NFL draft preview: Alabama QB McElroy
A year ago the Bears drafted Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour as a developmental project in the sixth round.
Hoping to save a roster spot, they cut him with the intention of stashing him on the practice squad. The former Benet Academy High School standout, however, was snapped up by the Cincinnati Bengals, who didn't give him any playing time.
This season the Bears have no intention of adding a quarterback in any capacity than backup to Jay Cutler, so they might try the same formula this year by looking to add a young project late in the draft.
Top prospects such Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker will all be first-round picks. Second-tier talents such as Ryan Mallett, Colin Kaepernick, Ricky Stanzi, Christian Ponder and Andy Dalton will probably be claimed on Day Two of the draft, when the second and third rounds will be held.
After that, the Bears may turn their interest toward the next level of talent, which includes players such as Alabama's Greg McElroy, Idaho's Nathan Enderle and North Carolina's T.J Yates.
McElroy lacks the size, speed and arm strength of the top prospects, but he offers a unique skill set and has many intangibles that coaches love.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder was 24-3 in his two years as a starter and never missed game despite fractured ribs, a concussion and other injuries to his head and foot. While a fractured metacarpal in his right hand during the Senior Bowl prevented McElroy from throwing at the Scouting Combine, his interviews impressed coaches and media alike.
McElroy was not hesitant in stressing that he has the intelligence and football savvy to step in and run an NFL offense better than anyone, including the elite prospects. He graduated with a marketing degree in three years and finished a master's in sports administration last December.
Asked on “The Dan Patrick Show” whether he or Newton is better prepared for the NFL, McElroy gave what he considered an honest response.
“I say me,” McElroy said. “Obviously, my talent level has a much lower ceiling than Cam. That's fair, and I respect and understand that. But I don't think I'm the only guy in the NFL that might have that same problem — I don't think Peyton Manning is as athletic as Cam.”
McElroy ran a pro-style offense and played in an NFL-style program under Nick Saban.
“As far as understanding and processing information … five years down the road will (Newton) be a more productive player than me? That remains to be seen,” McElroy said. “With my experience in the pro-style offense, my ability to drop back from under center, make checks from the line of scrimmage without looking at the sideline, all of those things play in my corner as far as being very prepared to make the transition.”
McElroy played against the 6-foot-5 Newton and the 6-7 Mallett in the SEC and has respect for both.
“They're great talents,” he said. “I wish they could each give me one-eighth of an inch of their height. Ryan is a fantastic passer. He's been as electric as anyone in the SEC the past couple of years. Playing against him, we understood from an offensive standpoint that we better give our defense a good look (in practice) because they're going to get a heck of a look on Saturday.
“Cam, his efficiency and what he accomplished last year, speaks for itself. Just the difference between that team in 2009 and 2010, him being one of the few additions, it's remarkable. I have a lot of respect for him.”
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