Underrated Qualities of finding a good NFL QB

[Bobhaze]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Mac Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

 

[Vtwin]

The mental makeup is just as, if not more important than the physical attributes.

The eye test gets a bad wrap from many but it is an essential tool for evaluation.

 

[cowboyec]

☆leadership.
☆toughness in the pocket.
☆game preperation...film study...repetitive drills on their own time when no one is watching.

most qb's who make it to this level have good arms...some stronger than others.
some more accurate than others.
but only the good ones....have leadership,toughness and grind.
thats what i want in my QB.
Meredith had it....tho he loved to party to..
but he was prepared as hell on game day.
Roger had it.
Danny had it.
Troy had it.
Romo had it.
Dak has it.

doesnt mean they win titles.
marino had it and didnt.
but in the end....its a short list of who you would take over him.
in the end...
i want my team to take their chances with a QB who is a great leader tough and loves to grind.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Killer abs.

 

[TwoCentPlain]

Killer abs.

Well, then we need to make #21 the QB.

 

[RodeoJake]

Let's not forget dedication. The great ones spend time in the off season honing their skills. Their hard work doesn't end after the last game.

 

[Thomas82]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

I don't see a single lie in this post!!

 

[CouchCoach]

For the ladies in the bridge club, hand size.

 

[CouchCoach]

When I look at just 5 QB's, Bullet's points are well made.

Jeff George and Jay Cutler had two of the strongest arms in NFL history and had perfect form and Bernie Kosar had a weak arm and looked like an 8 year old trying to learn how to throw a football. He even gripped the ball like a kid with a small hand and it came out funny, but it got there.

But of those 3 QB's, which would you want?

Joe Kapp and Billy Kilmer were unorthodox passers and I actually saw both throw end over end passes and were considered a duck hunter's dream. But they were both very effective QB's and beat teams with beautiful precision passers. They led their teams because their teams believed in them.

Wentz is gone from PHL because his team no longer believed in him, same with Goff and LAR.

The magic that was Staubach was his ability to make his team believe. Montana had that same effect by pointing out John Candy in the crowd before leading his team on that SB winning drive. He knew just how to calm them down and bring it into focus.

I think Prescott's strongest trait is leadership and that stems from how he feels about his teammates and they about him.

Griffin lost that, if he ever had it, in WAS, Wentz lost it, Goff lost it, Cutler, George and others never had it, it was all about them. Leading a football team is all about making it about them.

 

[JoeKing]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

Good read, nothing there I would really argue. I believe the Cowboys, aside from having a top-tier starter should have a proven backup QB that can take over if need be and still win us games. Plus the PS should always have a QB we are grooming for the future. This is where we may disagree. I think Dak will get re-signed and is our starter for several more years. I think Garrett Gilbert is a solid backup QB. Ben DeNucci is a solid PS QB we can groom to get much better. Having those three in the QB room makes me happy and they should be good for each other.

 

[Creeper]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

Careful what you say or the Trevor Lawrence police will come for you! But seriously, I do agree. And a lot of top QBs drafted early fail in the NFL so there is definitely something that separates the men from the boys. I think there is an intangible that the best QBs have that is rare. Montana had it. Brady definitely has it. It is probably easier to detect in guys who play a lot of games than in the guys who play only a few. But it is still hard to find.

 

[Bobhaze]

When I look at just 5 QB's, Bullet's points are well made.

Jeff George and Jay Cutler had two of the strongest arms in NFL history and had prefect form and Bernie Kosar had a weak arm and looked like an 8 year old trying to learn how to throw a football. He even gripped the ball like a kid with a small hand and it came out funny, but it got there.

But of those 3 QB's, which would you want?

Joe Kapp and Billy Kilmer were unorthodox passers and I actually saw both throw end over end passes and were considered a duck hunter's dream. But they were both very effective QB's and beat teams with beautiful precision passers. They led their teams because their teams believed in them.

