Post by End Zone on Aug 26, 2023 4:42:07 GMT -7
2019
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 1
Overview
One-year starter who dazzled in 2019. Lance is mature for his age, but will be just 20 years old at the time of the 2021 NFL Draft. He's a rare dual-threat quarterback in that he's tasked with setting his own protections and reading the full field. Coaches rave about his football IQ and film work. They believe he will come into the league more football savvy than most of the quarterbacks in this draft. Tape shows very average arm strength but velocity should improve with better lower-body drive. While his recognition of coverage danger is a plus, he's currently more of a "yellow light" quarterback who needs to find a "green light" risk-taking mentality to become a playmaking talent in the NFL. An offensive coordinator willing to blend his run/pass talent with a play-action attack could get the most out of Lance, who should become a good NFL starter.
Strengths
Film junkie with high football IQ and an NFL frame.
Makes calls to set his own protections.
Bouncy feet for accelerated pocket setups.
Play-fake aficionado from under center, causing defenders to consistently bite.
Passing scheme encourages full-field reads.
Processes progressions very quickly and can work to his fourth read when protected.
Able to mentally recalibrate his attack when play comes off schedule.
Taking care of the football is a priority for him.
Rarely takes bait against zone defenders and safeties looking to pounce.
Compact, twitchy release partially mitigates his windup.
Makes attempt to throw targets away from coverage.
Adequate anticipation on timing routes.
Makes quality touch throws into sideline buckets and over linebackers.
Knows his way around pocket and can make sudden escapes.
Above-average speed, athleticism and power when he's on the move as a runner.
Able to move the chains in a variety of ways.
Weaknesses
Highly inexperienced with just 318 pass attempts under his belt.
Will be 20 years old at the time of the 2021 draft.
Gets a little lackadaisical with his feet in quick game.
Needs to trust his pocket.
Has a tendency to void pocket rather than sliding and surveilling.
Pressure pulls his attention from deliverable throws.
Needs to become more decisive and trust his eyes.
Leaves lower half behind, diminishing his drive velocity.
Occasionally leaves explosive plays on the field by not getting it out on time.
Leaves too many deep balls short, allowing defenders to challenge.
Can be overly cautious.
Needs to get his slide game up and minimize collisions as a runner.
2023
BUST!
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 1
Overview
One-year starter who dazzled in 2019. Lance is mature for his age, but will be just 20 years old at the time of the 2021 NFL Draft. He's a rare dual-threat quarterback in that he's tasked with setting his own protections and reading the full field. Coaches rave about his football IQ and film work. They believe he will come into the league more football savvy than most of the quarterbacks in this draft. Tape shows very average arm strength but velocity should improve with better lower-body drive. While his recognition of coverage danger is a plus, he's currently more of a "yellow light" quarterback who needs to find a "green light" risk-taking mentality to become a playmaking talent in the NFL. An offensive coordinator willing to blend his run/pass talent with a play-action attack could get the most out of Lance, who should become a good NFL starter.
Strengths
Film junkie with high football IQ and an NFL frame.
Makes calls to set his own protections.
Bouncy feet for accelerated pocket setups.
Play-fake aficionado from under center, causing defenders to consistently bite.
Passing scheme encourages full-field reads.
Processes progressions very quickly and can work to his fourth read when protected.
Able to mentally recalibrate his attack when play comes off schedule.
Taking care of the football is a priority for him.
Rarely takes bait against zone defenders and safeties looking to pounce.
Compact, twitchy release partially mitigates his windup.
Makes attempt to throw targets away from coverage.
Adequate anticipation on timing routes.
Makes quality touch throws into sideline buckets and over linebackers.
Knows his way around pocket and can make sudden escapes.
Above-average speed, athleticism and power when he's on the move as a runner.
Able to move the chains in a variety of ways.
Weaknesses
Highly inexperienced with just 318 pass attempts under his belt.
Will be 20 years old at the time of the 2021 draft.
Gets a little lackadaisical with his feet in quick game.
Needs to trust his pocket.
Has a tendency to void pocket rather than sliding and surveilling.
Pressure pulls his attention from deliverable throws.
Needs to become more decisive and trust his eyes.
Leaves lower half behind, diminishing his drive velocity.
Occasionally leaves explosive plays on the field by not getting it out on time.
Leaves too many deep balls short, allowing defenders to challenge.
Can be overly cautious.
Needs to get his slide game up and minimize collisions as a runner.
2023
BUST!