The 2011 NFL Draft offers a deep quarterback class that could appeal to the Washington Redskins, but don't expect them to use their No. 10 pick on Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. Mallett's stock took a hit with a poor Sugar Bowl performance, and it looks like it's falling even further due to some off-field issues.
NFL.com's Adam Caplan said yesterday that Mallett is "almost certain" to drop out of the first round, due to what he deems "baggage, and not the kind you carry." It's not exactly clear what Caplan means, but it's not the first time this has popped up with Mallett. A month ago, sources told NFL Network's Albert Breer that "off-field concerns" will adversely affect his draft stock. The only thing that really supports this as of right now is a 2009 arrest for public intoxication, but that's hardly a rare thing for a college athlete.
The thinking here is that Mallett's on-field issues - his lack of mobility, his affiliation with coach Bobby Petrino's spread offense - are just as big a concern for NFL scouts as whatever off-field issues he may have.