The Tim Tebow Debate

There is a chapter in Brian Billick's new book that discusses the ability to assess and project the ability of a quarterback in the NFL. Billick is quoting as saying that when it comes to evaluating QBs in the NFL "nobody knows anything." This is a great quote, and coming from an experienced NFL head coach, a very telling statement. Take a look around the NFL and the most successful QBs come from all different avenues. You have high, top picks like Peyton Manning. You have a 6th round pick like Tom Brady. You have an undrafted player like Tony Romo. There is no true answer to who is going to be a bonafide franchise QB. Once you get that franchise player, then you can really be considered a contender year in and year out. When you look at this year's crop of QBs, there are questions attached to each one. Sam Bradford has shoulder and durability concerns, Jimmy Clausen has leadership concerns, Colt McCoy has durability and physical limitations, and Tim Tebow has fundamental issues. Out of the four, Bradford is rated the highest, Clausen in second, and many people have either McCoy third and Tebow fourth or vice-versa. If I was a talent evaluator, my number one QB headed into the draft would be Tim Tebow.

I know that sounds pretty ballsy and ridiculous, but here's why Tebow is my choice for this year's draft: First, Tebow has the mental makeup to be one of the best QBs in the league. Mentally is where a lot of quarterbacks fail in the NFL. Phil Simms once told a story about how all the best QBs in the NFL are really hard on themselves, teammates and coaches. Basically, they are jerks when they get into the meeting rooms and on the practice fields. They demand excellence from themselves and their teammates. Tebow certainly fills that criteria and is someone who will do whatever it takes to be successful at his position. Secondly, leadership is a huge factor in not only playing QB, but leading the organization. Tebow is considered one of the best leaders ever to play college football. He will walk into a NFL locker room and demand respect from the moment he shows up at that facility. Thirdly, Tebow has the physical ability to play the position at a high level. You don't just throw for that many yards and touchdowns in the SEC by not having the physical skills. Yes, he needs to work on his fundamentals as a QB, but if he goes to the right team, he can work on those skills and in time develop into one of the best QBs in the league.

Mark my words now: Tim Tebow will be a very successful NFL QB. If he goes to the right situation, many teams will rue the day that they doubted and passed on Tebow.