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2021 NFL Draft Preview - Quarterback

Sy'56 : 4/26/2021 7:53 am
QUARTERBACK

Format includes a quick position overview, my grading scale and what the number means, the summary and final grade from my final report on my top 10, a quick additional note on the player, and my ranks 11-20 with grades only.

*I AM NOT DOING NFL COMPARISONS

QUICK POSITION OVERVIEW

Daniel Jones is entering the vital third year. Personally, I view the third year as THE deciding season when it comes to building the franchise. No gray area. After the third year, you decide if this is the guy you are going to extend and build around or start looking elsewhere for the next guy. Is it a black and white situation? No. Of course, he could stink in year three and succeed in year four because “anything can happen”. However, I feel the decision makers need to stay out of the gray area with a quarterback in which they drafted. After three years, he is your guy or not. Jones has had several moments that make me think he can be the guy. He also has had several moments that make me think NYG will be moving on at the end of his rookie contract. The inconsistency has been maddening, but he deserves some slack here because the supporting cast has been among the worst in football. Look around the league and you will have a hard time finding 5 offenses with a worse combination of talent at the skill and line positions together. 2021 is all about Jones and what he can do with an improved arsenal and line (which will likely get stronger over draft weekend).

GRADING SCALE

90+ All Pro Projection
85+: Pro Bowl Projection
81-84: 1st rounder – should be able to play right away
79-80: 2nd rounder – Should be able to rotate right away – Year 2 starter
77-78: 3rd rounder – Should be able to rotate by end of rookie year – Year 2/3 starter
74-76: Early Day 3 – Special Teams – Future backup/possible starter
71-73: Mid Day 3 – Special Teams – Future backup / gamble starter
68-70: Late Day 3 – Back end of roster / Practice Squad / Development guy
65-67: Preferred UDFA
60-64: Undrafted FA



TOP 10 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1. Trevor Lawrence / Clemson / 6’6-213

Grade: 95


Summary: Junior entry from Cartersville, Georgia. Three-year starter that earned postseason ACC honors all three seasons. He finished 2nd Team All ACC and won the conference rookie of the year award in 2018 before finishing 1st Team All ACC in both 2019 and 2020. Lawrence was also a 3rd Team All American in 2020 and Heisman finalist. The former #1 high school recruit certainly delivered, winning a National Championship as a true freshman and making it back to the big game in 2019. Lawrence has been destined for the #1 pick in the draft for years. He checks all the boxes when it comes to both the on and off field requirements of a franchise QB. His arm talent and precision are top tier, he is an outstanding athlete, and he is a sound decision maker. His slow heartbeat and confident aura will elevate those around him from day one. He is one of the few that will enter the league with legitimate All-Pro expectations.

*I really think Lawrence could have come out after the 2018 season and been the first pick. This kid is a pure gamer in every sense of the word. Yes, his tools are top notch (passing and rushing), his intelligence is top notch, his approach is top notch. However, what do I like most? He brings his level of play to another level when it matters most. I respect that in a quarterback more than anything. It is a rare trait, and it is even more rare that these intangibles are attached to such a talent-filled player. The fluff about him not loving the game is complete nonsense and was created by low level humans that work in the media. Not even going to address that.

2. Justin Fields / Ohio State / 6’3-227

Grade: 83


Summary: Junior entry from Kennesaw, Georgia. Spent one season at Georgia, playing in a 1A/1B situation at quarterback with Jake Fromm, although he played lesser snaps by a wide margin. Two-year starter for Ohio State. Won the Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year Award both seasons and was a 2nd Team All American in 2019. Fields made it all the way to the National Championship in 2020 but came up short to Alabama. Fields remains an enigma. He is clearly talented enough on multiple levels to be a big-time pro. He has a tremendous arm, he is one of the best athletes at the position to ever come out, and he plays with a slow heartbeat that exudes confidence. He had multiple games over his final month that created questions about his ability to quickly process information in order to avoid mistakes. He is an ideal fit for redshirt year in the NFL because if he mentally catches up to where he is physically, he can be a Pro Bowler.

*I never even thought about placing Fields in the Lawrence-tier. However, I have had him at since the process began and never really came close to changing it. I like Fields the way I liked Dak Prescott coming out. His running is an asset to his passing game and it will score touchdowns, but he isn’t overly dependent on his legs. He can make every throw, he can change speeds and loft, and can make plays that are off-schedule. The reason I don’t have him higher? His low points (against NFL-style defenses) were really ugly. I don’t expect every young QB to go an entire college career without making mistakes, that isn’t realistic. But when defenses got complex with him, he didn’t respond well. I think he is a great fit for a team that won’t depend on him right away. I would love him in SF, maybe CAR.


