2018 NFL Draft: Darnold, Allen lead polarizing QB class
ByReuters
Published 23/04/2018 at 21:09 GMT
1.
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
Sam Darnold*
Southern Cal
6-3, 220, 40 time: 4.85
Projection: First round
OVERVIEW
Darnold is a cinch to become the sixth redshirt sophomore quarterback to be
drafted in the first round. Scouts swoon over his intangibles and bloodlines -
grandfather, Dick Hammer, played basketball at USC and was on the Olympic
volleyball team, while Sam's father, Mike, played football at Redlands
College. Darnold redshirted behind Cody Kessler and Max Browne in 2015 and
become the starter in 2016. Darnold completed 67.2 percent of his passes as a
freshman, starting nine games, with 31 touchdown passes and nine
interceptions. Ball security and decision-making became concerns for scouts
observing Darnold as a sophomore, when he had 24 total turnovers, including 13
fumbles. He was still the All-Pac-12 first-team quarterback (coaches) in 2017
with 4,143 passing yards and 26 touchdowns.
drafted in the first round. Scouts swoon over his intangibles and bloodlines -
grandfather, Dick Hammer, played basketball at USC and was on the Olympic
volleyball team, while Sam's father, Mike, played football at Redlands
College. Darnold redshirted behind Cody Kessler and Max Browne in 2015 and
become the starter in 2016. Darnold completed 67.2 percent of his passes as a
freshman, starting nine games, with 31 touchdown passes and nine
interceptions. Ball security and decision-making became concerns for scouts
observing Darnold as a sophomore, when he had 24 total turnovers, including 13
fumbles. He was still the All-Pac-12 first-team quarterback (coaches) in 2017
with 4,143 passing yards and 26 touchdowns.
ANALYSIS
A pro-ready passer with the arm strength and pocket presence to survive a
flawed wind-up release. Likely to be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick
and considered a lock in the top-10, Darnold could benefit from a season on
the sideline to perfect his footwork and sync a throwing motion that can tip
defenders to the intended target. Darnold plays with grit, can deliver the
ball on time from a moving pocket and was praised by college coaches and
teammates for his natural leadership traits.
flawed wind-up release. Likely to be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick
and considered a lock in the top-10, Darnold could benefit from a season on
the sideline to perfect his footwork and sync a throwing motion that can tip
defenders to the intended target. Darnold plays with grit, can deliver the
ball on time from a moving pocket and was praised by college coaches and
teammates for his natural leadership traits.
With 21 fumbles in 27 career games at USC, scouts are split on whether
improving technique on his drop back will help Darnold curb the issue. His
process can be sped up by pressure, but Darnold generally responds with clutch
throws under duress. Decision-making could improve with NFL coaching. Could
thrive in an up-tempo system that accentuates his instant trigger and
velocity.
improving technique on his drop back will help Darnold curb the issue. His
process can be sped up by pressure, but Darnold generally responds with clutch
throws under duress. Decision-making could improve with NFL coaching. Could
thrive in an up-tempo system that accentuates his instant trigger and
velocity.
2. Josh Allen*
Wyoming
6-5, 237, 40 time: 4.75
Projection: First round
OVERVIEW
From the farm to JUCO and Wyoming to the NFL?
That's the current trajectory for Allen, who has gone from afterthought to
potential top-five pick. Reedley Community College was the only program to
offer Allen a chance out of high school, and Wyoming was the only FBS program
to offer a scholarship after a year at the JUCO level.
potential top-five pick. Reedley Community College was the only program to
offer Allen a chance out of high school, and Wyoming was the only FBS program
to offer a scholarship after a year at the JUCO level.
Following a redshirt season in 2015, Allen put himself on the NFL radar in
2016 with 3,203 passing yards and 35 total touchdowns. He returned for the
2017 season, but his top two rushers and three top receivers did not, and
Allen's production and on-field play dropped.
2016 with 3,203 passing yards and 35 total touchdowns. He returned for the
2017 season, but his top two rushers and three top receivers did not, and
Allen's production and on-field play dropped.
