29 minute read
Quarterback
QB
Position Analysis: ROB REGER
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01 TREVOR LAWRENCE, Clemson
02 JUSTIN FIELDS, Ohio State
03 ZACH WILSON, BYU
04 TREY LANCE, North Dakota State
05 MAC JONES, Alabama
06 KYLE TRASK, Florida
07 JAMIE NEWMAN, Georgia/Wake Forest
08 KELLEN MOND, Texas A&M
09 FELEIPE FRANKS, Arkansas
10 DAVIS MILLS, Stanford
11 SAM EHLINGER, Texas
12 IAN BOOK, Notre Dame
13 SHANE BUECHELE, SMU
14 PEYTON RAMSEY, Northwestern
15 KJ COSTELLO, Mississippi State
16 BRADY DAVIS, Illinois State
17 ZACH SMITH, Tulsa
18 BRADY WHITE, Memphis
19 MIKE COLLINS, Rice
20 ZAC THOMAS, Appalachian State
1
PASS
RUSH Height: 6’6” Weight: 213 lbs.
PRO DAY:
No Drills
2020 STATS: (10 GAMES)
231 of 334 (69.2%) 3153 yards 24 TD 5 INT 68 carries 203 yards 8 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
Trevor Lawrence was a top recruit in high school and has certainly lived up to the hype at Clemson. In fact, in many circles, Lawrence is considered the most surefire prospect coming out of college since Andrew Luck left Stanford. Lawrence is the real deal and carries himself with the swagger that coaches love. No game is too big for him, and he loves to take center stage.
Blessed with ideal height and build for the position, Lawrence has a cannon for an arm and speed to run the ball when needed. Lawrence took over the starting quarterback job in the fourth game of his freshman year and did not look back, leading Clemson to a national championship. In that game versus Alabama, Lawrence passed for 347 yards and threw for three touchdowns. This came on the heels of a 327-yard, three-touchdown performance in the first playoff game. Lawrence finished his freshman year with 3,280 yards and 30 touchdown passes.
Another strength of Lawrence’s is his work ethic and leadership. Many of his teammates have cited his leadership and direction as the team navigated through the pandemic as very impressive. He also did a great job of handling success and continuing to work on his game. It would have been easy for him to rest on his laurels after his freshman year, but he improved significantly in his sophomore and junior years, especially with his field vision and pre-snap reads. Lawrence rarely makes an incorrect read. His physical skills combined with his mental makeup are the reasons why Lawrence is a shoo-in for the No. 1 pick.
BEST GAME:
When you play in so many big games, it is hard to pinpoint two specific ones as the best. However, the national championship game Lawrence won as a freshman really stood out. As previously mentioned, his stats were outstanding, and he really allowed his leadership to flourish. Clemson’s 44–16 destruction of Alabama and Lawrence outdueling top-five pick Tua Tagovailoa were both top-notch. The other game that really stood out for Lawrence was the national semifinal victory over Ohio State in 2019. In that game, not only was Lawrence lethal through the air with 259 yards and two touchdowns, but he really showed off his speed with 107 yards rushing and another touchdown. That dual-threat ability is what has scouts drooling.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
In order to land Lawrence, the Packers would probably have to trade their entire draft and then some to move up to the first pick. However, if somehow they were able to do it, Lawrence would be an incredible fit and heir apparent to Aaron Rodgers. In fact, watching Lawrence play does remind me of Rodgers, with his mental processing ability and physical gifts. He would also be a perfect fit for Matt LaFleur’s offense. The only scenario where this makes sense would be if the Packers traded Rodgers to Jacksonville, along with draft picks, which is very unlikely. However, in that scenario, Lawrence would inject a similar style and poise to the offense.
2
PASS
RUSH Height: 6’2 3/4” Weight: 227 lbs. Hand Size: 9 1/8” 40 Time: 4.44
PRO DAY:
No Drills
2020 STATS: (8 GAMES)
158 of 225 (70.2%) 2100 yards 22 TD 6 INT 81 carries 383 yards 5 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
For any fan of the documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights, Justin Fields became a household name while he was still in high school in Georgia. Being a local star, it seemed natural for Fields to select the Georgia Bulldogs as his school of choice. Unfortunately, after one season, he decided to transfer when Jake Fromm beat him out for the starting job. Fortunately for Fields, there were many suitors for his immense talent, and he landed on his feet with the Buckeyes.
Although Fields saw action in 12 games as a true freshman, he really exploded on the scene during his sophomore year with 41 touchdowns and only three interceptions while also running for 10 additional touchdowns. He led Ohio State to a 13–1 record, with their only loss being to Clemson in the playoffs. Fields finished the season third in the Heisman voting. In 2020, the team had high hopes, and, despite missing several games due to Covid-19 protocols, Fields led Ohio State into the national championship game.
Fields’ talent is unmistakable. He has a great feel for the pocket and throws accurately and with authority into tight windows. He also thrives on the run while also possessing the ability to tuck the ball and run when needed. His foot speed is excellent for a quarterback, making him a true dual threat. However, Fields is not a perfect prospect. Some question his ability to survey the field, but others simply say that the first read is often open, so why not throw it. He also tends to leave the pocket a little too soon if under pressure and take his eyes off down field.
BEST GAME:
Fields’ best games of his career often took place on the biggest stages. The first game is this year’s national semifinal vs Clemson, a revenge game. All Fields did during that game was throw for 385 yards (running for 42 more) and toss six touchdown passes. But the most impressive moment for Fields might have been when he took a nasty hit to the ribs and showed his toughness by staying in the game. Another game that really stood out for Fields was the Michigan State game in 2020. Fields really showed his dominance in that game with 199 yards and two TDs through the air and another 104 yards and two TDs on the ground in Ohio State’s blowout victory.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
Fields will be long gone before the Packers pick. However, with his skill set, he would be ideal as a run/pass option quarterback in Matt LaFleur’s system and a fun option. The fun part of watching Fields in the Packers offense would be his ability to run. Rodgers is good on the move, but Fields would be better. He also is strong in the play action game, which is one of the staples of a LaFleur offense. Fields also has the poise and big game ability to step right into a starter’s role. He has been playing in big games on big stages since his sophomore year in high school. He thrives under the spotlight. He is also a sponge for knowledge and very coachable.
3
PASS
RUSH Height: 6’2” Weight: 214 lbs. Hand Size: 9 1/2”
PRO DAY:
No Drills
2020 STATS: (12 GAMES)
247 of 336 (73.5 %) 3692 yards 33 TD 3 INT 70 carries 254 yards 10 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
Even though he was a starter for most of his three years at BYU, Zach Wilson was a relative unknown until 2020. However, the impressiveness of his 2020 season has him in the conversation as the potential second pick in the draft. With the recent failures of other one-year wonder quarterbacks (Mitch Trubisky and Jared Goff), teams will take a very close look at Wilson before pulling the trigger.
It is easy to be impressed with many of Wilson’s attributes. His throws really jump out of his hand, and he can deliver strikes from many arm angles and off many platforms. His skills are very transferable to the NFL game, and his improvisation ability reminds many of a young Brett Favre. It is very rare to see a quarterback have the ability to throw on so many levels and planes as Wilson.
However, Wilson’s game does not come without its faults. First, Wilson had a ton of time to throw this past year and threw from a clean pocket most of the time. In the NFL, the top quarterbacks can deliver the ball into tight windows while being pressured. Wilson did not show a lot of that this year. Wilson also really burst on the scene this past year while being barely average his other two years. He threw nine interceptions just the year before with only 11 touchdowns. There are also concerns that he was not named a captain this past year despite being a two-year returning starter at the most important position. However, to be fair, in the lead-up to the draft, there have not been any specific question marks about his leadership.
BEST GAME:
Wilson saved the best for last in his last game for the Cougars, playing against UCF in the Boca Raton Bowl. In that game, Wilson threw for 425 yards and three touchdowns while also running for another two touchdowns. He even caught a 16yard pass in that game. The other game that really stood out was his game this past year at Boise State. During that game, Wilson was 22-28 for 360 and three touchdowns in the air, while also running for a TD in BYU’s blowout victory at a very tough place to play. Really, any of Wilson’s games could have been selected from the 2020 season. He was consistent and put-up big numbers every day. The fact that there aren’t any signature games is a concern.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
Wilson has a lot to work with from a physical standpoint and has scouts drooling. With a year or two of polishing, he would be the perfect replacement for Rodgers if he starts to drop. The fact that scouts are dropping Brett Favre’s name when describing Wilson’s talent should make Packer fans jump for joy at the possibility of acquiring him. He has a rocket for an arm, improvises on the fly, and is tough as nails, three qualities that every team looks for in a leader. Another area of strength that would fit in well with the Packers is his ability to throw accurately on the run. The Packers offense utilizes a lot of bootlegs and rolls off of play action.
4 5
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4” | Weight: 224 lbs. | Hand Size: 9 1/8” PRO DAY: No Drills
2019 STATS: (16 Games) 192 of 287 (66.9%), 2786 yards, 28 TD, 0 INT | 169 carries, 1100 yards, 14 TD MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 217 lbs. | Hand Size: 9 3/4” PRO DAY: 40 yd: 4.83, Vertical: 32”, Broad: 116”, 20 yd 4.39, 3-cone 7.04 2020 STATS: (13 Games) 311 of 402 (77.4%), 4500 yards, 41 TD, 4 INT | 35 carries, 14 yards, 1 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
From a pure talent standpoint, it is hard to match Trey Lance out of NDST. He has a big-league arm and true dual-threat ability. As a one-year starter, Lance jumped off the page with 28 touchdown passes, 14 touchdown runs, and an incredible zero interceptions. This type of performance had scouts itching for more from him in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Lance only played one game in 2020, so there is obviously some uncertainty.
Amongst the top quarterbacks in the draft, Lance is the guy with the most boom-or-bust potential. Was his outstanding 2019 season the real deal? Or was it a fluke? Recent history tells us that buyers should beware due to the small sample size.
However, from a pure skill standpoint, Lance has rare ability. First, he has a quick release and a cannon for an arm. He throws well on the run and can thrive extending plays with his legs. His accuracy is also above average, although when he does miss, it seems like his mechanics are off, causing the ball to float. If he is matched up with the right coach, any mechanics issue could easily be corrected.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
If the Packers decide to move on from Jordan Love after only one season, Lance could be the perfect replacement and true heir apparent to Aaron Rodgers. His talent alone makes him enticing. However, he could benefit from a couple of seasons behind Rodgers. The sample size is small, and the competition level is weak, but in today’s NFL, talent trumps pretty much anything, and Trey Lance has plenty of talent.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Mac Jones is the definition of a pure pocket passer. He thrives by navigating the pocket and surveying the field. Under many circumstances, these skills would be ideal, but the NFL landscape has changed to more of an athletic quarterback preference. However, if Jones goes to the right system, he could be an excellent pro prospect and have a productive career.
One area that really stands out about Jones is that he is extremely smart and rarely makes the wrong read. The offense he played in at Alabama fit his skill set perfectly. Although Jones does not have a rocket for an arm, he has an underrated deep ball, often putting it right on target to his receiver. For a guy with a 77 percent completion percentage, Jones is not afraid to throw downfield.
Several games stood out for Jones against the top teams he faced. The first was against Florida in the SEC Championship game, when he threw for 418 yards and five touchdowns and the second being his final game, the national championship game versus Ohio State when he passed for 464 yards and five touchdowns while leading Alabama to a national championship.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
With the intention of Rodgers’ heir apparent sitting for a couple of years, Jones does not seem like a development type of prospect. He is more of a “what you see is what you get” quarterback with limited upside. It would be a surprise if the Packers take Jones. He would fit in better with a talented team in need of a stable ringleader type of quarterback. His skills also do not strongly translate well to Matt LaFleur’s offense.
6 7
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 236 lbs. | Hand Size: 10 1/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 32”, Broad: 101”, 40-yard: 5.10, 20 yd: 4.60, 3-cone: 7.08 2020 STATS: (12 Games) 301 of 437 (68.9%), 4283 yards, 43 TD, 8 INT | 64 carries, 50 yards, 3 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
Perseverance is the word that comes to mind with Kyle Trask. After not even being a starter in high school (behind D’Eriq King), redshirting, and then sitting for two additional years, Trask finally got his shot in 2019 and never looked back, passing for 68 touchdowns and 7,200 plus yards over his two years as a starter.
Trask is a big man at 6’5” and 239 pounds, but he can put touch on his passes. In the pros, Trask will be best suited in a quick pass, West Coast scheme due to his lack of mobility and elite accuracy. When put into the right system, Trask has thrived, especially as a senior when he threw for 43 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
The knock on Trask is that despite being big, the ball does not jump out of his hand like some other prospects. His arm talent grades below average, however, many times he can get away with this due to his eye usage. It is rare to see a college quarterback as adept at looking off safeties and manipulating coverage with his eyes. This is an underrated skill but allows him to buy time for his receivers to get open.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
Trask would be a perfect backup quarterback for the Packers, although he does not necessarily project as an heir apparent. In a pinch, he could step in with command of the offense and lead the team if Aaron Rodgers ever gets hurt. He possesses solid leadership skills and does not act like a prima donna whatsoever. Trask is big and strong with above average accuracy. Think Nick Foles as a comparison.
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 234 lbs. PRO DAY: DNP
2019 STATS: (12 Games) 220 of 361 (60.9%), 2868 yards, 26 TD, 11 INT | 180 carries, 574 yards, 6 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
Every few years, a quarterback comes into the league and makes you think, How did we miss on him? Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson come to mind. Jamie Newman could be that next guy not drafted in the first couple of rounds who really makes an impact.
Blessed with outstanding size and speed, Newman is a rare dual-threat quarterback who is just as good throwing the football as he is running. His accuracy is above average, and the ball gets to its destination quickly. His back shoulder throws are especially impressive for a college quarterback. It is hard not to see a lot of Cam Newton in Newman with the way he plays.
However, there is a reason Newman is not considered a surefire first round pick like Cam. For one, he has only been a full-time starter for one year. Another question mark revolves around the fact that Newman decided to opt out of the 2020 season. Team interviews will be crucial for Newman, as he attempts to answer these questions. Only time will tell whether he turns into the next Cam Newton or the next DeShone Kizer.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
If the Packers are looking for a developmental quarterback with tremendous upside, Newman is their man. Even if he does not develop fully, he could easily be used in certain packages and run successful RPOs and goal line bootlegs and roll outs. With the right coaching and development, Newman could be a steal on Day 2. He has elite physical skills and would thrive learning for a couple years and developing as a quarterback behind Rodgers.
8 9
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 211 lbs. | Hand Size: 33 1/2” | 40 Time: 4.59 PRO DAY: No Drills
2020 STATS: (10 Games) 188 of 297 (63.3%), 2282 yards, 19 TD, 3 INT | 74 carries, 294 yards, 4 TD MEASURABLES: Height: 6’7” | Weight: 234 lbs. | Hand Size: 10” PRO DAY: Vertical: 32.5”, Broad: 117”, 40-yard: 4.61, 20 yd: 4.22, 3-cone: 7.16 2020 STATS: (9 Games) 163 of 238 (68.5%), 2107 yards, 17 TD, 4 INT | 105 carries, 204 yards, 1 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
Kellen Mond is a four-year starter in the SEC and improved every year while operating Jimbo Fisher’s offense. He left the school extremely decorated with 9,661 yards passing, 71 touchdown passes with another 1,609 yards on the ground and an additional 22 rushing touchdowns.
Despite being a four-year starter, Mond never really catapulted onto the big stage. Every year, his teams did well but did not quite well enough. Every year his stats improved, but there was never a big jump. Many scouts were looking for him to really take a leap forward, but that leap never occurred. Still, when stacking up his accomplishments in college, it would be exceedingly difficult to find a more well-rounded quarterback.
For Mond, the issue is that he is good at everything, but not great at anything. He has above average accuracy and arm strength, size, and speed, but above average traits seldom make great pros. There are also concerns that he has already reached his potential and may be capped out as a prospect. The one saving grace for Mond is the fact that he played very well during the Senior Bowl practices and really stood out amongst the other quarterbacks.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
Mond could easily be a prime target for the Packers early on Day 3, especially if the team decides to trade Jordan Love. Mond possesses enough physical and mental traits to be a capable back up with the ability to start on occasion if an injury were to occur to Aaron Rodgers. The question is whether he could be an heir apparent to Rodgers for a longterm basis. The consensus is that Mond does not have a lot of upside and may have hit his ceiling.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Before landing in Arkansas for his final year, Feleipe Franks was a two-year starter at Florida and played in many big games. After breaking his ankle and missing the rest of the season and seeing Kyle Trask thrive as a starting quarterback, Franks saw no choice but to transfer. That ended up being a wise decision, as he thrived in the up-tempo offense of Kendall Briles and the Razorbacks.
Although Franks is blessed with prototypical size for a quarterback, he does not really possess any elite skills. His arm is below average, and his accuracy is very suspect. In the offense he ran at Arkansas, many of his completions came on short passes or screen passes. He also struggles with decision-making. Many times, Franks holds the ball too long, leading to sacks and pressures.
However, there are some positives. He seems to have a deep knowledge of the position and hangs tough in the pocket. He is not timid or afraid to get hit while throwing the ball. He also can be accurate, as long his feet and arm mechanics are solid. He did throw for 41 touchdowns in his last two years as a starter.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
Franks simply does not possess enough upside potential to be considered a high-level backup option for the Packers, unless steady is all they are looking for. Franks seems like a player who has reached his ceiling, and he will not continue to show improvement due to his relatively weak arm. If the Packers do take him in the draft, it will more than likely be simply as a placeholder, similar to when they drafted Brett Hundley.
10 11
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4” | Weight: 217 lbs. | Hand Size: 9 1/2” PRO DAY: Vertical: 32”, Broad: 110”, 40-yard: 4.82, 20 yd: 4.40, 3-cone: 6.95 2020 STATS: (5 Games) 129 of 195 (66.2%), 1508 yards, 7 TD, 3 INT | 30 carries, 37 yards, 3 TD MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 222 lbs. | Hand Size: 9 3/4” PRO DAY: 40 yd: 4.84, Vertical: 36.5”, Broad: 114”, 20yd: 4.44, 3-cone 7.15 2020 STATS: (10 Games) 194 of 322 (60.2%), 2566 yards, 26 TD, 5 INT | 113 carries, 377 yards, 8 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
Any team that decides to draft Davis Mills will be doing so based on potential rather than any type of consistency shown on the field. When watching his games, the physical skills seem evident, but he really has trouble getting into a rhythm and developing consistency, even in the defensively challenged Pac-12.
For a two-year starter, Mills lacks any type of signature moment in college. His size and arm strength would suggest that he should be a lot more accomplished. Two areas of his game that do really stand out is his field vision and touch on his throws. His ball is very catchable, and he rarely makes bad decisions with the ball. He has a lot of Ryan Fitzpatrick qualities to his game, which is a compliment.
