He might not have the biggest name and might not be entering the 2011 NFL Combine with the most intrigue, but Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder turned some heads when speaking to the media today. Even though his Senior Bowl MVP award doesn't quite stack up to Cam Newton's Heismann Trophy, Ponder ran a pro-style offense with the Seminoles, and now enters the 2011 NFL Combine with very little to lose.
106.7 The Fan beat writer Grant Paulsen told the LaVar Arrington Show today that it was Ponder's "aura" at the podium that impressed him the most. Ponder cracked jokes to the media with confidence and an evident stage presence. He looks capable of stepping into an NFL huddle and being a leader.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post indicated to Rich Tandler of CSN Washington that Ponder could be available in the second round with Washington's 41st overall pick. Ponder would be seen as a high value in the early stages of the second round, as Bunting has him rated as the top overall quarterback in this year's draft class, even ahead of Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert.