Questions to ask draft's top QB prospects at Combine

[MDL_JET]

Good read. I didn't copy the whole thing, it's pretty long but check out all the comments. 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917607/article/questions-to-ask-2018-drafts-top-qb-prospects-at-nfl-combine?campaign=Twitter_atn

Josh Allen, Wyoming

Can the mechanics keep improving?"I thought his feet were under him a little bit better and he was a little bit more balanced," an NFC executive said. "He's been working with a guru (Jordan Palmer), and I think it helped." Allen's base is one primary area of focus. One NFC scout said Allen often misses high because he's overstepping 4 to 6 inches, then will overcorrect, understep and miss behind. Carrying over what he showed in Mobile would be a good sign as he tries to overcome inconsistent tape. "He's super talented. He's got the best arm I've ever scouted. But I have no idea if he knows what he's doing on the field," an AFC scout said. "He's a great kid, too. He's tough. He's not Carson Wentz, but he's got good intangibles. He kind of scares me the most of all of them, because I haven't seen the improvement from one year to the next."

 

Sam Darnold, USC

How much football does he know? Darnold's considered the cleanest of the quarterbacks in this class: tough, competitive, instinctive, humble, hard-working and at his best in big moments, with enough arm, vision and mobility to give him, in one NFC executive's opinion, the most upside as a pro QB in the group. But Darnold is still just 20 years old, was a late convert to quarterback and made enough bad decisions (36 turnovers in 27 college games) to leave scouts wondering how much he really understands about offense at this stage. "The board and his knowledge is going to be important to test, because I think he's got some strides to make there," a college scouting director said. "I think he's almost more of a streetball player than he is a classic quarterback." Darnold went into high school as a linebacker and receiver and has the mechanics to match, including a funky, elongated throwing motion, though he gets the ball out quickly enough. Where it goes has created some head-scratching moments on tape. "He'll make some boneheaded throws and decision-making," one AFC scout said, "so I think some of the (football) intelligence questions may be lurking for him." But one NFC scout pointed out the Trojans' lack of weapons and offensive-line problems and said the word from coaches is Darnold is "totally capable" of grasping an NFL offense. "You can see him go through progression," the scout said. "You can see him look off safeties. You can see him understand where his outlet is. You see a lot more out of him than you see out of a lot of these (spread) guys."

 

Lamar Jackson, Louisville

How ready is he for the NFL game? Jackson is a rare runner who has a strong arm and a quick release that yield some "wow" moments on tape, and he's improved overall as a QB over three years in Bobby Petrino's offense, which utilizes pro concepts. One AFC executive called Jackson the "most dynamic" of any QB in this draft; another AFC scout said he might have the highest ceiling. But Jackson's accuracy has been inconsistent, and many scouts describe his game as one-read-and-go, so teams are certain to challenge him on the board. "It's the same thing for every one of these quarterbacks," an NFC executive said. "I just think with Lamar, it's a little further away. And then they kind of tell you that a little bit at the school, if you talk to the right people." That exec also predicted the majority of NFL teams won't have Jackson evaluated as a full-time quarterback, though other scouts pushed back on the idea he's destined for another position, at least in the long run. "To be able to read defenses and play in the pocket -- I'm not saying he can't, he's really talented, but it's going to take him awhile to do that," another NFC exec said. "Now, you can throw him in there and he's going to run around and make plays, but how long can you do that? I like the kid. You're going to have to really adjust what you do offensively." A team that wants to run an outside zone-heavy, Kyle Shanahan-type offense heavy on play-action that could exploit Jackson's mobility is an intriguing fit.

 

Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Can you get comfortable with the guy? Some incidents on and off the field notwithstanding, scouts struggled to find anybody at OU who'd say a bad word about the program's unquestioned leader. "The kids gravitate toward him, just because he's so high-energy," an NFC scout said. "The staff members you talk to, they were all like, 'I want this dude in my corner. I'm ride-or-die with Baker Mayfield.' " Mayfield is ultra-competitive and a winner. He's also a unique character who may turn off some people in interviews. "He's almost cocky, arrogant, believes in himself," an NFC executive said. "He's the walk-on that nobody wanted, and he just earned his way. Now people believe in him, and he's almost got the, 'I f---ing told you so,' attitude about it." Several scouts described Mayfield as surly after his late arrival at the Senior Bowl, though some of that may be attributed to his mother's illness. His meetings in Mobile were limited, so the combine will be the first opportunity for many teams to get to sit down with him. "It's just a matter of, can you work with him?" a college scouting director said. "Can he listen? Can he process? Can he rein it in to a degree? And he will as he matures." Mayfield's profile can make him a target for taunting, as evidenced by two high-profile issues last year -- an arrest last year for public intoxication, plus a televised crotch grab during a game against Kansas. But it's worth noting several scouts went out of their way to reject Johnny Manziel comparisons, as a player or person. "It really is just part of what makes [Mayfield] competitive on the field with that chip on his shoulder," another NFC scout said. "That chip is going to carry over a little bit off the field, so you just have to know how to deal with him. But it's not like I'm worried about drugs and womanizing and running the streets all hours of the night and not being prepared. This kid loves football."

 

Josh Rosen, UCLA

Can he be the face of a franchise? Rosen may be the most polarizing prospect in the draft. Many scouts regard him as the class' most talented quarterback. He's picturesque fundamentally, accurate as a passer, crazy smart. But he's a complex, strong personality and rubs some people the wrong way. "The biggest hole in his makeup is, can he endear himself to his teammates?" an NFC executive said. "And I think that was a challenge for him at UCLA. When he had, let's just say, less-intelligent receivers or a less-intelligent group of quarterbacks, he made them feel like s---." An AFC scout said Rosen wasn't known as an easy guy to coach, either. "He never thought that those guys were doing anything for him," the scout said. "He always thought he was doing something for them." He's blunt and can come across as a know-it-all. Skeptics bring up names such as Jay Cutler and Jeff George. Still, scouts who tracked Rosen throughout his career say he matured during his college career. The party antics of his freshman year abated. He worked harder. He was the leader of the offense. Teammates competed for him, and some liked that he took a stand publicly on controversial issues. "I think everything that's out there about the kid is a little overblown," an NFC scout said. "I know he enjoyed the nightlife a little bit, but what are the major concerns there? Because he had a hot tub on social media? Because he said some real stuff that people are afraid to say about collegiate athletes getting exploited by the NCAA? I guarantee you a lot of old-school evaluators will be like, 'Forget this kid. He's an arrogant, rich, d-----bag.' And some other people will be like, 'Man, this guy was a 4.8 student coming out of high school, he's a 3.5 econ major at UCLA, he's thinking beyond football, he's trying to be the mogul-type guy.' He wants to be successful, so I feel like he's going to do what's necessary."

[nycdan]

You forgot the Miami Special:  "How do you feel about your mother being a hooker?"

[MDL_JET]

Meant to post this in the draft forum but whatever. Rosen sounds like such an ahole, but....I still want him to be the ahole of the New York Jets. 

And pretty interesting Jackson ideal fit is basically Bates' system. 

 

[KRL]

Excellent article and the questions are legitimate based on each players tape

[bla bla bla]

Would you rather fight 1000 regular sized ducks or 1 duck the size of a tank?

If you could have 1 big animal as a pet, except it would be really small, what would it be?

[T0mShane]

3 minutes ago, MDL_JET said:

He's super talented. He's got the best arm I've ever scouted. But I have no idea if he knows what he's doing on the field," an AFC scout said. "He's a great kid, too. He's tough. He's not Carson Wentz, but he's got good intangibles. He kind of scares me the most of all of them, because I haven't seen the improvement from one year to the next."

This is the sound you hear before a franchise goes into a five-year tailspin.

[MDL_JET]

Just now, T0mShane said:

This is the sound you hear before a franchise goes into a five-year tailspin.

It's really ridiculous the thought of him even going top 10. All I ever see this professional scouts say over and over is BOY he's got one hell of an arm! But....

[JiFtheOracle]

It just cracks me up that still, even at this point, nobody points to Mayfiled's game when breaking him down. It's always about how he's a fiery competitor and a winner. 

Tim Tebow was fiery competitor and winner too. 

[T0mShane]

2 minutes ago, MDL_JET said:

It's really ridiculous the thought of him even going top 10. All I ever see this professional scouts say over and over is BOY he's got one hell of an arm! But....

If there’s one rule in scouting that these guys should live by, it’s to not ignore the part that comes after “but.”

[peebag]

4 minutes ago, bla bla bla said:

Would you rather fight 1000 regular sized ducks or 1 duck the size of a tank?