He finished with 1,812 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns in 2017, while
also missing two games due to a right shoulder injury. Allen still declared
early for the 2018 NFL Draft, and scouts are excited about his physical
traits.
also missing two games due to a right shoulder injury. Allen still declared
early for the 2018 NFL Draft, and scouts are excited about his physical
traits.
ANALYSIS
Elite physical tools can help mask other deficiencies, which is the case with
Allen. He has outstanding size, athleticism and arm strength to deliver
strikes to all levels of the field. Allen uses athletic feet to buy extra time
and move with agility within the pocket, stressing the defense with his
movements. He shows an understanding of touch, adding velocity or taking some
off his fastball as needed.
Allen. He has outstanding size, athleticism and arm strength to deliver
strikes to all levels of the field. Allen uses athletic feet to buy extra time
and move with agility within the pocket, stressing the defense with his
movements. He shows an understanding of touch, adding velocity or taking some
off his fastball as needed.
Allen tends to rely too much on his arm to do the work, which leads to spotty
mechanics and over-striding. That messy, inconsistent technique consequently
affects his accuracy.
mechanics and over-striding. That messy, inconsistent technique consequently
affects his accuracy.
Allen is undeveloped from a mental perspective, telegraphing throws and not
making whole-field reads, but his physical traits, coachable attitude and
potential will be enough to earn a spot in the top half of the first round.
making whole-field reads, but his physical traits, coachable attitude and
potential will be enough to earn a spot in the top half of the first round.
3. Baker Mayfield
Oklahoma
6-1, 215, 40 time: 4.84
Projection: First Round
OVERVIEW
From two-time walk-on to Heisman Trophy winner, Mayfield's prospect snapshot
is entirely unique.
is entirely unique.
He had few options out of Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, and decided to walk on
at Texas Tech. Mayfield was pressed into immediate action and had 15
touchdowns. With no scholarship offer from the coaching staff and an uneasy
relationship with coaches, Mayfield transferred to Oklahoma. He became the
Sooners' starting quarterback as a sophomore in 2015 and showed steady
improvement the past three years, culminating with his Heisman Trophy season
as a senior. Mayfield completed 70.5 percent of his passes in 2018 with 4,627
passing yards, 43 touchdowns and six interceptions.
at Texas Tech. Mayfield was pressed into immediate action and had 15
touchdowns. With no scholarship offer from the coaching staff and an uneasy
relationship with coaches, Mayfield transferred to Oklahoma. He became the
Sooners' starting quarterback as a sophomore in 2015 and showed steady
improvement the past three years, culminating with his Heisman Trophy season
as a senior. Mayfield completed 70.5 percent of his passes in 2018 with 4,627
passing yards, 43 touchdowns and six interceptions.
ANALYSIS
Preseason grades on Mayfield placed him in the middle rounds, but with each
brilliant performance, doubts were erased and scouts came around to the idea
of the Heisman Trophy winner landing in the first round of the 2018 draft.
Mayfield is a snap passer with enough arm strength. His calling cards are
competitiveness and above-average accuracy. His placement on throws outside
the hashes allow only his receiver to make a play. He thrived against suspect
Big 12 defenses, but his play didn't see a dramatic drop off vs. SEC (Georgia)
or Big Ten (Ohio State) defenses.
brilliant performance, doubts were erased and scouts came around to the idea
of the Heisman Trophy winner landing in the first round of the 2018 draft.
Mayfield is a snap passer with enough arm strength. His calling cards are
competitiveness and above-average accuracy. His placement on throws outside
the hashes allow only his receiver to make a play. He thrived against suspect
Big 12 defenses, but his play didn't see a dramatic drop off vs. SEC (Georgia)
or Big Ten (Ohio State) defenses.
