Adam Froman the fourth best quarterback in the draft?

He is according to Matt Waldman, author of The Rookie Scouting Portfolio.

Waldman has been doing a series for The New York Times where he counts down his top five prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Froman comes in just ahead of Washington's Jake Locker, who many believed would be the No. 1 overall pick in this draft before the 2010 season began.

Here's part of Waldman's take on The Sausage King of Louisville:

His arm strength and accuracy are starter quality. Froman has nice velocity and excellent accuracy. He has a solid over-the-shoulder delivery, and he throws with good mechanics on the move.

Because Froman has missed stretches with a variety of injuries, his game isn’t as known a quantity to scouts. That will make him a late-round pick, and he’ll be deemed a developmental project.

However, Froman’s physical skills, sound fundamentals and passing talent make him too promising to rank in the middle of the pack. He’s a fluid player who already integrates his skills more effectively than far more heralded prospects. I was tempted to rank him higher. The only reason I didn’t is that he is a less-proven commodity.

Waldman also had high praise for Bilal Powell, whom he ranks as the third best available back in the draft.

He is only 207 pounds, but he has the best combo of power, speed, balance and maturity between the tackles I’ve seen.

Powell also carries the ball high and tight with greater consistency then any back I’ve seen in this class. Despite ceding time to teammates on third downs at Louisville, Powell revealed at Senior Bowl practices that he is physical and a technically sound blocker.

Powell loves to initiate contact, and he runs as if he’s 10 pounds heavier than his weight. I’ve seen Powell up close and he has the frame to add another 10 pounds and keep his speed. He still plays with a former defender’s mentality. His reserved personality lights up when he talks about hitting.