2012 NFL Draft player comparisons: Matt Barkley and Vinny Curry

by Dan Kadar on Oct 13, 2011 11:30 AM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

Part of the fun of being a fan of the NFL Draft is comparing players in the upcoming class to those already in the NFL. We're going to start doing that looking at one player on offense and one on defense every week. Just keep in mind that comparisons are often made on best-case scenarios.

Player: Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California
Comparison: Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

This probably seems like a cop out comparison since both are Southern California players. But from an ability and football intelligence standpoint, they're pretty identical. Here's what I wrote about Sanchez in 2009:

Is always looking around on the whole field, keeping his face mask square with the line of scrimmage. Good arm strength to make just about any NFL throw. Put passes in good spots for receivers to make easy catches. Accurate passer when he's moving to either the left or the right. Probably a good fit for the West Coast offense because he doesn't have great arm strength. Has quick feet to get into position to make throws. Makes quick decisions and is a smart player. Team captain as a junior.

Is any of that dissimilar to Barkley's skill level? Barkley is probably a little better than Sanchez coming out due to his accuracy, but that's about the only difference. Add in that they're both 6-foot-2, and about 225 pounds and this seems like an easy comparison.

Player: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
Comparison: Cliff Avril, DE, Detroit Lions

Much like Avril, Curry will always be an undersized defensive end who needs to be in the right system to succeed. They both specialize in getting around hte corner, but have enough strength to not be a detriment in the running game. Both play with good leverage, and some toughness.

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Comments

So your already calling Barkley a bust?

but seriously, I can see the comparison from a purely physical standpoint, but beneath those skills I see a franchise QB in Barkley. He’s done a lot for a team that could have crashed and burned. I see a lot of intangibles in just that alone. I hate USC but if he ends up as Denver’s QB next year I’ll know my team’s in good hands

Raiders suck
Chargers are whiny douches
Chiefs are meh

by DBroncs1414 on Oct 13, 2011 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

I’ve been thinking about Denver a good bit. Do you think QB in the first is the way to go if Tebow bombs?

And I can’t pinpoint why Sanchez has been so below-average. There’s solid talent there.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Oct 13, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Jets have personnel/play-calling issues

They have odd play calling and misuse players. They had a natural QB (Brad Smith) as their wildcat guy. But they never let him throw the ball. He was also their #4 WR and a speed threat. He had only 4 catches last year.

Keller is a great weapon. Who has never had more than 700 yds receiving in a season. He does not get the designed plays like other top TEs do.

Danny Woodhead had monster preseasons for them. They never gave him a real chance.

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."

by ct17 on Oct 14, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions