Counting On Young Quarterback Is No Snap

Last week it was Danny Kanell. This week it’s Danny Wuerffel. The search continues in the NFL for the next wave of franchise quarterbacks.

Jim Kelly retired this season. The Dolphins have talked about benching Dan Marino, and John Elway isn’t getting any younger at 37.

Steve Young and Troy Aikman are in their 30s and Brett Favre is approaching 30.

The NFL needs some young quarterbacks to stake their claims on future marquees. Young quarterbacks like Aikman, who won his first Super Bowl at 26. But only Drew Bledsoe appears remotely close among the NFL’s current under-26 set.

Most of the under-26ers haven’t claimed starting jobs yet, but they are beginning to trickle onto the field. Kanell won in his starting debut with the New York Giants last week, and Wuerffel gets his chance for the New Orleans Saints today against Carolina.

Here are scouting reports on the NFL’s best under-26 quarterbacks:

Drew Bledsoe, New England (25)

The book on Bledsoe is to blitz him up the middle. Let him see the rush. If you hit him early, he’s a different quarterback. If the Patriots protect him, his confidence swells and he’s capable of Hall of Fame numbers. His arm can get him to the big game. Now he must develop the moxie to win when he gets there.

Kordell Stewart, Pittsburgh (25)

His accuracy may hold him back. He’s never going to be an Aikman. In the short term, he needs to develop as much confidence in his arm as he has in his legs.

Steve McNair, Tennessee (24)

The second-most talented quarterback on this list. McNair has a huge arm but looks uncomfortable in the pocket and makes too many poor decisions. Something’s missing.

Gus Frerotte, Washington (26)

Too inconsistent - has a good day, bad day, great day, horrific day. If Norv Turner straightens him out, he has a chance to become a Neil O’Donnell.

Trent Dilfer, Tampa Bay (25)

A Jeff Hostetler wannabe. He plays well when those around him are playing well. But when they struggle, he struggles. Strictly a supporting-cast quarterback.

Kerry Collins, Carolina (24)

His problem is his long … slow … delivery. He has the leadership intangibles and the toughness to drive a team. Does he become a Phil Simms - or a Jim Everett?

Rob Johnson, Jacksonville (24)

The kid is unflappable. If his heart beat any slower, he’d be dead. A gunslinger. Right now, he’s Clint Longley with a chance to become Daryle Lamonica.

Danny Kanell, NY Giants (23)

An attractive upside. Kanell has charisma and is being coached by one of the game’s best quarterback-makers (Jim Fassel). Cerebral player who makes good decisions. Could become a Brad Johnson.

Tony Banks, St. Louis (24)

Has the size and arm to become a Pro Bowler, but no clue on ball security. Fumbles, interceptions cost him more games than his arm can win.

Todd Collins, Buffalo (25)

A rank-and-file quarterback - wins when he’s supposed to, loses when he’s supposed to. At least he’s consistent.

Jim Druckenmiller, San Francisco (25)

Has the tough-guy mentality of a Kelly, but not nearly as accurate a passer.

Danny Wuerffel, New Orleans (23)

A young Billy Kilmer. Plays ugly, but this isn’t a beauty contest. He’ll never win any passing titles but may win games.

Jon Kitna, Seattle (24)

A great World League player last summer. Scott Mitchell and Brad Johnson previously made the leap from great World Leaguers to good NFLers.

Heath Shuler, New Orleans (25)

Has washed out of chances with Washington and New Orleans. His future is bleak.

The rest

Jake Plummer, Arizona (22), Steve Stenstrom, Chicago (25), Bobby Hoying, Philadelphia (25): All three may hit the field as starters this season as their teams fade from contention. All produced in big-time college programs. Stenstrom and Hoying can become quality system quarterbacks, but only Plummer has the intangibles to take a team where the system can’t.