANAPOLIS -- The first thing that struck me about the top three quarterbacks in this draft -- as they each talked to the media today at the NFL Scouting Combine -- was size. Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez weren't small, but they weren't as big as I thought they might be (apparently, television does add 15 pounds).

Freeman, on the other hand, is huge. At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, he looked more like a pass-rushing defensive end. The kid is put together and looks solid.

Stafford really is an impressive guy, but I got the sense a lot of his answers were measured and he was making sure he said all the right things. He kept his answers short and to the point.

Sanchez was much more animated and seemed to enjoy himself the most. Part of that is probably playing under the Hollywood-type attention at USC. Sanchez, before he talked, even joined throng of media interviewing Stafford and gave him a hard time. Interestingly, that's when Stafford seemed to be the most relaxed.

Freeman, who knows he has a lot to prove at this combine, was more serious and made the point that he wants to "let people get an understanding of who Josh Freeman is.''

About the decision to throw at the combine Sunday, Stafford said it was his decision not to throw but he really never gave any good decision as to why. Sanchez, on the other hand, said "it would kill me not to throw.''

And Freeman said repeatedly, "I've got nothing to hide.''

In a couple of months, after the reams of research and miles of tape are analyzed about these three guys, the decision to throw or not to throw won't mean a great deal. But it means something now. Lions coach Jim Schwartz, who echoes the sentiment of a lot of NFL people, said he liked it when an athlete wanted to show the world what he could do.

People are way to caught up in Freemans size.

And you can already see the personality Sanchez has which makes his teammates love him.

Freeman goes in the 1st purely on potential. As it stands now... Stafford then Sanchez ..then Freeman. Davis then Bomar. The only difference between Stafford and Sanchez is experience. minus Stafford has a bigger arm. I know there are a lot of pro Sanchez guys on here, but if it was clear cut .... shouldnt Det. take Sanchez? If that does happen, are you disappointed in Stafford?

As poorly as Davis secures the ball, I was surprised his hand was 9 1/2 plus. He is Dave Kreig type ball security.

Sanchez comes across fantastically to the media. He's the kind of guy who will probably end up on TV once his career his done. He has a great Q factor.

It is at least somewhat concerning that Stafford isn't throwing. Dude's got a gun, he needs to get out there and compete with Sanchez.

Sanchez ftw.

I knew Ryan should have thrown last year :cuss:

Um I'm pretty sure Ryan did throw last year.

you sure? I thought all he did was run?

Ok you're right he didn't throw at the combine, nevermind I got it all mixed up..

It's funny to go back and read the shit from last year where Ryan was getting piled on.

This worries me a little. I want Sanchez to have a good showing so all the dumbasses who call him a reach in Top 5 will shut up. But then I also don't want him to show so much that the Lions go "wait a minute, this Sanchez kid might be the best QB..."

I didn't know that Stafford and Sanchez were both only 6'2. That isn't very big for a NFL QB.

nope, only an inch taller and about the same weight as Thigpen, who has been called undersized several times on here.

Yep he is, especially with his inaccurate water pistol throwing squirts all over the field..

Not sure if this has been asked before, but do we know if Sanchez is going to throw tomorrow?