3. Zach Wilson / BYU / 6’2-214

Grade: 81


Summary: Junior entry from Draper, Utah. Three-year starter that showed flashes in both 2018 and 2019, but truly broke on to the national scene in 2020 as he led BYU to an 11-1 record. Wilson is a new age quarterback that is becoming increasingly popular. He lacks traditional drop back and throwing mechanics, but he has the ability to make off-schedule throws with different arm angles appear natural and easy. He goes against the grain but was woefully accurate and rarely turned the ball over. With that said, he was 2-4 against top 25 teams and didn’t exactly play against the best college football had to offer. He is going to be a boom or bust, one that really only had one very strong season in a year where Covid-19 impacted a lot of it. He is best suited for a year of backup duty before being given the keys to the bus.

*From day one of watching Wilson, the name Tony Romo has always popped into my head. That is who I think he can be. He has a ton of arm talent that revolves around accuracy and innovation more so than power. That is more important. Wilson has the kind of game that can be really frustrating to play against, but also play with. There is a bit too much “backyard football” in his game that I’m not sure will work in the NFL. For every Mahomes, there are going to be a handful that try to be Mahomes and come up short when it comes to being creative and off schedule. Last thing I love about Wilson is the on-field toughness. He will take hit after hit after hit and remain tall. Is he tough enough to handle a New York market? That will be the biggest concern for me. He hasn’t exactly faced a lot of off-field adversity in his life.

4. Mac Jones / Alabama / 6’3-217

Grade: 81


Summary: Redshirt junior entry from Jacksonville, Florida. One-year starter that also started 4 games the year prior when Tua Tagovailoa went down with a season ending hip injury. Jones could not have put in a better performance in 2020, earning 1st Team All American and All SEC honors in addition to winning the Davey O’Brien Award. He set an FBS single season record with a 77.4% completion percentage. While Jones doesn’t have a ton pf starting experience in college, it is hard to argue against what he accomplished. He has tremendous accuracy on all levels and is far more advanced when it comes to anticipation and throwing his targets open when comparing him to most college quarterbacks. Jones lacks the ideal body type and playing strength and shows issues against pressure at times. Ideally, he would have another year of starting experience to look back on, but he doesn’t and whoever drafts him will have to take on that risk.

*There are a ton of varying opinions on Jones. You can’t overlook what he did in 2020, as it was one of the more impressive seasons from a QB in my lifetime. However, you have to take into account he was playing with more talent than everybody else and there weren’t a lot of tight-window throws. I don’t want to discount him just because of that, as Joe Burrow was in a similar spot in 2019. Jones’ footwork, intelligence, and accuracy are big time traits. He will fit into a pro offense right away and could start year 1 without a hitch. The upside is where I lose it a bit with him. He will be solid, but I don’t ever see him being great.

5. Trey Lance / North Dakota State / 6’4-224

Grade: 79


Summary: Third year sophomore Marshall, Minnesota. One-year starter that lost nearly the entire 2020 season to the Covid-19 pandemic, as North Dakota State played in just one game. In his one season as a starter, Lance won the Walter Payton Award (top player in FCS), the Jerry Rice Award (top FCS freshman), and the Missouri Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award. He led the Bison to a National Championship while going the entire year without throwing an interception. Lance is the definition of a risky draft pick. He lacks starting experience, and he didn’t have to throw the ball a ton. There is so much unknown here, but nobody can argue against what he actually put out there when on the field. Lance has an ideal blend of tools and showed really good intelligence. He is advanced on multiple ball handling tactics and his footwork looks natural and easy. Lance has the upside to be one of the best players in this class and he plays the ultimate position. The question will be just how big of a learning and adjustment curve will it be for him, coming from FCS and playing in just one game since the end of the 2019 season.

*Lance is going in the top 10, I think. I won’t dismiss it or “criticize” that at all. This has been such a unique year when it comes to the college football season and scouting process. With the information had (mostly tape), this is the conclusion I came up with. Lance is a really attractive prospect that has a lot of tools. But a QB that played this-little in college, at a lower level mind you, would scare the crap out of me if I am taking him to lead my franchise. Now, a team like SF has extra access to the guy that trained him over the past month and there were multiple Pro Days. Lance has attractive tape on multiple levels, I just didn’t see enough. Highest risk-reward ratio of all the QBs in the draft by far.

6. Davis Mills / Stanford / 6’4-217

Grade: 78


Summary: Fourth year junior entry from Duluth, Georgia. Two-year starter that first earned a starting role after KJ Costello got injured in 2019. Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 honors in 2020. Mills was a former top-shelf recruit, but his career never quite took off. Much of his status and grade still depend on projection rather than on field performance. While he does check a lot of boxes when it comes to arm talent and mechanics, he simply didn’t show enough in his 11 starts, a woefully low number. He will be a backup for at least a year or two, however there is an intriguing skill set here.