Mills could be an example of a guy who does not get drafted high but ends up with a solid NFL career by making good reads and moving the chains. He thrives while passing in the middle of the field, especially to his tight ends. He could be a great value in the middle rounds.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
Playing in an offense as complex as the Packers offense is not something every prospect can do. Mills would be the type of quarterback who would not wow you but could easily step in and make plays when needed. He is smart, accurate, and throws with nice touch. He also is strong with play action passing. He may not ever be an elite starter but could end up in a similar spot as Josh McCown or Ryan Fitzpatrick.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Sam Ehlinger had a storied career at one of college football’s most storied schools. This should be the tale that movies are made of. The stats are certainly there. Ehlinger threw for 94 touchdowns and 11,436 yards and added 1,103 yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground. However, most fans will instead remember the struggles to beat rival Oklahoma and an inability to take the program to the next level.
A four-year starter, Ehlinger played in many big games for Texas and had particularly good stats. He has good size for the position and improved as a passer every season at Texas. No one will question his work ethic or leadership.
With this type of pedigree, a quarterback would normally be a top prospect. However, Sam does have several shortcomings. The most glaring is his lack of arm talent; the ball meanders out of his hand. Sam also struggles with accuracy. Even on many of his completions, the completion occurs because of a spectacular play by the receiver rather than a great throw. At the next level, Sam will have to improve dramatically in both these areas.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
If the Packers decide to grab Ehlinger with a mid-round draft pick, it may be a perfect marriage. Sam has skills and loves being in the spotlight. Green Bay is a perfect town for him. If he had an opportunity to learn from the best, he could develop into a trusted backup. Sam has a similar pedigree as Jimmy Clausen from Notre Dame, who has become a trusted backup in the NFL for several years.
12
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 211 lbs. | Arm: 31 3/8” | Hand: 9 7/8” PRO DAY: 40-yard: 4.59, Vertical: 32 1/2”, Broad: 9’7”, 20-yard: 4.13, 3 cone: 6.70 2020 STATS: (12 Games) 228 of 353 (64.6%), 2830 yards, 15 TD, 3 INT | 116 carries, 485 yards, 9 TD
IN A NUTSHELL:
Ian Book is an extremely accomplished quarterback and one of the most highly decorated in Notre Dame’s storied history. Book was a three-year starter and a three-year captain. Equally impressive are his 89 career total touchdowns and 10,465 total career yards.
As far as skills are concerned, Book almost seemed like Houdini at times throughout his career. He became a master at escaping the rush and pulling off plays that looked impossible. His improvisational skills are elite. However, many times, once a prospect makes the NFL, their luck runs out.
That is not to say that Book is bad. On the contrary, his arm is above average, and he has nice speed to escape the pocket and run. He is a little undersized, but with today’s NFL, that is not too much of an obstacle. If he could just calm down and play within the confines of his offense, he would probably be better off. However, players rave about his work ethic and leadership. He profiles as a high-quality backup quarterback, with the ability to step in at a moment’s notice and make an impact.
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
Book would look great in a Packers uniform. He is smart, hardworking, and has some traits and skills of a solid NFL player. He has played on the big stage and thrived. With the Packers coaching staff being as good as they are on offense, Book would be an ideal backup for Rodgers, with a Tony Romo upside to him down the road. It would be surprising if Book does not have a long NFL career similar to Colt McCoy.
MEASURABLES: Height: 6'0" | Weight: 210 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
After three uninspiring years at Texas, Shane Buechele decided to transfer to SMU to finish his last two years of college, which was a good decision for him. As the quarterback of SMU, Buechele thrived in their offense and showed the accuracy, arm strength, and poise to potentially land on an NFL roster as a high-quality backup quarterback.
In those two years at SMU alone, Buechele passed for over 7,000 yards and threw for 57 touchdowns. One area of his game that really stands out is the touch on all his throws. He throws a clean spiral that is very catchable, due to his positive ball placement. He also stands out as a leader, as evidenced by his two years as SMU captain.
14 Peyton Ramsey (rSR)
Northwestern
MEASURABLES: Height: 6'2" | Weight: 215 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Peyton Ramsey is a name that resonates strongly with Big Ten fans. He started out at Indiana for three years, then finished off at Northwestern. With 40 career starts in the Big Ten, Ramsey certainly has experience. He also has some requisite skills for the NFL but none really stand out. He sports an average of 207 passing yards and 1.35 touchdowns per game.
