The top quarterbacks available in the April 24-25 NFL draft, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution survey of personnel directors and general managers:
1. Heath Shuler, 6-2, 221, Tennessee: Mobile, athletic, will improvise and make things happen. Quick, explosive arm, solid delivery angle. Can make all the throws, but is streaky in terms of accuracy. Has somewhat uneven pass drop. Tough kid, good leadership skills.2. Trent Dilfer, 6-31/4, 228, Fresno State: Classic drop-back passer with good size, but only average mobility. Can drive passes into the seams, and has good touch. Makes better reads than Shuler. Occasionally lets emotions run wild.
3. Jim Miller, 6-21/4, 227, Michigan State: Really helped himself at Senior Bowl and combine. Compact delivery, adequate arm strength, erratic accuracy. Has to have feet set, makes bad decisions on the move. Tough and courageous.
4. Doug Nussmeier, 6-3, 211, Idaho: Left-handed "touch" passer, throws very catchable ball. Deliberate release, doesn't have strong arm, but rarely throws interceptions. Gets wild high, sometimes scrambles too soon.
5. Glenn Foley, 6-03/4, 212, Boston College: Tough, competitive, plays well in big games. Timing passer who was made better by BC's pro-style scheme. Favors play-action, throwing underneath. Size, temperament are major concerns.
6. Gus Frerotte, 6-3, 221, Tulsa: Might have best overall arm strength in draft. Wild, streaky, throws pass with a flat trajectory. Too easily rattled in pocket, but stature, arm give him intriguing upside.
Others: Jay Walker, Howard; Charlie Ward, Florida State; Steve Matthews, Memphis State; Perry Klein, C.W. Post; Jake Kelchner, West Virginia; Jay Fiedler, Dartmouth.
Overrated: Ward, who at his workouts last week was too short (5-113/4), too frail-looking (184), and demonstrated subpar arm strength, refusing at one point to throw into the wind.
Sleeper: Jim Ballard, Mt. Union (Ohio), who has good size (6-3, 223) and adequate arm strength, but played at Division III level.