*I’ll tell you what. If I am a QB-needy team and miss out on the top 4 guys on this list, I would rather wait until day 2 for Mills than use a day 1 pick on Lance. I know Lance has more upside, but I see a pro in Mills. He is really clean. The issue with him, like Lance, is a lack of experience. The Covid situation really hurt him, and I was surprised he left Stanford, because had he gone back to school, he could have been QB1 in next year’s crop. Someone like WAS or CHI can get really solid value here.

7. Kyle Trask / Florida / 6’5-236

Grade: 77


Summary: Fifth year senior from Manvel, Texas. Two-year starter that was actually a backup in high school to current Miami Hurricanes quarterback D’Eriq King. Trask took over starting duties after the injury to Feleipe Franks and never looked back. He finished his career strong, setting a school record with 43 passing touchdowns while earning 1st Team All SEC honors and ending up a Heisman finalist. Trask started off the year red hot but fizzled out a bit later. This is a classic pocket passer with tremendous size and arm talent. While he isn’t the best athlete, he performs well enough on the move and can maintain good presence against contact. Trask won’t be in the first tier of quarterbacks that go in the top half of round 1, but he brings similar upside as a couple of them.

*I think the NFL is going to like Trask a bit more than what you are probably seeing in media coverage. I bet he goes ahead of Mills and maybe even toward the top of round 2. He has big time size and arm talent. Remember early in the season, he was heading toward the Heisman and some were talking about him as a 1st rounder. He didn’t keep it together all season, but you still have to be impressed with how he played. For some reason I see him going to WAS and sitting for a year.

8. Kellen Mond / Texas A& M / 6’3-211

Grade: 72


Summary: Senior entry from San Antonio, Texas. Four-year starter that won Team MVP honors in 2018 and 2019. The former top dual threat recruit vastly improved over his career. He really came a long way and ended his career leading the Aggies to a 10-1 record. Mond is an outstanding athlete for the position but he understands how to use it as a backup option, not his primary one. His arm talent is better than what he shows, as he will too often try to dart his passes rather than throw them. It is a less than ideal release that gets too long at times. Mond can be a solid backup in the league that will bring a different kind of element should he ever get in the game. His ability as a passer is limited, but it is good enough to and is somewhat balanced out by is athleticism.

*I don’t see Mond ever being THE guy, but I do like him as a backup. There is such a thing to have a quarterback desired for backup duty more than a quarterback that has a (small) shot at evolving into a starter. I like backups that have some athletic ability, but not at the expense of arm talent. Mond has limitations when it comes down to what you can do with him play to play, drive to drive, week to week. However, he can provide a spark plug that others can’t because of his twitch, speed, and ability to play off schedule. Interesting name here.

9. Ian Book / Notre Dame / 6’0-211

Grade: 71


Summary: Fifth year senior from El Dorado Hills, California. Three-year starter that earned 3rd Team All ACC honors in 2020. Book left the storied Notre Dame program as the all-time leader in quarterback wins with 35. The two-time team captain is a dream come true for quarterback coaches when it comes to work ethic and leadership. Book’s talent and overall upside won’t turn a lot of heads, but his intangibles will. He is an ideal fit for a backup role because of what he can offer to the quarterback room in meetings and practice. He may be able to stick as a sought-after backup for a long time in this league.

*Some teams look for intangibles and intelligence more than physical traits when trying to find backup quarterbacks. After all, their contributions in practice, meetings, and game planning are as important as the possible few snaps they see the field. Book may be a future coach and a team may bring him in earlier than where I have him for that reason.

10. Shane Buechele / SMU / 6’0-210

Grade: 69


Summary: Fifth year senior from Arlington, Texas. Began his career at Texas where he started for two seasons before getting injured and losing his job to Sam Ehlinger. He then transferred to SMU where he started two more years, one of which he earned 1st Team All AAC honors. Buechele re-wrote the single season passing record book at SMU in 2019. While his 2020 didn’t quite reach that level, he continued to show his top tier short and intermediate accuracy. He lacks the ideal tools of a starting quarterback across the board, but there will be a spot for him on a depth chart somewhere. He is a smart and experienced passer that truly maximizes what he brings to the table.

*If there is one QB that simply lacks the tools I want in a QB, but I could see coming out of nowhere to land a starting job, it is Buechele. He is a really good thrower of the ball, really accurate, and processes information quickly. He will have a big jump in complexity of offense to learn from SMU to the NFL, but nobody is ever going to question his capability there. There has been something about him throughout the entire process that I can’t shake. I have a feeling about him far outplaying his draft grade.

