Evolution of Quarterback Roles
By Kyle Kensing
Gleaning too much from a pre-season NFL game is somewhat akin to declaring a player Heisman-worthy based on a September beating of a Sun Belt opponent. Bearing that in mind, Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick both had attention grabbing moments this weekend. Both are on the outside of starting quarterback competitions this summer, but have worked their way into the public consciousness.
Both Wilson and Kaepernick had question marks coming into the pros. Wilson’s size is widely critiqued. Standing just 5-foot-11, he would be among very rare company of quarterbacks 6-foot-1 or under should he crack the Seattle Seahawks’ starting 11. Kaepernick has the more prototypical NFL body at 6-foot-5 and nearly 240 pounds, but came from a system not conducive to preparing professionals. At least, not historically.
Rich Rodriguez raised eyebrows when he called the shotgun-heavy variations of the spread the “new Pro Set” at last month’s Pac-12 Media Day. I examined his mindset in the context of Arizona and its quarterback, Matt Scott,
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The tried-and-true formation of a quarterback lined up behind center becomes less prevalent in the college game seemingly by the year, as offensive coordinators seek additional variations to keep defenses guessing. Fewer traditional offenses means fewer traditional quarterbacks to select from, which is reflected in the draft. More quarterbacks from spread offenses, whether they be option or air raid based, are getting opportunities.
The 2011 and 2012 classes featured numerous noteworthy selections from such offensive schemes. Robert Griffin III was strongly considered for the No. 1 overall pick before landing with the Washington Redskins at No. 3. Brandon Weeden is Cleveland’s starter after running the air raid at Oklahoma State; Nick Foles impressed in his pro debut, coming to Philadelphia from a similar background at Arizona. Arizona State product Brock Osweiler rocketed up draft boards and is now learning the ropes from Peyton Manning in Denver, coming from a hybrid offense that utilized Pro Set philosophies, while also exploiting Osweiler’s rushing ability.
Kaepernick was among those taken out of non-traditional schemes in the 2011 class. His Nevada team operated from the Pistol, a system that allowed him to rush for 1000-plus yards three seasons. He also didn’t hurt his draft stock with a stellar senior season that could arguably have earned him Heisman contention, throwing for over 3000 yards and 21 touchdowns on 64.5 percent completions, but that really accented his uncanny ball carrying ability. Conventional wisdom says that using a quarterback in the fashion Kaepernick was utilized at UNR, at the professional level, is inviting him to injury. Well, that may be. But not if he’s running away from tackles.
And of course, the benchmark for both the 2011 draft class as well as non-traditional quarterbacks is Cam Newton. The 2010 Heisman winner had a transcendent rookie campaign, doing the dual threat thing with the same explosiveness and vigor at Carolina that he exhibited in Auburn. No other two-way play maker is likely to match his debut season, 35-touchdown output any time, because few players are at Newton’s talent level. However, he has laid a foundation.
Early projections of the 2013 draft class suggest the trend will continue. Some notables CBS has tabbed for selection in the first four rounds include Logan Thomas and Matt Scott, who come from spread option systems, and Florida State’s EJ Manuel, a frequently rushing quarterback. Air raid spread quarterbacks on the 2013 draft radar include Geno Smith of West Virginia, and Oklahoma’s Landry Jones. Jones’ status gets a boost from the proven ability of former Sooner teammate Sam Bradford to flourish in the pros.
Now, pro coacehs and GMs aren’t completely abandoning old philosophies. There’s a reason Andrew Luck went first, and USC quarterback Matt Barkley is all but assured of following suit next spring. Others have seen their pro stock buoyed by playing in collegiate Pro Sets, including Texas A&M product and converted wide receiver Ryan Tannehill. Another Tannehill will emerge to leapfrog those non-traditional quarterbacks come April.
However, things are changing. Operating primarily from shotgun is no longer the kiss of death for NFL purposes it once was, a fact reflected in recruiting.