Bruce Arians finds NFL comparisons for three top QBs in draft

TEMPE, Ariz. — When Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says this year’s crop of college quarterbacks is “one of the best I’ve seen in years” it’s time to listen.

Arians has been raving about the 2016 class of quarterbacks since he began evaluating them in February and insists there’s talent beyond the top few players of Carson Wentz, Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch.

At the NFL owners meetings, Arians broke down each of the top prospects, often comparing them to NFL players.

Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, 6-foot-5, 237 pounds:
Arians compared Wentz to Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles and to one of his former protégés. “Athletic, big, Andrew Luck type of guy.” Arians said Wentz’s “numbers” match up with Luck’s, who is 6-4 and 240. “You see them play the game very similar, like a linebacker, mentality-wise,” Arians said.

Arians also compared Wentz to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, mainly in a physical sense. “They’re very similar. I think Blake Bortles and [Wentz] are very comparable of these last few young guys. It’s hard to say anyone’s Ben because Ben’s achieved so much already.

Paxton Lynch, Memphis, 6-6 1/2, 244 pounds:
“Paxton Lynch is a different cat,” Arians said, then he compared Lynch to his current quarterback. “He’s like Carson [Palmer]. Tall, athletic.

Jared Goff, California, 6-4, 215 pounds:
Arians has been impressed with how Goff has already bulked up since the end of his college season. “He’s already so much bigger and stronger already.” Arians said Goff reminded him of a “bit taller” Drew Brees, saying Brees’ arm got stronger and stronger out of Purdue University.

Arians was asked if Goff is similar to Falcons QB Matt Ryan.

“I can see that comparison,” Arians said. “Coming out of a totally different college offense but stature-wise and arm strength-wise. I’ve always loved Matty.”