Arizona Cardinals: Quarterback Evaluation At The Combine
By Scott Allen
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas (3) during the game against the UCLA Bruins in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Even though the Arizona Cardinals may or may not be looking at drafting a quarterback in this year’s draft, it is still important to take a look at the results of the NFL Scouting Combine. The Cards may still draft a guy for the future, although right now it appears less this year based on comments from Cards GM Steve Keim.
The top 40-yard dash time came from Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas at 4.61. The projected top pick in this year’s draft, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, ran a 4.68. Fresno State’s Derek Carr, a guy many think the Cards could take if they decided to spend a second or third round pick on a quarterback, ran his 40 at a 4.69.
Thomas also impressed with the best vertical jump at 35.5 inches beating out the second place Carr who had 34.5. Manziel had a vertical jump of 31.5. Another guy the Cards could steal in a later round, Tajh Boyd from Clemson had a vertical jump of 30.5.
Thomas also finished first in the broad jump, second in the 20-yard shuttle, and fourth in the 3 Cone Drill. This is where the combine really comes into play in not taking everything you see here to heart and making decisions solely based on these results. Thomas has had a nice combine but it doesn’t necessarily translate into what takes place on the field on Sunday’s. Thomas doesn’t seem like the franchise-type guy.