As far as arm strength goes, Ramsey is a little above average, but his ball tends to flutter. One area of success for him has been the cerebral part of the game. He shows great command of the offense. He is also surprisingly adept at scrambling from the pocket and making things happen on the ground.
15 KJ Costello (rSR)
Miss. St.
MEASURABLES: Height:6'5" | Weight: 222 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
KJ Costello transferred from Stanford to Mississippi State for his senior year in part to raise his draft stock in the pass-happy Mike Leach offense. His first game was a rousing success. Playing against the defending champion LSU Tigers, Costello opened with a 623-yard, five-touchdown stat line en route to an upset victory. Unfortunately, things went downhill from there, including a four-interception, zero-touchdown game against Kentucky.
Over his three years at Stanford, Costello had his best year in 2018 with 3540 yards passing and 29 touchdowns. Costello can sling the ball all over the field and can be effective in a rhythm passing game. However, his decision-making skills are very suspect and leave you scratching your head.
MEASURABLES: Height: 6'2" | Weight: 206 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Brady Davis’ college career has been nothing but an uphill battle for him from the start. He started out at Memphis with a redshirt and a torn ACL in back-to-back years. He then transferred to Illinois State and, after a solid debut year, he tore his ACL again.
When on the field, Davis has significant talent and could be a nice sleeper pick. He has a nice strong arm and good size. His accuracy is above average as well. One of his best traits is the advanced level that he looks off receivers and uses eye manipulation. He also stands strong in the pocket and is willing to take a hit.
18 Brady White (rSR)
Memphis
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 210 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Intelligence and grasp of the offense are two important traits for a quarterback. However, if that is the only positive trait a player can bring to the table, it may be difficult to take the next step. Nobody can ever take away Brady White’s accomplishments in college. He directed a record-breaking Memphis offense for three years.
From a physical standpoint, however, White falls short. His accuracy and arm strength are below average. He crumbles under pass rush pressure and has limited mobility. If he does latch on with an NFL team, it will be due to his grasp of the offense and overall intelligence. White graduated with his master’s degree while finishing up his football career.
20 Zac Thomas (rSR)
Appalachian St.
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 210 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Field general is the best term to describe Zac Thomas and his career at Appalachian State. As a three-year starter during the best run in Appalachian State history, Thomas will go down as a legend in those parts. As a pro prospect, however, no specific trait really stands out.
From a pure statistical standpoint, Thomas stands out with 88 total touchdowns and 8,280 total yards. His teams also went 23–3 with him starting. His intangibles are off the charts; however, his arm and accuracy are just average, and he seems to have difficulty breaking tackles, often going down on first contact. He is strictly a practice squad player.
MEASURABLES: Height:6’3” | Weight: 228 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Quite simply, Zach Smith has a rocket for an arm. That trait alone will get him into an NFL camp. The ball jumps out of his hands. He also possesses nice size. After that, the evaluation gets a little murky. Smith played two years at Baylor and two years at Tulsa, starting several games at both places. However, he never seemed to truly live up to his arm talent. His accuracy is below average, as is his overall decision making. He also has limited mobility. For his career, Smith only posted a 53-34 touchdown to interception ratio. With the right coaching, Smith projects as a developmental quarterback due to his arm strength but probably not much more than that.
19 Mike Collins (SR)
Rice
MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 225 lbs.
IN A NUTSHELL:
With Covid-19 impacting college football tremendously in 2020, it became difficult to do a proper evaluation on some prospects; Mike Collins is one of those guys. He put up impressive stats when he had the opportunity, and he possesses ideal size for the position.The issue is that he only has played in 16 games over four years for three schools and has only attempted a total of 233 career passes. Last year at Rice, Collins threw for 802 yards and 10 touchdowns in only three games.
Collins shows a nice, live arm and throws with good accuracy. He surveys the field with success and delivers a catchable ball. Collins has a shot to work his way up if he continues to progress.