the height of an NFL quarterback

In watching Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson almost lead Wisconsin back to victory against Michigan State on Saturday, a lot of people wonder if he could be this successful in the pros.

Russell Wilson goes up against Michigan State
Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images

The biggest thing holding back Wilson is his size.  Traditionally, NFL teams are looking for quarterbacks who are tall enough to see their receivers above the height of the linemen who are protecting him from the opposing pass rush.  If you can't see your receivers downfield, you won't be successful.

Wilson is listed as 5'11" in the Wisconsin player bio (71 inches tall).

Of the 32 quarterbacks starting in Week 7 of the 2011 NFL season, the average height listed on nfl.com is 75.25 inches (about 6' 3").

Two notable NFL starting quarterbacks are on the smallish size; New Orleans' Drew Brees and Philadelphia's come in at 6' tall.  However, each of those players have an unique skill set that sets them apart.  Brees has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, while Vick is the fastest and most agile quarterback in the league.

This doesn't mean that Wilson won't get a shot at the pros, but it does really stack the deck against him.