With the 155th pick... The Arizona Cardinals select QB John Skelton, Fordham

[Shogun]

You must be registered for see images attach

Accuracy: Accurate enough to give his receiver a chance to make a play after the catch whether on a quick screen, out route, slant, fade or throw down the seam. Leads his man on slants and deep throws. Will aim the ball and feather it in instead of letting it loose.

Arm Strength: Throws 45-50-yard passes with little effort, but he rarely takes full advantage of his arm strength. Ball gets from hash to opposite sideline in a hurry when he steps into the throw. Good trajectory on deep passes, and the ball doesn't hang up. Inconsistent spiral, though the ball still has fair pace when it wobbles.

Setup/Release: Prototypical size and stands tall in the pocket. Waits patiently for routes to develop. Mostly in the shotgun when passing but will go under center on run plays and the occasional play-action. Release speed is not an issue whether in the pocket or on the run. Relies on his arm strength too much; will throw off back foot and into traffic. Throws from different arm angles and usually well-balanced. Could sell the ball fake more in play-action.

Reading Defenses: Knows the second and third progression, and is willing to throw underneath route if deep receiver is covered up. Will pick apart a defense if given time. Looks to the quick screen before checking out deep throw. Will not look off the safety or creeping corner consistently, resulting in interceptions. Trusts his receivers too much, throwing jump balls when unnecessary.

On the Move: Mobile for his size and able to throw accurately on the run in either direction. Squares his shoulders when throwing on the run. Will evade sacks from FCS defenders, but unclear whether he'll do so against better competition. Doesn't always get his eyes downfield when pressured in the pocket but does when outside. Mobility leads him to leave the pocket too quickly at times. Agile enough to get first downs when scrambling or running the read option, but not quick enough to run for more than a few yards and lacks elusiveness in the open field. Lowers his head for a first down if sideline isn't available and can slide if possible. Good size for the sneak.

Intangibles: Two-year captain who leads his offense on and off the field. Quiet with the media but vocal on the field. Has the work ethic and intelligence to become an NFL starter.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1267818​

 

[Shogun]

John Skelton
6'5 3/8, 243 pounds | Quarterback | Fordham

Strengths: Skelton's name has been made thanks to his arm. He can make any NFL throw and has gotten comparisons to Joe Flacco. But Skelton is much larger and more athletic than Flacco. Looks to have good pocket awareness and can move fairly well adequately. Doesn't have a perfect release, but gets the ball out quickly. Three-year starter, two-time team captain.

Weaknesses: He may be a record setter, but Skelton's production came against a lower level of competition. Played almost exclusively in a shotgun spread offense. Will need to learn some snap fundamentals and how to read a defense while dropping back. Didn't always make the best decisions with the football and has to learn to get rid of it.

Final word: Due to his plus size and record-setting numbers, Skelton has gotten a lot of attention. Playing for Fordham, he finished his career with 9,923 passing yards and a 69:36 interception-to-touchdown ratio. Playing in the Patriot League, you might expect a better ratio.

But Skelton will make his name thanks to his arm. He has a chance to be a good quarterback but will have to learn some fundamentals.

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2010/3/29/1396021/john-skelton-nfl-draft-scouting

 

[Shogun]

Pick Analysis: The Cardinals aggressively trade up to nab an intriguing quarterback prospect in John Skelton. The big-armed thrower from Fordham has a good skill set, and is ideally suited to play in the Cardinals' wide-open offense. He will be an interesting player to watch develop behind Matt Leinart and Co. in Arizona.

Overview

Skelton is a good-sized quarterback with a major league arm. The problem is that he does not know how to use his arm to his advantage. He tends to rely on arm strength alone, when throwing the ball and does not do a good job of getting his feet set under him when throwing from the pocket. He can throw on the move, but his accuracy suffers a lot. He will need a ton of work when it comes to reading NFL coverages and going through his progressions as he looks for the best target. Teams may get too enamored with his arm strength and overlook how much development it will take before he is ready to play.

Strengths

Skelton possesses prototypical height and bulk. Has excellent arm strength to make all the NFL throws. Generates great zip on the ball and can fit it into tight spots. Fluid athlete who avoids the rush and gains positive yards scrambling when receivers are covered.

Weaknesses

Does not always set his feet when he throws, which results in a lot of errant passes. Overconfident in his arm strength and forces too many throws. Struggles reading coverage and does not show the ability to consistently find his second and third options. Played at the Division 1AA level and will have a steep learning curve.

Grade

6.8

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/profiles/john-skelton?id=497129

 

[football karma]

Mitch's favorite new player

 

[MadCardDisease]

I'm not a big fan.

Very Raw. I'm not sure he will ever be able to play in the NFL. I don't like the fact that we gave up a CB for him.

 

[Shogun]

​

 

[Shogun]

​

 

[Shogun]

​

 

[Shogun]

​

 

[sportznutt]

• You must be registered for see images
  
  Mike Mayock, NFL Network
  
  
  155 -- Cardinals -- QB John Skelton
  
  Skelton is 6-5 1/2, 243, and I call him Flacco-Light. He has a big arm, he's sneaky athletic, and he has the raw ability to develop into a starting QB in the NFL. I like the pick, and it puts a little pressure on Matt Leinart.
  
  

 

[Goldfield]

Seems all his weaknesses are coach-able. Dont like losing a CB for him.

 

[Heucrazy]

You guys seem to forget that he's our 5th round pick.

:championship:

 

[BW52]

I like him for development QB.Now get a CB .

 

[Cards Czar]

I have been pimping him for the last 4 months. The Cardinals got a great value pick here. Guys you will be inpressed in a year or 2.


http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/cards-czar-pre-combine-draft-1-0-a-147049.html

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Between Anderson, Leinart, or Skelton someone is going to take. Hopefully the 5th round mojo is on this kid too.

 

[TheKid_1]

This sports science thing has me really excited!!

 

[Hypothesis]

Anyone catch the piece ESPN just did on him? That sports science bit on Skelton was pretty interesting.

I've been pushing for this guy for awhile as well...pretty happy thus far.

 

[az jam]

Anyone catch the piece ESPN just did on him? That sports science bit on Skelton was pretty interesting.

I've been pushing for this guy for awhile as well...pretty happy thus far.

Yep, one of the quickest and most accurate releases per any of the qbs in this draft.
Mayock also had him as the 5th best qb in this draft.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Someone post a link to the SS video please.

 

[Hypothesis]

Someone post a link to the SS video please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XDXrPfCkzA

 

[Pariah]

I'm good with the lick and the player, I HATE that we gave up McFadden to move up for him.

I think we're going to have to add an older CB vet that gets cut this preseason. I know mcfadden didn't play great for us, but he's not horrible. I'm worried about that secondary now.

 

[jf-08]

Mitch's favorite new player

lol

 

[jw7]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XDXrPfCkzA

Thanks for the link.

That is not N. Suh (OMG), but it definitely is "Wow!"

 

[TJ]

Not too impressed with the pick. McFadden at least provided depth at CB and we got rid of him and a 6th for a guy who may never see the field. Not mitigating Skelton's talents because he is underrated, I just don't think this was a good deal.

I hope Whiz has something planned to address depth at CB. Toler, although talented, is still a work in progress IMO

 

[Zeno]

I may have missed it but I don't believe I saw him take a single snap in those highlights where he wasn't in the shotgun. He does seems to have a lot of the tools you look for in the pocket, good pocket awareness, good feet, good arm strength...I think he is worthy of a 5th round pick, we needed a 3rd QB.