11. Feleipe Franks / Arkansas / 6’7-234: 69
12. Jamie Newman / Georgia / 6’3-235: 68
13. Zach Smith / Tulsa / 6’3-222: 68
14. Peyton Ramsey / Northwestern /6’2-215: 67
15. Sam Ehlinger / Texas / 6’1-220: 67
16. KJ Costello / Mississippi State / 6’5-225: 66
17. Brady White / Memphis / 6’3-210: 66
18. Brady Davis / Illinois State / 6’4-210: 65
19. Zac Thomas / Appalachian State / 6’1-210: 64
20. Collin Hill / South Carolina / 6’4-213: 63



NYG APPROACH


There isn’t much to say here. NYG needs to use their draft assets elsewhere to build this roster around Daniel Jones. They have their 2021 backup in Mike Glennon and a third stinger that adds something to the room mentally in Clayton Thorson. If they are in a bad spot at this time next year, then I think QB becomes a stronger discussion. I think it would be nice to have an athlete in this group, someone that can create with his legs behind Jones, but I wouldn’t use a pick on one for that reason alone. If NYG wants to add another QB from this group, wait until after the draft and see who shakes free.
Thanks Sy  
Kevin in Annapolis : 4/26/2021 7:56 am : link
You are the man. 95, man. How does that rate all time compared to previous years?
Thanks, Sy!  
Sean : 4/26/2021 7:59 am : link
For context, Daniel Jones received an ‘80’ score from Sy in 2019, just below Fields & Mac Jones and slightly above Lance.
Whoa a 95!  
section125 : 4/26/2021 8:03 am : link
I was expecting 90-92..Jax just won the lottery, now can they protect him.

Surprised you had Ian Book in there. I just see college QB in him and not even a good one.

Thanks for another exciting season on these Sy. Really appreciate the insight.
Sy what score did you give Andrew Luck?  
Rick in Dallas : 4/26/2021 8:03 am : link
Totally agree with your analysis on Davis Mills from Stanford.
His pro day workout in a rain storm was stunning.
I am on the same page as you  
Mike in NY : 4/26/2021 8:06 am : link
Although I have Fields more in the 80/81 range as I don’t see him as a Year 1 starter because he did have some awful looks when DC’s got more complex, but I do think that he is coachable. The grading scale I am not sure works with QB because if you think a QB will be ready in Year 1 or to start Year 2 that is worth a 1st round pick.
Sy...  
bw in dc : 4/26/2021 8:14 am : link
A few of us have been on the Mills Bandwagon for a few months. A lot to like there.

Serious question - what does Mac Jones do that Mills can't? If Mills was in the Bama O under the tutelage of Sarkisian, do you not think Mills flourishes as well?
95  
JoeyBigBlue : 4/26/2021 8:21 am : link
Lawrence just beat Saquon’s 94 as the highest graded player Sy has scouted.
thanks. HUGE drop off after Lawrence.  
Victor in CT : 4/26/2021 8:23 am : link
amazes me how teams line up to reach every year,
RE: thanks. HUGE drop off after Lawrence.  
Producer : 4/26/2021 8:32 am : link
In comment 15233618 Victor in CT said:
Quote:
amazes me how teams line up to reach every year,


Well maybe some disagree with Sy. Sy says he hasn't seen enough of Lance to make a reliable grade on him.
Thanks Sy'56  
M.S. : 4/26/2021 8:33 am : link

Always an interesting read!

I think a few victories early on in Season 3 would go a long way in helping Daniel Jones' overall confidence!
Jets fan  
Everyone Relax : 4/26/2021 8:34 am : link
punching air right now.
Sy's reviews are the highlights of draft season  
ColHowPepper : 4/26/2021 9:02 am : link
Sy leaves no doubt where he stands, either on players about to be drafted or undrafted, as well as his Giants' 'Positional Review/Giants' Approach'. (Very seldom do I take issue with what he sees.) Jones' haters who want to cut bait already and bash DJ for his very mixed two years gonna revile Sy's take:
Quote:
The inconsistency has been maddening, but he deserves some slack here because the supporting cast has been among the worst in football. Look around the league and you will have a hard time finding 5 offenses with a worse combination of talent at the skill and line positions together.
Downright shocking. (: Keeping an open and hopeful mind for 2021.

95 rating is an eye popper, makes Burrows look like a piker!
If the Giants Drafted on Sy'56's Value Board  
M.S. : 4/26/2021 9:11 am : link

Here are the choices they should select from for Rounds 1, 2 and 3:

Position/Player/College/Height-Weight/Sy'56 Grade (sorry for formatting)

ROUND ONE (11th Pick)
EDGE Kwity Paye / Michigan / 6’4-277 85
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II / Alabama / 6’2-202 85
Cornerback Jaycee Horn / South Carolina / 6’1-205 85
Guard / Center Rashawn Slater / Northwestern / 6’4-304 85
Guard / Center Alijah Vera-Tucker / USC / 6’5-308 85

