(CJ Stroud / QB / Ohio State)
2023 NFL Scouting Combine Positional Analysis
QBs
High Risers
CJ Stroud / Ohio State
6030 / 214 /10” hands
There are two QBs who stand tall above the rest – Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. Young did not participate in any drills, but did participate in measurements and team interviews. Stroud, on the other hand, was a full participant in all combine drills (although he did not participate in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump or any other timed or measured drills) and absolutely destroyed the process displaying excellent mechanics and arm talent. Stroud’s measurements are ideal. He can throw the fastball when required (59 MPH GPS) and possesses a technically proficient and smooth delivery. Snaps ball off at his ear. Great footwork and base. Well-coordinated body. Pro-ready QB. Text book mechanics and arm talent. Every pass was thrown with ease. Consistent throughout the drills and if anything, closed the gap with Young on Saturday. Stroud is a definite candidate to go #1 overall.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson / UCLA
6014 / 203 / 9.7” hands
On a day where Stroud’s advanced game and Richardson’s stupendous athleticism sucked all of the air from underneath the dome, the experienced Bruin had a subtly great day in Indianapolis. DTR ran a superb 4.56 40-yard dash, recorded a 32.5” vertical jump, and a 10’ 1” broad jump before taking the field. And then, he really showed off! DTR recorded a 62 MPH GPS throw – better than Richardson’s GPS time. He displayed an efficient set-up / delivery. Good timing on out routes. Technically sound. Natural passer. Body is well-coordinated. Nice timing and touch. DTR may lack the size of some of the other top QBs but he has a ton of game experience and should be ready to contribute sooner than most other QBs in this class. Expect Robinson to be drafted early on day 3 in April.
What? Guess I Need to Watch More Film…
Tanner McKee / Stanford
6055 / 231 / 9.3” hands
McKee, a former 5-star QB recruit, is flying under the radar as draft season hits its stride, due to nagging injuries and inconsistent performances as Stanford’s starting QB. He recorded a 33” vertical jump and a 9’ 6” broad jump, indicating surprising athleticism for the huge McKee. During field drills, McKee displayed a quick release with real power in his arm. Timing / anticipation is inconsistent and needs further development. Shows promising touch and arm talent. Looks the part with prototypical size and great arm talent. Time to look at more film of the talented Cardinal signal-caller.
Buyer Beware?
Anthony Richardson / Florida
6036 / 244 / 10.4” hands
The most divisive prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft is the freakish Florida QB, Anthony Richardson. If you were to make a QB in Madden, you’d draw up Richardson. Nearly 6’4”, weighing 244 pounds with huge, 10.4” hands. Fantastic physique. Recorded a 10’ 9” broad jump and a 40.5” vertical (combine record for a QB)! Amazing athlete – can dunk the ball with ease. Freak of nature. 23.44 MPH on GPS when he ran his 4.43 40! 60 MPH GPS fastball. The ball flies off his fingers and he has elite arm strength – as good of an arm as Mahomes and Allen. However, the field drills exposed his lack of game experience and the need for a lot of development before he can be counted on to lead a team as a starting QB. Timing and anticipation need developing. Too many throws slightly off-target. Footwork is choppy and base is often narrow – does not set his feet or stride into enough passes resulting in a lack of lower body coordination with the upper body. Needs reps and time to develop – but as a first round pick, will he get that time to develop? Inconsistent placement on out routes and timing patterns. Needs real improvement in touch and trajectory.
The raw tools are there. He may be the most purely talented QB of the last 20 years. But whether or not he is more Patrick Mahomes or more JaMarcus Russell, will go a long way in determining his NFL future. Buyer beware.
(Anthony Richardson / QB / Florida)
Komentáře