2016 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Ten Quarterbacks

5. Cody Kessler, USC

September 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Kessler is in his third season as the starting quarterback at USC. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Kessler has performed highly in a pro-style offense. In today’s college football where the spread offense is key, Kessler’s understanding of pro-style route trees and basic passing concepts is elite. He is likely the most pro ready quarterback in this draft class.

While his brain and offensive experience are major pluses for Kessler, he does have some physical limitation. Kessler does not have ideal size at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, but it does not appear to hold him back on the college game field. He also lacks arm strength. Once again, it has not seemed to hold him back at this point, but it is fair to wonder whether his size or lack of arm strength will become a problem in the NFL.

Kessler is an accurate quarterback. He does a great job of placing the ball where it needs to go with consistency, especially on the shorter passes. His lack of arm strength starts to show up a bit when he tries pushing the ball 20 yards or so down-field, but Kessler and Sarkisian appear to understand his limitations, and put him in a position to succeed.

There will be more physically gifted players at the quarterback position in this draft class. That being said, arm strength is commonly considered the most overrated aspect of a quarterback’s play. Kessler is a smart player with great anticipation skills, above average mobility and impressive accuracy.

When it comes down to it, those are the skills teams look for in their quarterbacks, and Kessler even comes pro-ready.

Next: Number Four