If you could have 1 big animal as a pet, except it would be really small, what would it be?

Bring that f***** tank duck over here!

[T0mShane]

Just now, JiF said:

It just cracks me up that still, even at this point, nobody points to Mayfiled's game when breaking him down. It's always about how he's a fiery competitor and a winner. 

Tim Tebow was fiery competitor and winner too. 

Because, based solely on statistics, he’s far and away the best player in the draft. “Competitor” is code for “assh@le” and “winner” is code for “short.”

[Lupz27]

2 hours ago, T0mShane said:

Because, based solely on statistics, he’s far and away the best player in the draft. “Competitor” is code for “assh@le” and “winner” is code for “short.”

Well I’d argue that solely on statistics Lamar Jackson is the best player in the draft..

[Miss Lonelyhearts]

2 hours ago, JiF said:

It just cracks me up that still, even at this point, nobody points to Mayfiled's game when breaking him down. It's always about how he's a fiery competitor and a winner. 

Tim Tebow was fiery competitor and winner too. 

And the question I'd have had for him at the combine was how to spell cat.

[JiFtheOracle]

13 hours ago, Miss Lonelyhearts said:

And the question I'd have had for him at the combine was how to spell cat.

 

[HawkeyeJet]

I know people will scoff at me, but the stuff about Allen's stride is fascinating to me.  I am not saying that accuracy can be 100% fixed by mechanics, but it can go along way.  I know little/nothing about QB mechanics, but know quite a bit about pitching mechanics.  I know the quickest way I used to get sideways with accuracy was landing spot misses.  In baseball it's much smaller of a window, but same concept.  The difference is some guys just can never get the muscle memory to consitabtly change it without thinking about it.  Some can.  If he can fix it, he can improve some of the accuracy issues.  Not all of them, and maybe it's only marginal, but it can happen.

[HawkeyeJet]

18 hours ago, JiF said:

It just cracks me up that still, even at this point, nobody points to Mayfiled's game when breaking him down. It's always about how he's a fiery competitor and a winner. 

Tim Tebow was fiery competitor and winner too. 

On the flip side, you say stuff like this a lot, but I've never seen you say anything specific about what in his game makes you not like him.  Maybe you have and I just haven't seen it.

Here is why I like him.  Accurate.  He's extremely accurate.  He anticipated throws very well, better than anyone else in this draft in my opinion.  He is athletic and can move in the pocket.  He's not a running QB, but he will extend plays that Darnold or Rosen can't.  

 

[MDL_JET]

5 minutes ago, HawkeyeJet said:

I know people will scoff at me, but the stuff about Allen's stride is fascinating to me.  I am not saying that accuracy can be 100% fixed by mechanics, but it can go along way.  I know little/nothing about QB mechanics, but know quite a bit about pitching mechanics.  I know the quickest way I used to get sideways with accuracy was landing spot misses.  In baseball it's much smaller of a window, but same concept.  The difference is some guys just can never get the muscle memory to consitabtly change it without thinking about it.  Some can.  If he can fix it, he can improve some of the accuracy issues.  Not all of them, and maybe it's only marginal, but it can happen.

It's just that he's not a fit for this team right now. He's probably best if he can sit and fix those issues, like on the Giants. With no pressure. We can't do that, especially after sitting Hack for 2 years. If the Jets pick a QB in the top 6, we want to see him ASAP. Every other QB has flaws too but I think they're more ready to step in and play. 

[HawkeyeJet]

2 minutes ago, MDL_JET said:

It's just that he's not a fit for this team right now. He's probably best if he can sit and fix those issues, like on the Giants. With no pressure. We can't do that, especially after sitting Hack for 2 years. If the Jets pick a QB in the top 6, we want to see him ASAP. Every other QB has flaws too but I think they're more ready to step in and play. 

I don't disagree with that.  I would not be super thrilled if they took him.  I jus know a lot of people think accuracy is just a natural thing.  That is partly true, but mechanics also plays a big role.  That's all I was saying.  Not advocating to draft him.  I want Mayfield.

[JiFtheOracle]

12 minutes ago, HawkeyeJet said:

On the flip side, you say stuff like this a lot, but I've never seen you say anything specific about what in his game makes you not like him.  Maybe you have and I just haven't seen it.

Here is why I like him.  Accurate.  He's extremely accurate.  He anticipated throws very well, better than anyone else in this draft in my opinion.  He is athletic and can move in the pocket.  He's not a running QB, but he will extend plays that Darnold or Rosen can't.  

 

Oh I have, plenty of times.  In short; size, arm strength, throwing motion, smarts, attitude, footwork, playing at OU in the Big 12, throwing to wide open receivesr, unorthodox pocket movement, a system that made Landry Jones look like a stud, etc.

 

[HawkeyeJet]

15 minutes ago, JiF said:

Oh I have, plenty of times.  In short; size, arm strength, throwing motion, smarts, attitude, footwork, playing at OU in the Big 12, throwing to wide open receivesr, unorthodox pocket movement, a system that made Landry Jones look like a stud, etc.

 

It's not even close to the same system Landry Jones played in.  Oklahoma under Riley runs a lot more NFL passing concepts than a lot of the Stoops/Pre-Riley Oklahoma teams

[JiFtheOracle]

11 minutes ago, HawkeyeJet said:

It's not even close to the same system Landry Jones played in.  Oklahoma under Riley runs a lot more NFL passing concepts than a lot of college teams.

You're right, I though Riley was there for Landry's senior year. Still, dont really see a difference in systems.  Landry Jones threw the ball a sh*t ton more than Mayfield.  From sophmore to senior year, Landry threw the ball 600+ more times than Mayfield.  That's an entire season worth of more passes. 

NFL passing concepts?  Idk man.  That's gimmicky system that is scripted and all calls come from Riley.  90% of Mayfield's throw were to wide open receivers. 

 

 

[HawkeyeJet]

7 minutes ago, JiF said:

You're right, I though Riley was there for Landry's senior year. Still, dont really see a difference in systems.  Landry Jones threw the ball a sh*t ton more than Mayfield.  From sophmore to senior year, Landry threw the ball 600+ more times than Mayfield.  That's an entire season worth of more passes. 

NFL passing concepts?  Idk man.  That's gimmicky system that is scripted and all calls come from Riley.  90% of Mayfield's throw were to wide open receivers. 

 

 

I guess I don't know what you mean by scripted?  That Riley scripts his plays?  All coaches script plays. I don't have any idea how far into the game his script goes, but it's impossible to script plays for an entire game.

I'm talking about passing concepts in particular.  Hi/Lows, Mills, Smash, etc.  There is more of that than there used to be.

He does throw to open receivers a lot.  So does Ton Brady.  So did Goff this year.  I understand that the point is windows are tighter in the NFL, but it's not as if they run Baylors old offense that takes zero processing from the QB.

[JiFtheOracle]

Just now, HawkeyeJet said:

I guess I don't know what you mean by scripted?  That Riley scripts his plays?  All coaches script plays. I don't have any idea how far into the game his script goes, but it's impossible to script plays for an entire game.

I'm talking about passing concepts in particular.  Hi/Lows, Mills, Smash, etc.  There is more of that than there used to be.

He does throw to open receivers a lot.  So does Ton Brady.  So did Goff this year.  I understand that the point is windows are tighter in the NFL, but it's not as if they run Baylors old offense that takes zero processing from the QB.

There is nothing wrong with it but the point is, Mayfield doesnt have to do much in that system because he's told what to do on every single play.  You saw it vs. Georgia, when the script ended, he wasnt the same QB.  Straring down the rush, taking sacks, bad foot work, missing receivers, etc.  

Check out the Bevell thread, he literally says, they dont run NFL passing concepts. 

 

 

[Fantasy Island]

Questions:

How do you feel about playing for a HC that knows less than you about football?

Can you keep it together long enough for us to find a new HC and GM?

Would you lie about your age to get on the football field?

 

[Sarge4Tide]

Do you have the Uber app?

[varjet]

One or both of Mayfield and Rosen will be available when the Jets pick at 6.  They both will scare the poop out of most GMs, in different ways.  And then there is Allen, son of Hackenberg.

Mac must be terrified.  Cousins will be a Viking.  He is going to get to choose between QBs that will in different ways be beyond his ability to scout or understand, and beyond Bowles ability to coach or manage.  He is an idiot, because he was SO, SO much better off with Watson or Mahomes.  The Jets were supposed to be winless and get Darnold, who is easy to understand.  

I think the next Jet front office will appreciate having Quenton Nelson on the roster.