NFL draft: Top 10 quarterbacks

The Observer’s top 10 quarterbacks available in the 2016 NFL draft:

1. Carson Wentz

College: North Dakota State.

Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 237.

Projected round: 1.

Comment: Big frame, big arm and big upside outweigh small-school background for QB who had only 23 college starts.

2. Jared Goff

College: California.

Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 215.

Projected round: 1.

Comment: Goff could stand to bulk up, but he can make every throw and will be Week 1 starter if Rams pick him No. 1.

3. Paxton Lynch

College: Memphis.

Ht.: 6-7. Wt.: 244.

Projected round: 1.

Comment: Great athleticism despite his height; throws the ball too hard at times.

4. Connor Cook

College: Michigan State.

Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 217.

Projected round: 2.

Comment: Looks the part and has the physical tools, but leadership skills have been questioned.

5. Christian Hackenberg

College: Penn State.

Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 223.

Projected round: 2-3.

Comment: Struggled when the pocket broke down and his play dropped off when Bill O’Brien left PSU.

6. Dak Prescott

College: Mississippi State.

Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 226.

Projected round: 3-4.

Comment: Belk Bowl MVP is natural leader whose running skills translate well to next level.

7. Cardale Jones

College: Ohio State.

Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 253.

Projected round: 4-5.

Comment: Strange college career – from third-string to national-champion QB, back to the bench. But size and arm strength can’t be ignored.

8. Kevin Hogan

College: Stanford.

Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 218.

Projected round: 4-5.

Comment: Smart, tough player who went 36-10 as a starter in Cardinal’s pro-style offense.

9. Jacoby Brissett

College: N.C. State.

Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 231.

Projected round: 5.

Comment: Strength and athleticism offset sometimes-shaky mechanics for former Florida transfer.

10. Nate Sudfeld

College: Indiana.

Ht.: 6-6. Wt.: 234.

Projected round: 5.

Comment: Good pocket presence for big, strong-armed who led Big Ten in passing last season.

Panthers’ perspective

Dave Gettleman talks about drafting the best players available, but they won’t be at quarterback. In addition to getting Cam Newton locked up long-term, the Panthers also have extended backup Derek Anderson and third-teamer Joe Webb through 2017.

Local connection

Brissett went 16-13 at Florida and N.C. State, where he started 26 games after transferring. Scouts like Brissett’s arm strength and his ability to avoid pass rushers, although they’d like him to improve mechanically. Wolfpack coaches liked Brissett’s work habits and durability.

Sleeper

Liberty’s Josh Woodrum caught scouts’ attention at the NFLPA All-Star Game, where he showed off a blend of arm strength and accuracy. Woodrum chose Liberty over offers from several bigger schools and became the school’s all-time passing leader while playing for former Nebraska QB Turner Gill. Woodrum (6-3, 231) could be a late-round pick.

Worth noting

Brissett is one of two QBs in this draft who began their careers at Florida before transferring. Louisiana Tech’s Jeff Driskel passed for 4,033 yards and 27 TDs (with 8 INTs) his final season with the Rajin’ Cajuns, and is a late-round prospect. ... TCU’s Trevone Boykin’s best chance of sticking with a team might be at receiver or punt returner. He lined up at both of those spots at TCU’s Pro Day. ... Sudfeld, the Indiana QB, is the younger brother of Jets TE Zach Sudfeld.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 6:24 PM with the headline "NFL draft: Top 10 quarterbacks."