PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's draft week and you've heard for months about what is wrong with the quarterbacks in this year's draft.
Whether it's Kenny Pickett's hand size, Malik Willis' competition, Desmond Ridder's arm strength, Sam Howell's height or Matt Corral being too skinny. Everything has been picked apart over and over and then somehow new negative information comes out.
It's the criticism that is not just about this year's draft class, but is there every year. All have been picked apart. Here is a look at what they were saying about some of the best young quarterbacks in the game before they were drafted.
Patrick Mahomes-2018 NFL MVP, Super Bowl champ
NFL stats-50 wins/66.1% completion/18,991 yards/151 TD/37 INT/1,189 yards rushing/8 TD
Pre-draft Weaknesses
· Can be inconsistent in his approach
· Needs to play inside the offense and show more discipline
· Too eager to go big game hunting
· Ravenous appetite for the explosive play can also bring unwanted trouble
· Willingness to default to playground style appears to limit his ability to get into a consistent rhythm
· Needs to improve anticipatory reads and learn to take what the defense gives him
· Decision making can go from good-to-bad in a moment's notice
· Impatient
· Will leave pocket prematurely rather than standing in and winning in rhythm
One NFC Executive told NFL.com
"He's got a great arm, (gutsy) and he's mobile. He is going to drive his head coach crazy for the first couple of years and there is no getting around that. If it clicks for him and he's coachable, I think he could become a special quarterback." - NFC executive
Josh Allen-scored every possession in playoff game v NE
NFL Stats-39 wins/62.3% completion/14,114 yards/103 TD/46 INT/2,325 rush yards/31 TD
Weaknesses:
· Has accuracy issues
· Decision-making needs to improve
· Throws too many interceptions
· Struggled against better teams
· Played at a low level of competition
· Concerns about production and ability to be a clutch performer
NFL Insider said he would be a good fit for the Steelers to be ready when Roethlisberger retires.
Joe Burrow-led the Bengals to a 1st AFC title since 1988
NFL stats-12 wins/68.2% completion/7,299 yards/47 TD/19 INT/260 rush yards/5 TD
Weaknesses
· A level of scheme fit is necessary
· Small hands
· Below-average arm strength and average release quickness
· Tends to work into more condensed areas of the field
· Steep drop in accuracy on intermediate throws outside the numbers
· Requires top-notch timing for out-breaking throws as a pro
· Early issues handling Clemson's disguised blitz packages
· Took sacks he didn't need to
Lamar Jackson-2019 NFL MVP
NFL stats-37 wins/64.1% completion/9,967 yards/84 TD/31 INT/3,673 rush yards/21 TD
Weaknesses
· Inaccurate
· Poor footwork, which leads to inaccuracy
· Thin frame
· Needs to get stronger for the NFL
· Too much of one of the guys; could stand to be more of a leader
· Alarming Wonderlic score (13)
None of the Walter Football mock drafts had Jackson going to Baltimore. They listed nine other teams, including the Steelers.
Kyler Murray-NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL stats-22 wins/66.9% completion/11,480 yards/70 TD/34 INT/1,786 rush yards/20 TD
Weaknesses included just one season as full-time starter and leader of the team
· Had 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions before final season
· Short with smallish frame
· Concerns over durability due to size and playing style
· Could struggle to see and throw over defenders from the pocket
· Defaults to low arm-angle throws unnecessarily
· Needs better eye discipline to avoid stare-down scenarios
· Too willing to challenge into double coverage
· Mechanical inconsistencies can cause throws to sail
NFC Executive told NFL.com
"He's a special athlete, but it takes more than that. We just don't know with him because he's had one year in the Big 12 with a great system. I like him, but I wouldn't be ready to risk my job for him yet."
Justin Herbert-NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL stats-15 wins/66.2% completion/9.350 yds/69 TD/25 TD/536 rush yards/8 TD
Weaknesses
· Disappointing impact as passer over final four games
· Play is more mechanical than maestro
· Scouts say he leads by example but is not a commanding presence
· Has issues finding touch on his tool belt
· Flat throws found linebackers with interceptions/deflections
· Toggles between caution and worry attacking first two levels
· Needs to trust his eyes and let it go in rhythm
· Deep shots and fades need more air under the ball
· Struggles to escape sudden pressure
I have to admit I love the 'more mechanical than maestro'. This is not to say some of these weaknesses aren't still valid, but for all of the negatives around these players at draft time.
Would you take any of them on your team?