ROUND TWO (42nd Pick)
Defensive Tackle Alim McNeill / NC State / 6’2-320 79
Defensive Tackle Christian Barmore / Alabama / 6’4-310 79
Cornerback Greg Newsome II / Northwestern / 6’0-192 79
Cornerback Aaron Robinson / Central Florida / 6’0-190 79
Cornerback Tyson Campbell / Georgia / 6’1-193 79
Cornerback Paulson Adebo / Stanford / 6’1-198 79
Cornerback Kelvin Joseph / Kentucky / 6’1-192 79
Cornerback Elijah Molden / Washington / 5’10-190 79
Offensive Tackle Alex Leatherwood / Alabama / 6’5-312 79
Offensive Tackle Dillon Radunz / North Dakota State / 6’4-301 79
Wide Receiver Dyami Brown / North Carolina / 6’1-189 79
Wide Receiver Josh Palmer / Tennessee / 6’1-210 79
Wide Receiver Nico Collins / Michigan / 6’4-215 79
Wide Receiver Tamorrion Terry / Florida State / 6’3-207 79

ROUND THREE (76th Pick)
Safety Jamien Sherwood / Auburn / 6’1-219 77
Safety Hamsah. Nasirildenn / Florida State / 6’3-213 77
Linebacker Jamin Davis / Kentucky / 6’3-234 77
Linebacker Chazz Suratt / North Carolina / 6’2-227 77
Linebacker Jabril Cox / LSU / 6’3-233 77
EDGE Jayson Oweh / Penn State / 6’5-257 77
EDGE Elerson Smith / Northern Iowa / 6’7-262 77
Defensive Tackle Jay Tufele / USC / 6’2-305 77
Cornerback Benjamin St. Juste / Minnesota / 6’3-200 77
Cornerback Shakur Brown / Michigan State / 5’10-190 77
Cornerback Eric Stokes / Georgia / 6’1-194 77
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr / Florida State / 5’10-184 77
Cornerback Kary Vincent / LSU / 5’10-185 77
Guard / Center Trey Smith / Tennessee / 6’6-321 77
Guard / Center Quinn Meinerz / Wisconsin-Whitewater / 6’3-320 77
Guard / Center Drew Dalman / Stanford / 6’3-295 77
Tight End Tommy Tremble / Notre Dame / 6’3-241 77
Wide Receiver D’Wayne Eskridge / Western Michigan / 5’9-190 77
Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney / Florida / 6’0-193 77
Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown / USC / 6’0-197 77
Running Back Michael Carter / North Carolina / 5’8-201 77
Quarterback Kyle Trask / Florida / 6’5-236 77


RE: RE: thanks. HUGE drop off after Lawrence.  
Mike in NY : 4/26/2021 9:22 am : link
In comment 15233631 Producer said:
Quote:
In comment 15233618 Victor in CT said:


Quote:


amazes me how teams line up to reach every year,



Well maybe some disagree with Sy. Sy says he hasn't seen enough of Lance to make a reliable grade on him.


When Sy has used that language before that generally has meant a player who could just as easily be +5 points in his grade as he could be -5. In other words, Lance could be a borderline Pro Bowl projection or he could be a backup and each option is just as likely.
RE: RE: RE: thanks. HUGE drop off after Lawrence.  
Producer : 4/26/2021 9:32 am : link
In comment 15233710 Mike in NY said:
Quote:
In comment 15233631 Producer said:


Quote:


In comment 15233618 Victor in CT said:


Quote:


amazes me how teams line up to reach every year,



Well maybe some disagree with Sy. Sy says he hasn't seen enough of Lance to make a reliable grade on him.



When Sy has used that language before that generally has meant a player who could just as easily be +5 points in his grade as he could be -5. In other words, Lance could be a borderline Pro Bowl projection or he could be a backup and each option is just as likely.


Nobody would deny that Lance hasn't played much. Many view him as raw. Many like that he has played under center around 40% of the time, four times what Lawrence, Fields, Wilson and Mac have done. And his upside his huge. He could wind up better than Lawrence. It's not out of the question for this kid.
Sy  
AcidTest : 4/26/2021 9:43 am : link
Great review.

Mills has had four surgeries on his left knee related to an ACL tear. How does that factor into his grade?
I really like David Mills  
Jay on the Island : 4/26/2021 9:49 am : link
I hope that he doesn't go to Washington or Philadelphia because it wouldn't surprise me if he develops into a good starting QB.
RE: RE: RE: RE: thanks. HUGE drop off after Lawrence.  
Mike in NY : 4/26/2021 9:50 am : link
In comment 15233730 Producer said:
Quote:
In comment 15233710 Mike in NY said:


Quote:


In comment 15233631 Producer said:


Quote:


In comment 15233618 Victor in CT said:


Quote:


amazes me how teams line up to reach every year,



Well maybe some disagree with Sy. Sy says he hasn't seen enough of Lance to make a reliable grade on him.



When Sy has used that language before that generally has meant a player who could just as easily be +5 points in his grade as he could be -5. In other words, Lance could be a borderline Pro Bowl projection or he could be a backup and each option is just as likely.



Nobody would deny that Lance hasn't played much. Many view him as raw. Many like that he has played under center around 40% of the time, four times what Lawrence, Fields, Wilson and Mac have done. And his upside his huge. He could wind up better than Lawrence. It's not out of the question for this kid.


He also could wind up like Dwayne Haskins. It's not out of the question for this kid.
Excellent job as always, Dave  
Anakim : 4/26/2021 9:53 am : link
Who would you want to sign as an undrafted guy? KJ Costello is incredibly inconsistent, but that game against LSU? Man... an SEC record 623 yards and five touchdowns. Maybe he puts it all together, but could you see him carving out a Taysom Hill-type niche?

The other guy that intrigues me is Jamie Newman, though he may get selected on Day 3. I see him as the ultimate low-risk, high reward QB. I love his size, strength and athletic profile for the position. The issue is, like Lance, he hasn't played football in a while (Senior Bowl aside).



Those are the two QBs I'd target after the Draft.
I wouldn't mind  
uncledave : 4/26/2021 10:57 am : link
Trask as a backup for Jones. Newman in the 6th would be a good project imo as well.
Sy  
Doubledeuce22 : 4/26/2021 11:31 am : link
Is the 95 the highest grade you've ever given a player?
Just FYI but Newman was a complete bust at the Senior Bowl  
Rick in Dallas : 4/26/2021 11:34 am : link
he was awful during the week of practice. I was really surprised at how bad he looked.
RE: Just FYI but Newman was a complete bust at the Senior Bowl  
Anakim : 4/26/2021 12:37 pm : link
In comment 15233944 Rick in Dallas said:
Quote:
he was awful during the week of practice. I was really surprised at how bad he looked.


I mean he hadn't played in how long? I'd be surprised if he came out guns-a-blazin'
RE: Sy  
giants#1 : 4/26/2021 12:42 pm : link
In comment 15233938 Doubledeuce22 said:
Quote:
Is the 95 the highest grade you've ever given a player?


Highest QB (at least since 2013) by far. Next was Burrow at 87.

Barkley was a 94.
Garrett 92
Adams 91
Young 91
Jack 92
Clowney 93
Lotulelei 91


Handful of others at 90, but didn't see anyone at 95+.
Sy  
Go Terps : 4/26/2021 12:58 pm : link
Looking back I see you started sharing your reports here in 2013, a year after Luck was drafted. I wonder if you scored Luck on the same system, and if you did what that score was. His name seems to come up a lot in reference to Lawrence's place among QB prospects.
I think think Trask is going to be a long time player in this league  
Zeke's Alibi : 4/26/2021 1:29 pm : link
and potentially more. Needs to go to a team where he can hopefully sit for a year with an ok offensive line, but potential to be a good one is there.
Thanks, Sy!  
TC : 4/26/2021 1:34 pm : link
Great review.
Thank You  
Thegratefulhead : 4/26/2021 2:12 pm : link
You are truly a good person.
RE: Thanks Sy  
Sy'56 : 4/26/2021 3:24 pm : link
In comment 15233591 Kevin in Annapolis said:
Quote:
You are the man. 95, man. How does that rate all time compared to previous years?


My all time highest was Calvin Johnson (96)

Andrew Luck was 94
RE: Sy...  
Sy'56 : 4/26/2021 3:34 pm : link
In comment 15233606 bw in dc said:
Quote:
A few of us have been on the Mills Bandwagon for a few months. A lot to like there.

Serious question - what does Mac Jones do that Mills can't? If Mills was in the Bama O under the tutelage of Sarkisian, do you not think Mills flourishes as well?


I try to stay away from "What if" type situations even though it is a natural tendency by all of us.

Mac has more experience against faster defenses and produced more. That is what it really comes down to. Also think his footwork is more advanced and proven if that makes sense.
RE: Sy  
Sy'56 : 4/26/2021 3:35 pm : link
In comment 15233752 AcidTest said:
Quote:
Great review.

Mills has had four surgeries on his left knee related to an ACL tear. How does that factor into his grade?


His durability is a part of the grade, yes.
RE: Excellent job as always, Dave  
Sy'56 : 4/26/2021 3:37 pm : link
In comment 15233771 Anakim said:
Quote:
Who would you want to sign as an undrafted guy? KJ Costello is incredibly inconsistent, but that game against LSU? Man... an SEC record 623 yards and five touchdowns. Maybe he puts it all together, but could you see him carving out a Taysom Hill-type niche?

The other guy that intrigues me is Jamie Newman, though he may get selected on Day 3. I see him as the ultimate low-risk, high reward QB. I love his size, strength and athletic profile for the position. The issue is, like Lance, he hasn't played football in a while (Senior Bowl aside).



Those are the two QBs I'd target after the Draft.


Costello would be interesting, as would Newman. My guess is, if they go undrafted, they will be very sought after.
RE: Sy  
Sy'56 : 4/26/2021 3:38 pm : link
In comment 15233938 Doubledeuce22 said:
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Is the 95 the highest grade you've ever given a player?


