With the Senior Bowl getting underway this week, let's take a look at the six quarterback prospects who will be on display in Mobile, Alabama, focusing specifically on what I'll be looking for from each guy. The quarterbacks who accepted invites are: Iowa's C.J. Beathard, Pitt's Nathan Peterman, Cal's Davis Webb, Tiffin's Antonio Pipkin, Colorado's Sefo Liufau and Tennessee's Joshua Dobbs.
At the end, I'll also give my thoughts on Clemson's Deshaun Watson deciding to decline his Senior Bowl invitation.
Programming note: You can catch Wednesday's and Thursday's Senior Bowl practices at 1 p.m. ET on ESPNU/WatchESPN.
South Team Quarterbacks
Davis Webb, Cal
Uniform number: 7
What we know: We have a mid-round grade on Webb, and he's the most highly rated QB on the South squad. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, he has an ideal frame and above-average release quickness and arm strength. He's played in passer-friendly schemes throughout college -- first at Texas Tech and then Cal after transferring for his senior season.
What I'll be watching for: How does he operate in a pro-style system? This will be quite an adjustment for Webb given his college pedigree. Can he maintain his accuracy on anticipation/timing throws and when he's forced to fit the ball into tighter windows? This week will also be a big test to see how quickly Webb processes information on the fly.
Antonio Pipkin, Tiffin
Uniform number: 2
What we know: Of all these quarterbacks, I've seen the least amount of Pipkin's tape. He has solid size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and adequate arm strength. I was also impressed by his pocket presence and feel for pressure. He's a passer first, but he has the mobility to extend plays and some running ability.
What I'll be watching for: Does he have the arm strength to fit the ball in tight windows against this level of competition? Pipkin completed nearly 65 percent of his passes this season, which is promising, but I'll be looking to see how fast he processes information and whether he can be consistently accurate versus faster defenses. Any time you have a non-FBS-level prospect playing on this kind of stage, you also want to see if he conducts himself with confidence. Will Pipkin act like he belongs?
Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
Uniform number: 11
What we know: Dobbs played great down the stretch this past season, with 12 touchdowns and just one interception in his final five games. He has good size (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) and can make some off-schedule plays thanks to his mobility.
What I'll be looking for: Does he make good decisions on the field and can his accuracy be more consistent against high-level competition? This is a great opportunity for Dobbs to prove he deserves to be drafted. Right now he's a free-agent prospect in my opinion.
North Team Quarterbacks
C.J. Beathard, Iowa
Uniform number: 15
What we know: Beathard has elite toughness and leadership along with a strong arm and sneaky mobility. But he was difficult to evaluate at times because his offensive line was marginal in pass protection, and his injury-riddled receiving corps did him no favors. He could wind up being the mid-to-late-round gem from this class. He will likely land in a low-pressure situation with the time to sit back, learn and develop.
What I'll be looking for: Because he was under heavy duress so often this season, Beathard got into some bad habits with his footwork. I'll be watching closely to see if he has improved at all in that area. It's something that's correctable, but he needs time and proper coaching. Beathard also has a tendency to hold onto the ball for too long. I'd like to see him get to the top of his drop and let it rip when there's a play to be made.
Nate Peterman, Pittsburgh
Uniform number: 4
What we know: I really liked Peterman both times I saw him live -- vs. Notre Dame in 2015 and in the upset win at Clemson earlier this season. After transferring from Tennessee, he picked up both systems at Pitt quickly (they had a coordinator change before 2016). With a quick release and solid mechanics, Peterman is more consistently accurate than most quarterback prospects in this draft class.
What I'll be looking for: I think Peterman has a chance to really impress this week. The measurables will be big for him, though. Is he really 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds? And how does his arm strength compare to the other quarterbacks?
Sefo Liufau, Colorado
Uniform number: 3
What we know: At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Liufau is a big, strong guy who has the mobility to extend plays. He throws a nice deep ball, and he has all the raw tools. From what I'm told, he's also a quick processor of information. Liufau has a great opportunity to prove that he's worth a late-round pick as a developmental prospect.
What I'll be looking for: Can he be more accurate on short-to-intermediate passes? His 66.8 percent completion rate in 2016 on such throws was barely above average for Power 5 quarterbacks. His decision-making will also be watched closely. He has shown a tendency to force the issue if the initial play breaks down.
What about Watson?
Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Because he's such a competitor, I thought there was a chance Watson would accept the Senior Bowl's invitation, but I can't blame him for declining. The CFP National Championship was just two weeks ago -- and it capped off another 15-game season for Watson. NFL talent evaluators have plenty of tape to study. Now it's time for Watson to rest, recover and then start preparing for the pre-draft process. I'm looking forward to seeing what mechanical tweaks Watson makes. He needs to improve his consistency as a down-the-field passer.
Closing thoughts
I understand the reasons why it has not and may never happen, but it still frustrates me that underclassmen cannot elect -- after they've officially declared for the NFL draft -- to participate in all-star games. This would have been a perfect opportunity for a player like Texas Tech QB Pat Mahomes to showcase his skills on the field in a pro-style setting and also to unveil his football IQ and retention skills in the classroom.