Leo's Crystal Ball: NFL Futures of Heisman Hopefulls

Looking at the Heisman watch, I got an idea to predict which Heisman candidates will succeed in the NFL and which ones will turn into busts (Ryan Leaf cough cough). The players who i have chosen are; Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel, Mark Sanchez and Percy Harvin

Tim Tebow


Whether you hate him or you love him, Tebow is the premiere quarterback in college football. Tebow has the arm strength, accuracy, speed and power. He is a quarterback in a linebackers body. He has faced top-notch competition and has put up ridiculous stats.

Some knocks on him are his mechanics and his durability from taking so many hits.

Tebow, in my opinion, is worthy of a #1 overall pick.

NFL Comparison: A way better version of Alex Smith.




Chase Daniel



Chase Daniel is responsible for Mizzou's revival in College Football. He is the prototypical quarterback to run the spread offense. If I coached an NFL team who ran the spread I would take him in an instant. The problem is that NFL teams do not run the spread and that quarterbacks who run the spread in college typically do not succeed in the NFL. Along with the fact that he stands at only 6 feet make the odds unfavorable for him.

Chase Daniel is a great college QB sure, but I don't think he will ever turn into a productive NFL QB.

NFL Comparison: A shorter, stockier version of Jared Zabransky.



Mark Sanchez

The next in-line of a rich quarterback history. The last three starting USC quarterbacks have gone on to have solid NFL careers (pending John David Booty) and Sanchez will be no different. Sanchez is a prototypical NFL quarterback. He stands at 6'3 and weighs 225 pounds. Sanchez posses a great touch and has good vision.

My knock on Sanchez is that he has not proven himself yet and seems to have some injury problems. I think Sanchez goes on to be a solid quarterback. I doubt he will make a pro bowl appearance but he will be consistent.

NFL Comparison: Kurt Warner




Percy Harvin

Percy Harvin is arguably the fastest and quickest person in college football and quite possibly the NFL. He has reportedly been clocked at an inhuman-like 4.24 40 time. He is a great return man and a constant down field threat.

Percy Harvin seems to be a bit injury prone and durability is an issue. Will be able to catch the ball in traffic and take an NFL hit?
I think Percy Harvin will be the next great return man in the NFL and will take some of the hype off of Devin Hester.

NFL Comparison: A crossbreed hybrid of Desean Jackson, Devin Hester and Dante Hall


You can argue with me if you feel I made some bad projections. There will be more to come throughout the season.


Photos courtesy of Flickr