Wentz is gone from PHL because his team no longer believed in him, same with Goff and LAR.

The magic that was Staubach was his ability to make his team believe. Montana had that same effect by pointing out John Candy in the crowd before leading his team on that SB winning drive. He knew just how to calm them down and bring it into focus.

I think Prescott's strongest trait is leadership and that stems from how he feels about his teammates and they about him.

Griffin lost that, if he ever had it, in WAS, Wentz lost it, Goff lost it, Cutler, George and others never had it, it was all about them. Leading a football team is all about making it about them.

Roger, Montana and Brady- the best examples of guys who made their teams better by just stepping onto the field. Roger didn’t have a canon for an arm, but he had an unbelievable ability to make plays when you needed them most. Same for Montana. He couldn’t break a window pane with his spiral but he was deadly accurate, especially under fire, and his coolness made others believe. Brady- the GOAT- same thing.

One other item I’ll add is toughness. I appreciate that you added guys like Billy Kilmer and Joe Kapp- guys who threw ugly passes but just found a way to win, often with broken ribs or fingers to boot. I would put Jim McMahon in that category. Not a pretty passer but a winner, a leader and tough as boot leather and his teammates loved him. Chicago has drafted several first rounders and signed many a FA with more talent than McMahon, but none has done anything. Troy Aikman was tough. He could stand in the pocket knowing he was going to be blasted and was still deadly accurate. Toughness is underrated in QBs.

 

[EJK24]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

As always, thanks for the well thought out post.

When you see tons of the same threads hating/loving Dak and then a few others sprinkled in saying the Jones boys stink (not denying that), it gets tiresome.

Keep the good posts coming.

 

[buybuydandavis]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

I'm similar. Keep the QBs coming.

Team context is a big one. QBs from small schools translate to the NFL easier than the positions more about size and strength. Kellen Moore just didn't have enough physically, but by his record, he's the kind of QB to look at. Tony had enough size and arm. Give me those guy who can win and look like they can run an offense. Who lift up their team.

Dak was one of those at Mississippi, and he physically had much more going for him. I especially like QBs who can run. I'd be churning Daks until I find one that can throw like a pocket passer too. If I didn't think the QB market was such a bubble right now, he'd definitely be a guy to sign, but with the prices so ridiculous, I don't to sign a guy not seeming to be going to Canton.

Accuracy under pressure is a general cognitive thing that I wonder if they could get psychometric tests for. How many balls can you keep track of at one time? Point guard Tony was good at tracking the dline and WRs at the same time. Our oline was often so bad Tony always had to dodge the dline *first* before even thinking about throwing.

Improvising on the run should be another one. What can the guy do when the play breaks down? Can he improvise? Can he throw on the run? One of my annoyances for both Tony and Dak is that they're both great throwing on the run, but Garrett would purposefully keep them in the pocket. Stop making great plays!

Experience is of course good. That's one of the reasons I think there is a QB bubble. College guys are just getting more throws in during their careers than they used to. That plays into the small school, late in the draft players especially. They probably play their full 4 years, so they come with more experience and tape.

Developing QBs should be a top priority for every team. Keep em coming. Note that The Hoody, even with The Goat starting, just kept on keeping on drafting QBs. And he seemed to have hit pretty well on them too. Also, The Goat came in round 6.

I think a lot of the top draft picks develop just because there's so much invested in them that those who did the investment have to see their investments made good for their own job security. Top picks get the snaps and starts to improve that players who cost less don't.

IMO, a lot of downroster QBs who *could* have developed too, if just given a chance. Dak, Tony, even The Goat, could have all easily been career backups w/o coaches picking them out, and injuries thrusting them onto the field on teams with enough support around them for them to look good and keep starting. Rich Gannon didn't make a pro bowl until he was 34, then it's 4 in a row, two All Pros, and one League MVP.

There's a lot more QB talent out there that just isn't getting a chance to shine, and we should be spending more resources to find and develop them. Huge advantage to a team that gets good at this.

 

[DandyDon52]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

good post, the experts need to read this and then maybe they could evaluate and rate qb's better.
I was thinking the same things.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

I don't see a single lie in this post!!

Not bad. He just thinks it's Matt Jones instead of Mac.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

Great post!
But Tua was rattled big time by Clemson. Hurts bailed him out in a failed comeback against the Clemson tigers. I'll never forget the image of Tua on the bench, holding his "injured" arm for the TV camera when in fact he stunk it up with several INTs, turnovers.

 

[eromeopolk]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

Remember what Bill Parcells taught you about drafting QBs:

• Be a three-year starter
• Be a senior in college
• Graduate from college
• Start 30 games
• Win 23 games
• Post a 2-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio
• Complete at least 60 percent of passes thrown

Leadership is the Team Captain qualification that has been used during the Brandt, Ackles/Wooten and Parcells/Ireland eras. However, that Parcells QB draft qualification stuff works! (see article below):
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/applying-bill-parcells--rules-for-drafting-a-qb-to-2020-class

 

[Diehardblues]

We all know the hardest position to draft in the NFL is QB. It’s the most important position for team success yet the last two decades are littered with first round busts for multiple teams at QB.

And we also know what scouts typically look for: Arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and pocket presence. And those are all important skills. But I’ve believed for years that there are several key parts of a QB’s game that are often vastly undervalued by teams in their scouting. Some of them are:

• Leadership (ability to make everyone else play better)
  • Some examples of guys who have great leadership or intangible abilities to make everyone better- Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady- none were drafted early. They all had the ability to make great comebacks and inspire teammates. That’s not always easy to measure.

• Accuracy under pressure (can they hit receivers while under duress)
  • Guys like Tua, Matt Jones and Trevor Lawrence rarely got pressured in college like they will in the NFL. Last year as a rookie, Justin Herbert was off the charts accurate while under pressure. He showed that in college too. So did Mahomes and Russell Wilson. It’s easy to look great when no one is in your grill.

• Playing experience in college (how many games they started in college) One thing that really helps college QBs get ready for the pros is simply getting a lot of experience as a starter in college.
  • Look at Dwayne Haskins. Dude started like 15 games in college before being drafted in first round. Same for Mitch Tribisky. He had less than 20 starts. Contrast that with guys like Peyton Manning, Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson all started between 35 and 45 games in college. That makes a huge difference in being prepared to play in the NFL.

• Team context where they played (what kind of team they were surrounded by)All college QBs play in the context of the team they played for and how their play impacted that team.
  • For example, too many college QBs drafted early have been overvalued because of the team they play for. I always thought Tua was good, but he was constantly surrounded by tons of NFL talent on those Alabama teams making him look a little better than he really is. Contrast that with Mahomes- because I’m a Texas Tech fan- I saw him play every game in college- he was great while being surrounded by almost zero NFL talent on below average Tech teams. Performance context matters.

In the end, drafting a QB that can play in the NFL is difficult. Which is why I’ve always been in favor drafting a QB every other year or so, even in mid to late rounds to see if you can develop them. I hope we re-sign Dak because the idea that we can just find another one as good or better is a long shot. And the cost is not going down.

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s the hardest position to draft. Most teams don’t try often enough. And why your suggestion is sound. And probably why Jimmy suggested signing Dak and drafting a QB.

Remember Jimmy hedged his bet drafting two QB’s #1. Landry basically did the same thing as well drafting Morton #1 and Staubach. While Roger was a 12th round future pick going to the Navy, he was first round talent brought in to compete with Morton when Meredith retired.

 

[Diehardblues]

The NFL is so humbling to these hot prospects coming out of college. The QB’s with the best opportunity for success are the ones with the most talent around them.

The reason so many are bust is they are on crap teams losing their confidence and getting beat up. Something most didn’t experience in high school or college. Once you lose that confidence it’s tough to be a leader.