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- Brock Purdy – Iowa State
Purdy had a successful career at Iowa State and many believed he would be an earlier quarterback selected heading into this past season. The Cyclones did not live up to high expectations this past year and Purdy’s play dropped off a touch. He is a pro style QB that lacks the athleticism of most of the other prospects. Despite a lack of zip on his passes, he has some nice touch and can drop it in smaller windows. Purdy also racked up a ton of playing experience at Iowa State, which could make him an extremely serviceable backup. If I were in a front office and needed a long-term backup, I would trust Purdy to be key for film sessions and when needed on the field.
Player Comparison: Matt Flynn
Projection: 5th – 7th Round
Best Fits: New England, Tampa Bay, Minnesota (Wild Card – Dallas)
- Carson Strong – Nevada
Strong is an interesting prospect because he is uniquely different than most of the rest of this QB class. There are many talented, fleet-footed runners in this class and Strong happens to be the furthest thing from that. At 6’4” scouts, coaches and fans are drawn to the size. He has a strong arm and can launch the deep ball with ease. Strong is a true shotgun QB that operates best in an air-raid offense, similar to his time at Nevada. If he has time in the pocket, he can tear a defense apart. I have major concerns though with Strong. The severe lack of mobility makes him a sitting duck for talented edge rushers and blitzers. Strong also struggles with his footwork and his whole base gets off when he is feeling rushed and the pressure is getting to him. This causes him to miss open targets. Unfortunately, due to his build and size, mobility likely can’t be drastically changed. If his mechanics can be fixed, then there is plenty of potential.
Player Comparison: Paxton Lynch (floor)/Jared Goff (ceiling)
Projection: Late 2nd – 4th Round
Best Fits: Pittsburgh, Houston, Detroit (Wild Card – Las Vegas)
- Bailey Zappe – Western Kentucky
Zappe lit up Conference USA this past season with 5,967 passing yards and 62 touchdowns, earning his trip to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Zappe is an average quarterback when it comes to his measurables, arm strength and speed. If Zappe physically appears ordinary, then how can he put up such extraordinary numbers in one season? The answer is that Zappe is extremely decisive. He quickly runs through his progressions, remains poised and usually delivers accurate passes. I foresee Zappe as a long-time backup in the NFL with even some occasional runs as a starter. He will likely be selected after Carson Strong, but I prefer him as a prospect.
Player Comparison: Case Keenum
Projection: 3rd – 5th Round
Best Fits: New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Atlanta (Wild Card – Minnesota)
- Sam Howell – North Carolina
Howell was surrounded by many offensive weapons and current NFL skill position players just two short seasons ago. Howell shined and prior to this past season found himself at the top of some big boards. Without as much talent around him last season, he took a few steps back. Howell has the mobility and arm strength to make big plays happen, but he needs more time to develop. Ideally, Howell would be best suited to join a team with a star quarterback, rather than be thrown directly in the fire. I don’t see him as much more than another long-time backup with the ability to win some games when called upon. Howell could certainly become more than that though with some proper coaching and the right system.
Player Comparison: Chase Daniel
Projection: 2nd – 3rd Round
Best Fits: New Orleans, Indianapolis, Tennessee (Wild Card – Carolina)
- Matt Corral – Ole Miss
Corral is a dual-threat quarterback that needs a system built around his skillsets to succeed. An organization can’t just draft Corral and ask him to sit in the pocket as a pro style quarterback. That would likely result in a short career and some wasted talent. Corral is the master of the RPO in this class. His decision making of when to keep the ball and when to hand it off has greatly improved throughout his college career. Corral is an adequate passer, but the running ability adds that extra spark. He could start right away but time to develop will likely result in Corral becoming a more successful eventual starter.
Player Comparison: Marcus Mariota
Projection: Late 1st – Early 3rd Round
Best Fits: Atlanta, New York Giants, Carolina (Wild Card – Seattle)
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