Mayfield benefited from a strong offensive line, although the ability to
improvise and thrive when facing the unrehearsed helps set him apart. He
doesn't run a 4.5 40-yard dash but uses his legs and instincts to create. His
super-competitive nature, which led to moments some teams viewed as
immaturity, will lead to heated discussions in NFL draft rooms around the
league.
improvise and thrive when facing the unrehearsed helps set him apart. He
doesn't run a 4.5 40-yard dash but uses his legs and instincts to create. His
super-competitive nature, which led to moments some teams viewed as
immaturity, will lead to heated discussions in NFL draft rooms around the
league.
Most general managers see the type of field general other players want leading
the team. With his lack of size and sometimes unorthodox skill set, Mayfield
is not be for every team, but he has the talent to be start in the NFL.
the team. With his lack of size and sometimes unorthodox skill set, Mayfield
is not be for every team, but he has the talent to be start in the NFL.
4. Josh Rosen*
UCLA
6-4, 226, 40 time: 4.92
Projection: First Round
OVERVIEW
Rosen, the top prep recruit in the country coming off of a high school state
title, signed with UCLA and was first true freshman in school history to start
the season opener at quarterback. After a promising first season, Rosen
started the first six games as a sophomore before suffering a season-ending
tear in muscle in his throwing shoulder. He returned in 2017 and had an
up-and-down junior season during which head coach Jim Mora Jr. was fired.
Rosen was second-team All-Pac-12 despite missing the bowl game and a
regular-season contest with Kansas State due to concussions.
title, signed with UCLA and was first true freshman in school history to start
the season opener at quarterback. After a promising first season, Rosen
started the first six games as a sophomore before suffering a season-ending
tear in muscle in his throwing shoulder. He returned in 2017 and had an
up-and-down junior season during which head coach Jim Mora Jr. was fired.
Rosen was second-team All-Pac-12 despite missing the bowl game and a
regular-season contest with Kansas State due to concussions.
ANALYSIS
Rosen looks the part and is very natural as a pocket passer. Has a set-up,
footwork and throwing mechanics, moving very efficient from snap-to-throw. Was
a nationally ranked youth tennis player and footwork reflects that training.
Rosen has enough arm to spin balls to all levels of the field and excels when
adding touch to his throws. Because of some talent gaps, carried much of the
offense on his right shoulder which prompted overaggressive decisions and poor
mistakes.
footwork and throwing mechanics, moving very efficient from snap-to-throw. Was
a nationally ranked youth tennis player and footwork reflects that training.
Rosen has enough arm to spin balls to all levels of the field and excels when
adding touch to his throws. Because of some talent gaps, carried much of the
offense on his right shoulder which prompted overaggressive decisions and poor
mistakes.
Bright and has natural football instincts, the ability to read defenses and
deliver dimes in tight coverage. Some have questioned his mindset and Rosen
will need to sell himself to a franchise to be given the keys to an offense.
deliver dimes in tight coverage. Some have questioned his mindset and Rosen
will need to sell himself to a franchise to be given the keys to an offense.
The greater concern is the past injuries, most notably multiple concussions in
2017 that took him off the field. Just 21 years old, Rosen (Feb. 10 birthday)
could take an NFL redshirt and benefit from learning the ropes as a pro. Some
red flags suggest Rosen has a bust factor. He rates as the top pure pocket
passer in the 2018 draft class.
2017 that took him off the field. Just 21 years old, Rosen (Feb. 10 birthday)
could take an NFL redshirt and benefit from learning the ropes as a pro. Some
red flags suggest Rosen has a bust factor. He rates as the top pure pocket
passer in the 2018 draft class.
5. Lamar Jackson*
Louisville
6-2, 216, 40 time: 4.42
Projection: First Round
OVERVIEW
The numbers are tough to fathom: Consecutive 3,500-yard passing and 1,500-yard
rushing seasons? Jackson was the first in college football history to achieve
that feat. He was also the first underclassman to top 7,000 career passing
yards and 3,000 career rushing yards.
rushing seasons? Jackson was the first in college football history to achieve
that feat. He was also the first underclassman to top 7,000 career passing
yards and 3,000 career rushing yards.
