Top Mock Prospects - BJ Coleman

With the Cleveland Browns coming up short in the Robert Griffin III sweepstakes, how should they improve the QB position in the 2012 NFL Draft?  I am not ready to give up on Colt McCoy, but think the Browns need to hedge on the possibility that McCoy is not the franchise guy they are looking for.  I think he deserves some offensive weapons and the shot to prove he can be the future starting QB, but also think some talent should be waiting in the wings in case Colt is not the answer.

My wish list of what I am looking for in a QB is:

1. Someone who possess all the physical tools that Colt lacks: mostly height and greater arm strength.
2. I want a mid-round prospect - 3rd round or later (we need every early pick to stockpile offensive playmakers and lineman)
3. A prospect that potentially could challenge Colt for the starting position in training camp in 2013.

Brock Osweiler is interesting, but I think he is a second round pick or third at the latest.  BJ Coleman looks like the best option for me that fits everything I would look for.

If Heckert and Shurmur do not believe Thaddeus Lewis can be a second string backup, I would cut him.  If they believe Lewis can be a capable backup, I would cut Seneca Wallace.  Whichever scenario happens, BJ Coleman would be listed as the third string QB to be developed.

Why BJ Coleman?  Mostly because he fits the criteria I listed above.  He is 6'3" and 235 lbs. and can make every NFL throw you ask him to.  He needs work on his mechanics, footwork, and composure back in the pocket but if he progresses, he has the physical abilities to be a good NFL quarterback.  When he has time, he drives the ball down the field nicely - but throws off his back foot when hurried.  He is a project, but has the tools to succeed if he puts in the work to improve.

The worst case scenario is he busts and is a wasted pick that is cut after the 2013 training camp because he has not progressed as projected.  The best case scenario is he improves his footwork, absorbs the west coast offense, and build some chemistry with some of the receivers on the team and can push forward on the depth chart in 2013.  Using a fifth round pick, I don't see a lot of risk in adding BJ.

Numerous NFL scouts and quarterback coaches, as well as a few hundred onlookers, watched former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback B.J. Coleman perform Monday during the Mocs' pro day. Coleman was unable to throw at the NFL combine in February because of a broken pinkie, but he was sharp on a warm, sunny morning at Finley Stadium. Throwing to former UTC and McCallie teammate Joel Bradford and former Red Bank and Tennessee Tech receiver Tim Benford, among others, Coleman completed his first 15 passes and finished 34-of-43, including two drops. "I felt very polished, very solid," Coleman said. "It feels like a burden has been lifted off, and it feels good to have thrown. Now I'll look forward to the next step." That next step should be some individual workouts for teams. Coleman's agent, Bus Cook, said nothing has been scheduled. The NFL draft is April 26-28. Among the 18 scouts and coaches present were representatives from the Broncos, Titans, Falcons, Giants, Patriots, Steelers and Saints. The Steelers, Falcons, Bears, Seahawks, Dolphins and Vikings all had quarterback coaches present. - John Frierson, The Chattanooga Times Free Press