Comparing Big Ten quarterbacks to current NFL standouts

The Big Ten is loaded with talented quarterbacks this season.

[ MORE: Week 12 previews | Big Ten scoreboard | Big Ten standings | Big Ten stats | Latest polls | Power Rankings | Bowl Projections | Mailbag | Q&A: Jason Cabinda | Dienhart: Your move, Ohio State | Week 11 honor roll | Highlights on YouTube ]

There's Connor Cook, J.T. Barrett and Christian Hackenberg, to name a few.

All three of those guys, along with Indiana's Nate Sudfeld and Ohio State's Cardale Jones are considered to be NFL draft prospects.

But who do these elite Big Ten signal-callers compare to in the NFL?

I asked one former standout QB from Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana to give me an NFL comparison for these current Big Ten standouts.

Here's what I got.

1. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

NFL comparison: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Jim Miller on Cook: "Cook is certainly taller than Brees, but both are outstanding athletes with good arms. Most importantly, both are winners. When I watch Connor Cook play, it reminds me of a bigger model of the former Purdue star."

***

2. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State

NFL comparison: Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills

Stanley Jackson on Barrett: "Both Barrett and Taylor are true dual-threat guys. Like Taylor, Barrett can throw really well, maybe even better, and both can run the ball. When you watch each of them play, you will see that they get rid of it quickly and distribute the ball really well."

***

3. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

NFL comparison: Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Michael Robinson on Hackenberg: "When I see Hack I see Tom Brady. Now I know everyone will say I'm crazy, and maybe I am, but he has quiet feet in the pocket, a rocket arm with accuracy and he is quite the competitor. Obviously the mental aspect of Hack's game has a long way to go to look like Brady, but from an eye test, you can tell that the same guy, Bill O'Brien, has some influence on both of their games. His deep ball is beautiful and understands when to throw to the back shoulder, like Brady. Again, we don't know if he turns out that way, but I would say from a physical standpoint, I think he is further along than Tom was at this point."

***

4. Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana

NFL comparison: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Ben Chappell on Sudfeld: "They are both big, tall pocket quarterbacks with strong arms. The main reason I would compare the two outside of size and arm strength is their demeanor on the football field. They're both very poised players that don't get rattled easily by natural ups and downs that a big time football game brings."

***

5. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

NFL comparison: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Stanley Jackson on Jones: "When it comes to size and arm strength, these guys are very similar. Both are big, and both are true winners. Cardale is a little more athletic than Big Ben, but both are really tough to bring down."