Jackson ran away with the Heisman Trophy in 2016 with 3,543 passing yards,
1,571 rushing yards and 51 total touchdowns. And he surpassed several of his
sophomore year numbers as a junior in 2017, finishing with 3,660 passing
yards, 1,601 rushing yards and 45 total scores. Bottom line: he was a
touchdown machine in college, averaging 3.7 per game after becoming the
full-time starter as a sophomore.
1,571 rushing yards and 51 total touchdowns. And he surpassed several of his
sophomore year numbers as a junior in 2017, finishing with 3,660 passing
yards, 1,601 rushing yards and 45 total scores. Bottom line: he was a
touchdown machine in college, averaging 3.7 per game after becoming the
full-time starter as a sophomore.
ANALYSIS
The most electric quarterback prospect since Michael Vick, Jackson is an
explosive athlete and moves at speeds that are noticeably different than
everyone else on the field. It is easy to get excited about his highlight reel
runs, leaving defenders in his dust. But NFL teams and their evaluations will
focus more on his development as a passer, which is why there are so many
varying opinions in the scouting community.
explosive athlete and moves at speeds that are noticeably different than
everyone else on the field. It is easy to get excited about his highlight reel
runs, leaving defenders in his dust. But NFL teams and their evaluations will
focus more on his development as a passer, which is why there are so many
varying opinions in the scouting community.
Jackson, who never reached 60-percent completions in any of his three seasons
in college, has shaky body and base mechanics, which alter his tempo and
accuracy as a passer. There are no questions about his arm strength, firing
unforced fastballs with a simple throwing motion, but he is a very streaky
downfield thrower, hitting his man in stride or missing by 10 yards (without
much in between).
in college, has shaky body and base mechanics, which alter his tempo and
accuracy as a passer. There are no questions about his arm strength, firing
unforced fastballs with a simple throwing motion, but he is a very streaky
downfield thrower, hitting his man in stride or missing by 10 yards (without
much in between).
Jackson is a first-round athlete with impressive leadership skills, but it
will take a creative offensive coordinator willing to open up the playbook to
get the promising quarterback comfortable with the speed of the NFL.
will take a creative offensive coordinator willing to open up the playbook to
get the promising quarterback comfortable with the speed of the NFL.
6. Mason Rudolph
Oklahoma State
6-4 5/8, 235, 40 time: 4.90
Projection: Second round
OVERVIEW
Born into a football family - his father, Brett, played linebacker at North
Carolina - Rudolph was a finalist for South Carolina's Mr. Football Award as a
senior in high school. An injury forced him into action at Oklahoma State
during what was supposed to be a redshirt freshman year, and he went on to
start 42 games for the Cowboys.
Carolina - Rudolph was a finalist for South Carolina's Mr. Football Award as a
senior in high school. An injury forced him into action at Oklahoma State
during what was supposed to be a redshirt freshman year, and he went on to
start 42 games for the Cowboys.
Rudolph was uber-productive in coach Mike Gundy's fast-paced offense, throwing
for 4,091 yards, 28 touchdowns and four interceptions as a junior and 4,904
yards, 37 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a senior. A foot injury kept
him from taking part in the Senior Bowl, but he attended anyway to participate
in measurements and interviews, before participating fully on the field at the
Scouting Combine.
for 4,091 yards, 28 touchdowns and four interceptions as a junior and 4,904
yards, 37 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a senior. A foot injury kept
him from taking part in the Senior Bowl, but he attended anyway to participate
in measurements and interviews, before participating fully on the field at the
Scouting Combine.
ANALYSIS
With a large frame and a good-to-very-good arm, Rudolph is built in the mold
of a classic pocket passer. He has the strength to attack all parts of the
field while displaying above average mechanics and accuracy, including an
advanced feel for touch on vertical throws. He can also slide and maneuver
effectively in the pocket, occasionally shedding would-be sackers with
strength.
of a classic pocket passer. He has the strength to attack all parts of the
field while displaying above average mechanics and accuracy, including an
advanced feel for touch on vertical throws. He can also slide and maneuver
effectively in the pocket, occasionally shedding would-be sackers with
strength.
