Quarterback Class of 2011
The top nine quarterbacks taken in the 2011 draft are still in the NFL.
Cam Newton Auburn
First round, first overall to Carolina
After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Auburn to the national championship, Newton was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in Carolina. He had a record 7,920 passing yards in his first two seasons and is a feared runner to boot.
Jake Locker, Washington
First round, eighth overall to Tennessee
Backed up veteran Matt Hasselbeck his first season before taking over as the starter in 2012. He has been
injury-plagued, however; a promising start to this season was derailed because of a hip injury.
Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
First round, 10th overall to Jacksonville
Has been injury-prone and ineffective, and he is playing for a dreadful team. The Jaguars opened as
28-point underdogs for Sunday's game against Denver.
Christian Ponder, Florida State
First round, 12th overall to Vikings
Donovan McNabb was supposed to start and mentor him in 2011, but Ponder took over midway through
a 3-13 season. The Vikings made the playoffs at 10-6 last year, but this year Ponder struggled before cracking a rib, and he appears headed for backup status.
Andy Dalton, Texas christian
Second round, 35th overall to Cincinnati
Arguably the most successful quarterback of the Class of 2011. He has started from the get-go and led the
Bengals to playoff berths in each of his two seasons, when he threw 47 touchdown passes to 29 interceptions.
Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
Second round, 36th overall to San Francisco
Jumped in last season when Alex Smith got injured and continued to start after Smith returned.
Kaepernick's elusive running — he had a record 181 rushing yards against the Packers — was a key reason the Niners won the NFC title, although they lost to Baltimore in the Super Bowl.
Ryan Mallett Arkansas
Third round, 74th overall to New England
Dropped in the draft because of attitude issues. The Patriots took a chance on him, and he now backs up
Tom Brady. He has thrown one career pass.
Ricky Stanzi Iowa
Fifth round, 135th overall to Kansas City
A third-stringer in two seasons with the Chiefs, Stanzi is now with Jacksonville.
T.J. Yates, NORTH CAROLINA
Fifth round, 152nd overall to Houston
He started five games in 2011 after Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart were hurt. Yates then went 1-1 in the play-
offs, beating the Bengals. Now the backup, fans are clamoring for him now that Schaub is struggling in 2013.
CHRIS MILLER