Calvin Johnson 96
RE: Sy  
Sy'56 : 4/26/2021 3:39 pm : link
In comment 15234083 Go Terps said:
Quote:
Looking back I see you started sharing your reports here in 2013, a year after Luck was drafted. I wonder if you scored Luck on the same system, and if you did what that score was. His name seems to come up a lot in reference to Lawrence's place among QB prospects.


Different system, I was still pretty new to grading players at that time.
I always laugh at the criticisms of Lawrence  
BigBlueBuff : 4/26/2021 3:44 pm : link
I watched him for four years both against FSU and several other times per season. He is a 100%, grade A redass who not only wants to beat you, but wants to wear you out. He is hyper-competitive and has the tools to back it up. That separates him from most quarterback prospects, imo.

I'd give up the Giants entire draft class to get him.
RE: RE: Sy...  
bw in dc : 4/26/2021 5:25 pm : link
In comment 15234256 Sy'56 said:
Quote:
In comment 15233606 bw in dc said:


Quote:


A few of us have been on the Mills Bandwagon for a few months. A lot to like there.

Serious question - what does Mac Jones do that Mills can't? If Mills was in the Bama O under the tutelage of Sarkisian, do you not think Mills flourishes as well?



I try to stay away from "What if" type situations even though it is a natural tendency by all of us.

Mac has more experience against faster defenses and produced more. That is what it really comes down to. Also think his footwork is more advanced and proven if that makes sense.


I get it - thanks. Personally, I think Mills has a better arm and is a better athlete than Jones. This was a highly sought after recruit so he has pedigree.

Re: Lawrence - if the NFL didn't have the three year rule after high school before a player could be draft eligible, I would be significant money Lawrence would have at least been a top ten pick out of high school. He was very developed, although in the Elite 11 invitation Fields out-performed him...

Out of curiosity, do you think Lawrence pulled back at all this year after his sophomore year? I didn't think he looked as crisp this year and thought he sort of flattened out.
RE: RE: RE: Sy...  
Producer : 4/26/2021 6:10 pm : link
In comment 15234436 bw in dc said:
Quote:
In comment 15234256 Sy'56 said:


Quote:


In comment 15233606 bw in dc said:


Quote:


A few of us have been on the Mills Bandwagon for a few months. A lot to like there.

Serious question - what does Mac Jones do that Mills can't? If Mills was in the Bama O under the tutelage of Sarkisian, do you not think Mills flourishes as well?



I try to stay away from "What if" type situations even though it is a natural tendency by all of us.

Mac has more experience against faster defenses and produced more. That is what it really comes down to. Also think his footwork is more advanced and proven if that makes sense.



I get it - thanks. Personally, I think Mills has a better arm and is a better athlete than Jones. This was a highly sought after recruit so he has pedigree.

Re: Lawrence - if the NFL didn't have the three year rule after high school before a player could be draft eligible, I would be significant money Lawrence would have at least been a top ten pick out of high school. He was very developed, although in the Elite 11 invitation Fields out-performed him...

Out of curiosity, do you think Lawrence pulled back at all this year after his sophomore year? I didn't think he looked as crisp this year and thought he sort of flattened out.


Mills was the top high school QB in the country. Injuries and bad luck knocked the wind out of his prospects. He could still emerge as a serious NFL prospect but there have been hurdles.
Thanks Sy for posting all of these draft previews!  
US1 Giants : 4/26/2021 6:18 pm : link
They have been great!
Trask  
Jimmy Googs : 4/26/2021 6:58 pm : link
I would draft him if sitting there in Rd 3...
RE: Trask  
section125 : 4/26/2021 7:06 pm : link
In comment 15234557 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
I would draft him if sitting there in Rd 3...


I like Trask, but expect OL, ER, WR or CB at #76.

QB, P, PK can be had as UDFA
RE: Trask  
Producer : 4/26/2021 7:06 pm : link
In comment 15234557 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
I would draft him if sitting there in Rd 3...


most people think the upside for Trask is backup. I'd rather not spend a third on that.
...  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 4/26/2021 7:53 pm : link
I believe Chris Simms has Wilson over Lawrence. Sy disagrees. I side with Sy...:-)
RE: RE: Trask  
Jimmy Googs : 4/26/2021 8:08 pm : link
In comment 15234567 Producer said:
Quote:
In comment 15234557 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


I would draft him if sitting there in Rd 3...



most people think the upside for Trask is backup. I'd rather not spend a third on that.


I most certainly don't have any special prowess when it comes to evaluating QBs. But this guy lit up the SEC last season like nobody's business and that has to count for something...
RE: RE: RE: Trask  
Producer : 4/26/2021 8:36 pm : link
In comment 15234645 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
In comment 15234567 Producer said:


Quote:


In comment 15234557 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


I would draft him if sitting there in Rd 3...



most people think the upside for Trask is backup. I'd rather not spend a third on that.



I most certainly don't have any special prowess when it comes to evaluating QBs. But this guy lit up the SEC last season like nobody's business and that has to count for something...


Me either. A summary of Greg Cosell's take:


Kyle Trask

- Outstanding size, got physical presence to him, looks the part
- ball distributor in a really well schemed Dan Mullen college offense
- excellent ball location
- no meaningful second reaction ability , has to play within the structure
- when he gets pressured, couldn't do much in those situations
- arm good, not great
- arm strength limitations, lack of second reaction ability, poise and composure breakdowns
- probably a backup in the league.
RE: ...  
Nomad Crow on the Madison : 4/26/2021 8:38 pm : link
In comment 15234627 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:
Quote:
I believe Chris Simms has Wilson over Lawrence. Sy disagrees. I side with Sy...:-)


I love Sy's reports and appreciate his commentary, but did he play QB on the NFL? Is he the son of a very successful QB in the NFL? I will go with Simms's evaluation of QBs.
RE: RE: ...  
Producer : 4/26/2021 8:41 pm : link
In comment 15234729 Nomad Crow on the Madison said:
Quote:
In comment 15234627 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:


Quote:


I believe Chris Simms has Wilson over Lawrence. Sy disagrees. I side with Sy...:-)



I love Sy's reports and appreciate his commentary, but did he play QB on the NFL? Is he the son of a very successful QB in the NFL? I will go with Simms's evaluation of QBs.


I don't know Sy. I am sure he is a fine dude, he seems to have smart takes. I'll take a smart analyst over a jock.
RE: RE: ...  
section125 : 4/26/2021 8:42 pm : link
In comment 15234729 Nomad Crow on the Madison said:
Quote:
In comment 15234627 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:


Quote:


I believe Chris Simms has Wilson over Lawrence. Sy disagrees. I side with Sy...:-)



I love Sy's reports and appreciate his commentary, but did he play QB on the NFL? Is he the son of a very successful QB in the NFL? I will go with Simms's evaluation of QBs.


Ha, ok.
I did a mock draft today for shits and giggles, and it had Trask avail  
Zeke's Alibi : 4/26/2021 10:06 pm : link
in the 4th. If I"m Giants, I think long and hard about that one. I really think he's going to be a long term backup in this league at least, DJ has missed some spots here and there, and to solve that problem for the next 4 years cheaply is a huge boon. Plus you draft him in the 4th, there's no QB controversy unless it looks that way in practice. I doubt he's coming in as a rookie and doing that, and if it pans out having two QBs that can play is worth its weight in draft gold.
RE: I did a mock draft today for shits and giggles, and it had Trask avail  
section125 : 4/26/2021 10:46 pm : link
In comment 15234910 Zeke's Alibi said:
Quote:
in the 4th. If I"m Giants, I think long and hard about that one. I really think he's going to be a long term backup in this league at least, DJ has missed some spots here and there, and to solve that problem for the next 4 years cheaply is a huge boon. Plus you draft him in the 4th, there's no QB controversy unless it looks that way in practice. I doubt he's coming in as a rookie and doing that, and if it pans out having two QBs that can play is worth its weight in draft gold.


They do need a RB...but at 4, if Trask is there maybe.
RE: RE: ...  
Mike from Ohio : 4/27/2021 1:33 pm : link
In comment 15234729 Nomad Crow on the Madison said:
Quote:
In comment 15234627 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:


Quote:


I believe Chris Simms has Wilson over Lawrence. Sy disagrees. I side with Sy...:-)



I love Sy's reports and appreciate his commentary, but did he play QB on the NFL? Is he the son of a very successful QB in the NFL? I will go with Simms's evaluation of QBs.


So if you became an NFL GM, you'd let the professional scouts go and just bring in guys who played in the NFL because they have to know more by virtue of playing?

That is a very unique take.
RE: RE: RE: RE: Trask  
Jimmy Googs : 4/27/2021 5:16 pm : link
In comment 15234721 Producer said:
Quote:
In comment 15234645 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


In comment 15234567 Producer said:


Quote:


In comment 15234557 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


I would draft him if sitting there in Rd 3...



most people think the upside for Trask is backup. I'd rather not spend a third on that.



I most certainly don't have any special prowess when it comes to evaluating QBs. But this guy lit up the SEC last season like nobody's business and that has to count for something...



Me either. A summary of Greg Cosell's take:


Kyle Trask

- Outstanding size, got physical presence to him, looks the part
- ball distributor in a really well schemed Dan Mullen college offense
- excellent ball location
- no meaningful second reaction ability , has to play within the structure
- when he gets pressured, couldn't do much in those situations
- arm good, not great
- arm strength limitations, lack of second reaction ability, poise and composure breakdowns
- probably a backup in the league.


I would disagree with the pressure, poise and composure comments.

Not certain about second reaction ability/structure comment...could very well be true. If that is the case though the Giants should hire Dan Mullen asap to be OC...
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