However, Rudolph doesn't have the mobility to routinely evade pass rushers or
threaten defenses with his legs, and his throws can lose energy when he's
forced to operate from a muddy pocket. He also played in a system that relied
heavily on screens, slants and verticals, raising questions about whether he
can process quickly and deliver with anticipation against more complex
defenses at the next level.
threaten defenses with his legs, and his throws can lose energy when he's
forced to operate from a muddy pocket. He also played in a system that relied
heavily on screens, slants and verticals, raising questions about whether he
can process quickly and deliver with anticipation against more complex
defenses at the next level.
7. Mike White
Western Kentucky
6-4 5/8, 224, 40 time: 5.09
Projection: Third-Fourth round
OVERVIEW
Once pegged as a potential MLB pitcher, White became the Florida Class 3A
Player of the Year in high school before heading to South Florida. After
struggling as a freshman and sophomore with the Bulls, he transferred to
Western Kentucky and sat out 2015 before taking the reins in 2016.
Player of the Year in high school before heading to South Florida. After
struggling as a freshman and sophomore with the Bulls, he transferred to
Western Kentucky and sat out 2015 before taking the reins in 2016.
White dazzled in his first year as the Hilltoppers' starter with 4,363 passing
yards (10.5 per attempt), 37 touchdowns and seven interceptions. After taking
a step back as a senior (4,177 yards on 7.5 per attempt, 26 TDs and 8 INTs),
White impressed at the Senior Bowl, going 8-of-11 passing for 128 yards and a
score through a quarter of work before Kyle Lauletta stole the show and
claimed game MVP honors.
yards (10.5 per attempt), 37 touchdowns and seven interceptions. After taking
a step back as a senior (4,177 yards on 7.5 per attempt, 26 TDs and 8 INTs),
White impressed at the Senior Bowl, going 8-of-11 passing for 128 yards and a
score through a quarter of work before Kyle Lauletta stole the show and
claimed game MVP honors.
ANALYSIS
With good size and an excellent arm, White has the tools that scouts look for
in potential starters. His accuracy improved during his senior season, and
when he gets hot, he can carve up defenses with zippy precision. White is also
willing to hang in the pocket, step up and deliver with bodies around him.
in potential starters. His accuracy improved during his senior season, and
when he gets hot, he can carve up defenses with zippy precision. White is also
willing to hang in the pocket, step up and deliver with bodies around him.
Plenty of polish is needed, however. White's accuracy remains inconsistent and
he rarely throws with proper touch, often sailing fastballs over receivers'
heads on vertical throws that demand a higher, softer trajectory. He also
tends to lock onto receivers and stall in his progression at times, making him
a beat slow to deliver.
he rarely throws with proper touch, often sailing fastballs over receivers'
heads on vertical throws that demand a higher, softer trajectory. He also
tends to lock onto receivers and stall in his progression at times, making him
a beat slow to deliver.
Skeptics will point to the disastrous results in White's toughest college test
(at Alabama in 2016), but others will see a piece of clay worth molding.
(at Alabama in 2016), but others will see a piece of clay worth molding.
8. Luke Falk
Washington State
6-3 5/8, 215, 40 time: 4.85
Projection: Fourth Round
OVERVIEW
A lifelong Tom Brady fan, Falk has patterned his game after No. 12, which
shines through in his rotational delivery. After a redshirt year in Pullman,
Falk played in five games in 2014 before taking over full-time in 2015.
shines through in his rotational delivery. After a redshirt year in Pullman,
Falk played in five games in 2014 before taking over full-time in 2015.
He was remarkably consistent as a redshirt sophomore and junior, posting 4,561
yards (7.1-yard average per attempt), 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions in
2015 and 4,468 yards (7.1 average), 38 scores and 11 picks in 2016. Falk
struggled as a senior while suffering a concussion and reportedly playing with
a broken left wrist, getting benched at times and averaging 6.7 yards per
attempt with 30 touchdowns and a career-high 13 interceptions.
yards (7.1-yard average per attempt), 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions in
2015 and 4,468 yards (7.1 average), 38 scores and 11 picks in 2016. Falk
struggled as a senior while suffering a concussion and reportedly playing with
a broken left wrist, getting benched at times and averaging 6.7 yards per
attempt with 30 touchdowns and a career-high 13 interceptions.
