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Posted on Tue, Apr. 22, 2008
NFL draft: Evaluating the quarterbacks
This is the 10th in a series examining positions leading up to Saturday and Sunday’s NFL draft.
BIG 12 PROSPECTS
•SLEEPER: Oregon’s Dennis Dixon was a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate before he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the ninth game of the season. A team might be wise to invest a midround draft pick in Dixon with an eye toward 2009.
TOP FIVE PROSPECTS
| Player, school | Ht. | Wt. | Comment |
| Matt Ryan, Boston Col. | 6-4 3/4 | 228 | 25-7 record as a starter |
| Joe Flacco, Delaware | 6-6 3/8 | 236 | Strongest arm in draft |
| Chad Henne, Michigan | 6-2 7/8 | 230 | School’s all-time passing leader |
| Brian Brohm, Louisville | 6-2 7/8 | 230 | Bred to be an NFL QB |
| John David Booty, USC | 6-2 3/8 | 218 | 7 TD passes in two Rose Bowls |
| Sam Keller, Nebraska | 6-3 5/8 | 241 | Has a weird, shot-put delivery |
| Bret Meyer, Iowa State | 6-3 | 206 | Could move to receiver or safety |
•FUN FACT: Hawaii’s Colt Brennan set NCAA records for most career TD passes, 131; most TD passes in a single season, 58; and pass efficiency in a single season, 186.0.
•CHIEFS’ NEEDS: It depends on what the Chiefs really think about Brodie Croyle. If they truly believe Croyle has what it takes to be successful, then they should fill other needs and go into the season with Croyle, veteran Damon Huard and second-year man Tyler Thigpen. If they don’t believe Croyle is the answer and lack confidence in Huard, they better take Ryan if available or one of the second-tier quarterbacks in the second or third round.