NFL Football 2011

The success of a team often hinges on the production at the quarterback position.

So says GIL BRANDT, who oversaw the Dallas Cowboys' personnel department for 29 years and currently shares his gridiron knowledge as a senior analyst for NFL.com.

"The NFL is a quarterback-driven league and we have some great quarterbacks under center in 2011," Brandt says.

Brandt, who also visits college campuses for draft analysis on NFL.com, sees plenty of quarterback talent coming up the pike.

"The quarterbacks we see in college now are so much better than ones we saw 15-20 years ago, simply because teams are throwing the ball so much more," says Brandt. "I think the group of quarterbacks coming out this year will be every bit as good as some of the quarterback classes we have had in the past."

Gil Brandt's Top College Quarterbacks

Matt Barkley, Southern California (6-2/220)

"He has started since a freshman at USC. He has very good arm strength and athletic ability. He is a very good leader and was the first ever player at USC to be named captain as a sophomore."

B.J. Coleman, Tennessee-Chattanooga (6-5/220)

"He is very smart and can see the field well. He has 43 touchdown passes over the past two years. On two occasions last year, he had five or more TD passes. Most people don't know much about him, but they will after this season is over."

Landry Jones, Oklahoma (6-4/230)

"He was named after former Cowboys head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tom Landry. He threw 38 touchdown passes in 2010. He has very good arm strength and is accurate. He is a very smart player."

Andrew Luck, Stanford (6-4/235)

"He had 32 touchdown passes in 2010 to lead Stanford to a 12-1 record. He has size, accuracy, intelligence, very good athletic ability and great leadership qualities. He should be an outstanding NFL quarterback. His father, Oliver Luck, played quarterback for the Houston Oilers from 1983-86."

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M (6-4/219)

"He came to college as a quarterback, but was moved to wide receiver in 2008. Last year he became the starting quarterback midway through the season and was very impressive. He has a good football IQ, he is very athletic and has good arm strength."

BRANDT'S HONORABLE MENTIONS: Kirk Cousins, Michigan State; Stephen Garcia, South Carolina; Kellen Moore, Boise State; Danny O'Brien, Maryland; Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State.

Top High School Quarterbacks

The talent pool will only deepen with these five high school seniors, rated in order of talent by CBS Sports Network recruiting expert TOM LEMMING:

Gunner Kiel 6-5/220 East (IN)

"He does everything well. He has a great arm and he can run. He can fit in any offense and he has a good feel for the position."

Jameis Winston 6-4/196 Hueytown (AL)

"He has all the intangibles -- arm strength, great speed and pinpoint accuracy. He has the ability to avoid the rush and is great throwing the ball on the run."

Connor Brewer 6-2/195 Chaparral (AZ)

"He led his team to a state title and has great leadership skills. He can fit into a pro-style or spread offense."

Zeke Pike 6-6/230 Dixie Heights (KY)

"His father, Mark Pike, played linebacker for the Buffalo Bills from 1987-98. He has great size and can run. He can lead any style offense on the collegiate level."

Cyler Miles 6-4/215 Mullen (CO)

"He runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and throws a very catchable ball. He's a big kid that runs like a running back. He has great potential."

LEMMING'S HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Anthony Alford, Petal (MS); Bennie Coney, Plant City (FL); Matt Davis, Klein Forest (TX); Bart Houston, De La Salle (CA); David Thompson, Westminster Christian (FL).

NFL 2011 - Best High School & College Quarterbacks of the Future