NFL Prospects 2009: Tim Tebow Edition

Before we get into the specifics, it's worth mentioning that yes, Tim Tebow is only a junior at Florida and does seem like the type of character who would want to stay another year and pursue a championship. That said, the QB stable has never been lighter than it will be this year, so his stock would be considerably more valuable this year than it may be the next. He stands to make millions of dollars more by declaring for the draft this year as opposed to next. Oh, and he DID win a championship with Florida in his freshman year, a victory he certainly contributed to. It will be, if nothing else, something to consider, which makes him the Home Field All-American QB.

Tim Tebow is a name that really doesn't need much further elaboration. The only sophomore ever to win the Heisman Trophy, he also was last year's winner of the Maxwell Award (top football player), Davey O'Brien Award (top quarterback), and the James E. Sullivan Award (most outstanding amateur athlete in any sport). That's one hell of a resume. Oh, he's also the first collegiate quarterback ever to both rush and pass for 20 touchdowns (actual figures: 32 pass and 23 rush).

So how's he looking this year? It's business as usual in Florida. He's passed for 10 touchdowns, rushed for three, and only has one interception (a good count considering the three or four he had last year at this time). He's a little behind on rushing yards and touchdowns, but this is likely a symptom of defenses adjusting to his talents and putting less coverage on the less effective receivers. In short, defenses are stacking the box and pitting their strong safety firmly against Tebow and his running game.

So, assuming Tebow does declare for the draft this year, who would be a likely candidate to seek his help? The most obvious answer at this time would be Kansas City, who have lost two quarterbacks for the season in one game (that really weren't all that effective in the first place) and are now left with an inexperienced Tyler Thigpen out of Coastal Carolina. This situation screams for a new QB, and the fans will be screaming for one by the end of this season too. With Kansas City expected to be high in the draft order, possibly first, they should be in position to land Tebow without any trading up. Other teams expected to be high in the draft--Detroit, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and perennial Oakland seem pretty well situated at the position and have pressing needs elsewhere. At this point, I'd be surprised to see him land anywhere else.