Falk impressed coaches and scouts on and off the field during Senior Bowl
week, but missed the game to attend former teammate Tyler Hilinski's funeral.
He did take part in the throwing drills at the Scouting Combine.
week, but missed the game to attend former teammate Tyler Hilinski's funeral.
He did take part in the throwing drills at the Scouting Combine.
ANALYSIS
Tall but with a limited arm, Falk makes hay with sharp mechanics and precision
accuracy. Given a clean pocket, he consistently works through progressions and
delivers with great ball placement. He throws a very catchable ball and shows
a great feel for touch when needed.
accuracy. Given a clean pocket, he consistently works through progressions and
delivers with great ball placement. He throws a very catchable ball and shows
a great feel for touch when needed.
Issues arise when the pocket gets muddy, requiring Falk to throw off-platform
and exposing his lack of zip. Too often he attempts ambitious throws that his
arm can't make, leading to turnovers. Falk also shows a tendency to lead
defenders to his target with poor eye discipline.
and exposing his lack of zip. Too often he attempts ambitious throws that his
arm can't make, leading to turnovers. Falk also shows a tendency to lead
defenders to his target with poor eye discipline.
With proper coaching, Falk might have the accuracy and maturity to become a
starter in the Kirk Cousins mold, but many will see him as a product of Mike
Leach's system with backup-level talent.
starter in the Kirk Cousins mold, but many will see him as a product of Mike
Leach's system with backup-level talent.
9. Kyle Lauletta
Richmond
6-3, 217, 40 time: 4.81
Projection: Fourth round
OVERVIEW
A talented lacrosse player in high school, Lauletta blossomed into a
legitimate quarterback recruit his final season at Downingtown East.
Quarterback is in his blood - his dad played the position at Navy and his
older brother at Bucknell.
legitimate quarterback recruit his final season at Downingtown East.
Quarterback is in his blood - his dad played the position at Navy and his
older brother at Bucknell.
Lauletta received nibbles from FBS programs and a few programs offered him a
scholarship, but he elected to sign with FCS-level Richmond. Lauletta became
the starter as a sophomore and his production improved each season, becoming
the first passer in school history with multiple 3,000-yard passing seasons.
He had 3,737 yards and 28 touchdowns with 12 interceptions as a senior.
scholarship, but he elected to sign with FCS-level Richmond. Lauletta became
the starter as a sophomore and his production improved each season, becoming
the first passer in school history with multiple 3,000-yard passing seasons.
He had 3,737 yards and 28 touchdowns with 12 interceptions as a senior.
ANALYSIS
For a quarterback with mediocre arm strength, he better be above average in
other areas to compensate.
other areas to compensate.
The former CAA Offensive Player of the Year doesn't have a cannon for an arm,
but he understands touch and pacing of his throws, getting the ball out on
time and making smart decisions. He is a decent athlete outside the pocket and
buys himself more time with his feet.
but he understands touch and pacing of his throws, getting the ball out on
time and making smart decisions. He is a decent athlete outside the pocket and
buys himself more time with his feet.
Lauletta will bird-dog receivers and force the ball to his first read, but
more times he finds the vulnerable matchup and extends drives - which is
something he did in the Senior Bowl game en route to MVP honors in the game.
more times he finds the vulnerable matchup and extends drives - which is
something he did in the Senior Bowl game en route to MVP honors in the game.
10. Kurt Benkert
Virginia
6-2 5/8, 218, 40 time: 4.95
Projection: Sixth Round
OVERVIEW
Benkert began his collegiate career at East Carolina and was set to start as a
redshirt sophomore in 2015, but a torn ACL ended his season before it began.
After losing the job in 2016 -- and having earned his degree in three years --
he transferred as a graduate to Virginia, where he threw for 2,552 yards, 21
touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 10 starts.
redshirt sophomore in 2015, but a torn ACL ended his season before it began.
