Sources Tell Us: Scout has doubts about USC QB Cody Kessler

[RS12]

he scoop: "All this stuff with (former USC coachSteve Sarkisian) will create the kind of turmoil in that locker room that will challenge (Cody) Kessler. I suspect he's a little bit of a lamb-killer, so we'll see if he can rise to the challenge or if he will be the shrinking violet we saw last week (in a loss to Washington)." -- AFC Pac-12 scout on the USC QB

The skinny: The "lamb-killer' comment references fattening up the stats on lesser opponents, but it's worth noting that Kessler put six touchdowns on Notre Dame and three on Nebraska in back-to-back games to close out last season. However, Kessler is not close to being my favorite quarterback prospect thanks to concerns I have with his pocket poise. Here is a question I would pose: Is it fair (or better yet, smart) for evaluators to use this challenging period at USC to make a determination about Kessler's leadership and mental toughness? I would be careful about that if I were an NFL scout. Judging a college quarterback based upon these very extraordinary circumstances seems short-sighted. If I'm going to downgrade Kessler, it will be because of what I see on tape from him this season.

The scoop: "Go study the left tackle from Texas Tech and tell me what you think. I came into this year with a late-round grade on him, but after watching him against Arkansas, TCU and Baylor, I think he's more like a Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) player -- probably middle second round." -- NFC scout on Texas Tech left tackle Le'Raven Clark

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-usc-qb-cody-kessler?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cfb

 

[RS12]

Taysom Hill like many BYU players is already 25.

 

[VACowboy]

Shame about Hill. He is a gamer with great athleticism and, IMHO, NFL QB skill.

 

[Sydla]

he scoop: "All this stuff with (former USC coachSteve Sarkisian) will create the kind of turmoil in that locker room that will challenge (Cody) Kessler. I suspect he's a little bit of a lamb-killer, so we'll see if he can rise to the challenge or if he will be the shrinking violet we saw last week (in a loss to Washington)." -- AFC Pac-12 scout on the USC QB

The skinny: The "lamb-killer' comment references fattening up the stats on lesser opponents, but it's worth noting that Kessler put six touchdowns on Notre Dame and three on Nebraska in back-to-back games to close out last season. However, Kessler is not close to being my favorite quarterback prospect thanks to concerns I have with his pocket poise. Here is a question I would pose: Is it fair (or better yet, smart) for evaluators to use this challenging period at USC to make a determination about Kessler's leadership and mental toughness? I would be careful about that if I were an NFL scout. Judging a college quarterback based upon these very extraordinary circumstances seems short-sighted. If I'm going to downgrade Kessler, it will be because of what I see on tape from him this season.

The scoop: "Go study the left tackle from Texas Tech and tell me what you think. I came into this year with a late-round grade on him, but after watching him against Arkansas, TCU and Baylor, I think he's more like a Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) player -- probably middle second round." -- NFC scout on Texas Tech left tackle Le'Raven Clark

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-usc-qb-cody-kessler?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cfb

He shouldn't get that much credit for the ND game last year.

ND had packed it in by then losing most of their games in the 2nd half of the year largely because they were destroyed on defense by injuries. By season's end they had frosh starting on defense and had to take redshirts off players just to have any depth.

 

[reddyuta]

Cody kessler is undraftable ,dont even bother with him.This year QB class is weak with major questions about top guys.I like Goff but i doubt we have a shot at him.

 

[KingintheNorth]

Biggest USC fan here and not a huge Kessler fan. He's more John David Booty than he is Carson Palmer.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Kiel and probably even Towles are better prospects

 

[65fastback2plus2]

i cant think of a qb from USC id ever want anyhow