NFL Draft 2014 Preview Read Free Page B

next two seasons, where he threw for 4,635 yards and 37 touchdowns. Moved on to San Jose State for the ’12 campaign and completed 327-of-451 passes for 4,193 yards (72.5 percent) with 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 starts and was the FBS most accurate passer. Named MVP of the Military Bowl after recording 395 yards and two touchdowns. Threw for 312-487-4,189-33-13 (64.1) in 12 starts in ’13. Was one of only two QBs, joining Fresno State’s Derek Carr, with 4,000-plus yards in both ’12 and ’13. Had a 17-8 career record in 25 starts. Team captain
    Strengths: Well built (works hard in the weight room). Sets up cleanly and with balance. Nice play fake. Compact, three-quarters release with clean, quick arm action. Throws a clean spiral with good short-to-intermediate accuracy. Flashes touch. Confident and competitive. Tough and durable. Sparkling intangibles — outstanding personal and football character. Leads vocally and by example and is universally respected. Intelligent, passionate, motivated football junkie who takes pride in his craft and puts the time in to improve.
    Weaknesses: Lacks ideal height and has relatively small hands. Average foot athlete and escapability. Can improve maneuverability in the pocket. Not yet sophisticated with his eyes. Tends to stare down his primary. Arm strength is just functional — struggles to drill velocity throws on a line and is not a natural deep thrower. Accuracy wanes downfield. Needs to improve against the blitz. Just a two-year starter.
    Future: Burst onto the scene as a junior-college transfer in 2012 when he led the nation in completion percentage (72.5), executing a quarterback-friendly system and putting himself on the NFL radar. Concerns about his height and arm strength will limit his appeal, but at worst should be a quality backup in a precision-matchup system.
    Draft projection: Late draftable pick.
    Scout’s take: “I like the kid and his makeup and character, but he’s an undersized guy with average arm strength at best.”

    QB JIMMY GAROPPOLO, #10
    EASTERN ILLINOIS > Grade: 5.75
    Ht: 6-2 1/4 | Wt: 226| Sp: 4.97 | Arm: 31 | Hand: 9 1/4
    History: Last name is pronounced “gah-ropp-ah-low.” The Illinois prep started the final eight games of his true freshman season in 2010, completing 124-of-211 passes for 1,639 yards (58.8 percent) with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Made all 11 starts in ’11 and tossed 217-349-2,644-20-14. Threw for 331-540-3,823-31-15 (61.3) in 12 starts in ’12. Named the Walter Payton Award winner, given to top player in FCS, in ’13 after recording a monster 375-568-5,050-53-9 (66.0) in 14 contests. Threw for 450 yards and six touchdowns in the Panthers only regular season loss to Northern Illinois. Is one of only two quarterbacks to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a season (Taylor Heinicke, 2012) in FCS history. Was named the Offensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Game. Had eight career rushing touchdowns and a 23-22 record in 45 starts.
    Strengths: Has a very quick trigger and good wrist snap that translates to a smooth throwing motion and clean, compact delivery (no windup). Lightning release quickness. Urgent decision maker. Sells play-action. Athletic enough to slide in the pocket and buy time with his feet while keeping his eyes downfield. Good anticipation — throws his receivers open. Can change ball speeds and drop it in a bucket. Does not take unnecessary sacks and will dump the ball. Will deliver the ball looking down the barrel of a gun. Tough-minded and poised in the pocket — can withstand a hit and pop back up. Highly competitive. Smart, respected, vocal team leader. Very durable, experienced, four-year starter. Good football intelligence.
    Weaknesses: Is a tad undersized with small hands and short arms. Uses a three-quarters delivery that could lead to batted balls. Works heavily out of the shotgun in a spread offense and footwork could require adjustment to working from under center. Does not