After losing the job in 2016 -- and having earned his degree in three years --
he transferred as a graduate to Virginia, where he threw for 2,552 yards, 21
touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 10 starts.
Benkert built on those numbers as a senior (3,207 yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs) but
averaged only 6.3 yards per attempt and finished under 60 percent in
completion rate for the second consecutive year. He flashed playmaking ability
at the Senior Bowl but was otherwise uneven in Mobile.
averaged only 6.3 yards per attempt and finished under 60 percent in
completion rate for the second consecutive year. He flashed playmaking ability
at the Senior Bowl but was otherwise uneven in Mobile.
ANALYSIS
Benkert's size, arm and athletic ability are all above average for the
position, helping him produce many explosive plays outside the pocket. When he
gets hot, he can carve up defenses with tight-window throws and then create
off-schedule plays down the field.
position, helping him produce many explosive plays outside the pocket. When he
gets hot, he can carve up defenses with tight-window throws and then create
off-schedule plays down the field.
But with the highs come major lows, often in the same game (see 2017 at Miami;
384 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 5 sacks). Benkert's mechanics and accuracy go through
erratic stretches, and he rarely works smoothly through progressions to find
open targets. He repeatedly locks onto receivers and gets antsy when they
aren't open, often dropping his eyes to look for pressure. His pocket movement
is unpredictable at times, leading to bad sacks and turnovers.
384 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 5 sacks). Benkert's mechanics and accuracy go through
erratic stretches, and he rarely works smoothly through progressions to find
open targets. He repeatedly locks onto receivers and gets antsy when they
aren't open, often dropping his eyes to look for pressure. His pocket movement
is unpredictable at times, leading to bad sacks and turnovers.
Benkert has tools and playmaking ability to get excited about, but he needs a
sturdier foundation to build upon.
sturdier foundation to build upon.
1 Chase Litton
Marshall
6-5, 232, 40 time: 4.94
Projection: Seventh Round
OVERVIEW
A three-star recruit out of Florida, Litton passed for 8,000 yards and 64
touchdowns and scored more than 1,000 career points as a basketball player in
high school. He passed on a chance to remain in-state with Florida Atlantic
for chance to play immediately at Marshall, but only after spending the 2014
season working exclusively with a quarterback coach.
touchdowns and scored more than 1,000 career points as a basketball player in
high school. He passed on a chance to remain in-state with Florida Atlantic
for chance to play immediately at Marshall, but only after spending the 2014
season working exclusively with a quarterback coach.
Litton started the final 11 games and posted a 9-2 record in 2015. He went on
to play in 34 games for the Thundering Herd, posting 8,335 yards and 72
touchdown passes in three seasons but also had 31 interceptions.
to play in 34 games for the Thundering Herd, posting 8,335 yards and 72
touchdown passes in three seasons but also had 31 interceptions.
ANALYSIS
Litton left Marshall with one year of eligibility remaining, and it's no
surprise he's ready to bet on himself. He receives a high competitive grade
but also plays with a fearlessness that gets him in trouble, trusting his arm
to get the ball through tight windows rather than taking advantage of weak
spots in the defense. Accurate short and has the touch to deliver when the
pocket shrinks, but Litton is not an accurate deep ball passer.
surprise he's ready to bet on himself. He receives a high competitive grade
but also plays with a fearlessness that gets him in trouble, trusting his arm
to get the ball through tight windows rather than taking advantage of weak
spots in the defense. Accurate short and has the touch to deliver when the
pocket shrinks, but Litton is not an accurate deep ball passer.
Litton is tall with a clean release and quick trigger but is limited as a
passer outside the pocket. His ability to spark an offense and the overall arm
talent make Litton a solid developmental option and could lead to a lasting
opportunity as a backup in the NFL.
passer outside the pocket. His ability to spark an offense and the overall arm
talent make Litton a solid developmental option and could lead to a lasting
opportunity as a backup in the NFL.
--Field Level Media
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement