The cliff after Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 QB draft class only got more pronounced through bowl season, but there are a few options generating some early buzz. I've identified three potential movers and players to keep an eye on as we move toward draft day on April 27.
Miami's Brad Kaaya, who I previously called unworthy of a draft pick, did the most to help his stock with an excellent 24/34, 282 yard, 4 TD, 0 INT performance against a solid West Virginia team in the Russell Athletic Bowl. The junior promptly declared and is seen as a fourth round prospect with the potential to be a mover during the scouting process. My initial evaluation of him may have been a tad harsh, but I watched a lot of him at Miami and just don't think he's built to handle the adversity of the NFL grind. However he's certainly not the worst stash project in this draft and I wouldn't be surprised if the combine helps him out and he ends up as high as a third round pick.
The other two QBs with a little bit of buzz in the new year are Cal's Davis Webb and Virginia Tech's Jerod Evans. Webb put up some big numbers at Cal this season after transferring from Texas Tech and scouts have noted his good size (6'5") and arm strength. That's all fine and well but the tape will reveal significant accuracy issues, critical mistakes and a lot of losing in a down Pac-12. Webb led Cal to a 5-7 record in his senior season, got his coach fired and was downright bad against the only top defense he faced this year in Washington. Some have suggested a 2nd round grade on him, but I think the 4th round is far more appropriate. Another stash prospect who may well eventually develop into a good backup.
Jerod Evans is another relatively unknown commodity on the national level and was a surprise entrant into the draft after one year as a starter at Virginia Tech. He put up decent passing numbers (63.5%, 3552 yards, 29 TDs, 8 INTs) and has good size at 6'4". His legs make him an intriguing prospect as he ran for 846 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. He had some decent moments in a mediocre performance in the ACC Championship versus Clemson (21/35, 264, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 46 yards rushing, 2 rush TDs). He followed it up with an awful first half in the Belk Bowl against Arkansas but ended up leading the best comeback of the bowl season as Virginia Tech erased a 24-0 halftime deficit to win 35-24. Early buzz has him potentially landing in the middle rounds, but he still has some impressing to do at the combine and on his pro day.