2021 NFL Draft QB Prospects Part 4

QB (Brock Purdy, Kyle Trask, Zach Wilson) 

QB Brock Purdy:

Scouting Reports:

Iowa State:  https://cyclones.com/sports/football/roster/brock-purdy/10897

Draft Network:  https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/brock-purdy/JzGFYkYKOV

Articles:

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Conference Championships (Losers - Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State:  Purdy is a potential mid-round or third-day pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but his performance in the Big XII Championship won't help his draft grade. In the second quarter, Purdy lofted in a pass to the end zone for his tight end Charlie Kolar, but Purdy did not get enough on the ball, which fell short into the hands of an Oklahoma defensive back. Early in the third quarter, Purdy made a terrible decision, giving up his second interception. After escaping the rush and rolling into the open field to his right, he found nothing open up close, but although he did have a receiver wide open deep down the field for a potential touchdown. Purdy did not see that receiver and forced an awful throw into double coverage for an easy pick by Oklahoma.  Down by six late in the fourth quarter, Purdy was in Oklahoma territory and scrambled out to his right. Instead of throwing the pass away or running into the open field, Purdy lofted a weak throw that ball hung in the air allowing three defensive backs to close down field on the open receiver. One of those Sooners made a leaping grab for Purdy's third interception, clinching the loss for Iowa State.  Purdy had the reputation of a good decision maker entering the 2020 season, but he had a number of games this year in which his decisions were terrible and he exercised poor ball security. His performance against Oklahoma only adds to the negatives and will help send him to Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft.) (12-22-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_16.php

NFL draft winners and losers: Where do the Jets go if they miss out on QB Trevor Lawrence? (Losers - Iowa State QB Brock Purdy:  Just a tough day at the office, even with a few highlights, for Purdy and the Cyclones. They fell behind 17-0 before making a game of it but ultimately fell to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game.  Unfortunately for Purdy, his mistakes were costly ones.  His third interception of the game, down only six points, was a terrible third-down throw up for grabs in the end zone. But we’ll at least place some blame on the coaching staff for appearing to not get in the play call in what we’d call a timely fashion while players were running on and off the field, creating an air of chaos.  But Purdy’s first two picks were just bad decisions that he likely must own. You could argue that his play had a direct result on the loss.  It’s too bad, too, because Purdy had seemingly turned things around after a slow start to the season and was playing some of his best football to date. But time and time again, he shows he’s capable of crippling plays that end up haunting his team.  Our advice to Purdy would be to return to school, but Matt Campbell’s status being unclear — with some NFL teams possibly calling him — could affect the QB’s decision.) (12-21-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-where-do-the-jets-go-if-they-miss-out-on-qb-trevor-lawrence-184254289.html

Week 14 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Brock Purdy taking his turn on redemptive day for later-round quarterbacks (5:10 PM): There must be a redemption tour for quarterbacks today because several later-round signal-callers are having impressive outings, one of them being Iowa State passer Brock Purdy. Purdy is 10 for 12 for 127 yards at the half and also has four carries for 28 yards and a rushing touchdown.  Purdy was once considered a potential Day 2 pick, but his volatility this year has convinced many to step off that platform. However, while his upside as an NFL starter is less apparent this year, he still has some intriguing qualities as a developmental player, and he’s showing that today. He looks very natural on play-action, and he has good mobility, which he uses to both extend plays and take matters into his own hands on the ground.  How the NFL deciphers this year’s mid-round quarterback pool will be a fascinating process to watch. There are so many names in that group, with a vast array of core competencies to consider. IC) (12-6-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

2021 NFL Draft QB Watch: Fields up, down (Brock Purdy, Iowa State:  We had high expectations for Purdy this season and, truthfully, he's been disappointing. But against Kansas Sate, he had has best game of the year. He only attempted 20 passes, in part because of a dominant run game, but Purdy completed 16 throws for 236 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers. He also rushed seven times for 59 yards, which was a season high.  As we saw often last season (but less so in '20), on Saturday Purdy was accurate on short and intermediate throws but he also showed great touch on a 21-yard touchdown toss to Xavier Hutchinson against tight coverage.  This is a big-boy throw, and something we hadn't seen a lot of from Purdy this season. It's an encouraging development, but it's also important to remember that Purdy is at his best when the running game is clicking. He's not going to have success throwing the ball 40 times because, in part because his gunslinger mentality can get him into trouble when he tries to force balls into too-tight windows. Purdy is much more efficient, however, when he's playing the game-manager role, which includes using his athleticism in the running game too.) (11-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-has-up-and-down-performance-kyle-trask-continues-to-shine/

Week 10 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Brock Purdy helps Iowa State earn comeback win despite terrible first half (10:50 PM):  You have to credit a quarterback when they show resilience in the face of adversity, as well as the ability to rebound from compounded mistakes. Brock Purdy showed that ability tonight in a 38-31 comeback victory over the Baylor Bears. In the first half, Purdy was 6-of-12 for less than 50 yards and three interceptions. In the final two quarters, he composed himself, completed 75% of his remaining attempts, and put up three touchdowns to send the Cyclones back into the win column.  Purdy’s Week 10 showing is more or less a microcosm of his 2020 campaign, if not a dramatic version. Purdy came into the season as a sleeper to be an early-round quarterback, but he’s been more volatile than in year’s past, and he doesn’t have the arm strength to make plays on talent alone at a consistent level. Purdy’s mobility, toughness, and gunslinger mentality are where his appeal is derived from, but he has to be more consistent if he wants a chance to be an NFL starter. IC) (11-8-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-10-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

College Football: The five biggest disappointments from the 2020 season (2. BROCK PURDY’S DRAFT STOCK PLUNGE:  Some ranked Purdy as the third- or fourth-best draft-eligible quarterback entering the 2020 season, but after six games he seems to have played himself right out of first-round consideration. In his 21 career starts from 2018 to 2019, he posted just four games with a PFF grade below 60.0. He owns three such games in six starts to begin this season. It began with one of the worst outings of his career against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in Week 1. He completed just over 45% of his passes (second-lowest) and averaged 4.1 yards per attempt (lowest) en route to a 45.5 passer rating (second-lowest), all bottom-five marks in his three-year career.  Purdy is known for taking risks and trying to will his team to victory despite a lack of high-level talent surrounding him on the offense — outside of tight end Charlie Kolar and running back Breece Hall. This has resulted in plenty of both big-time throws — PFF’s highest-graded pass attempts — but also his fair share of turnover-worthy passes over the past two years. But he always made more positive plays than negative. However, this year he has committed three times as many turnover-worthy plays, with 12 compared to just four big-time throws. Purdy has evidently regressed in a few key areas. After being one of the best deep-ball passers of the past two seasons, the Iowa State QB is struggling to connect on anything over 20 yards downfield this year. In 2018 and 2019, he completed over 40% of his passes and owned a passer rating over 110.0. In 2020, he has completed just 24% of his deep passes for a paltry 47.6 passer rating — 42nd among 51 qualifying Power-5 QBs.  Purdy has also declined when kept free of pressure, owning a middling 73.2 passing grade after having elite 90-plus grades in prior seasons. He has missed open receivers, not made big plays downfield and has thrown three concerning interceptions against just five touchdowns when free of pressure.  Yet another stable metric that Purdy has been worrisome in is passing on straight dropbacks. Historically, this has not been an area of concern, as he has recorded grades over 85.0 in each season. This year, he owns a 57.1 grade, which is a direct result of him executing just one big-time throw versus a whopping 10 turnover-worthy passes, sixth-most on such attempts in the Power-5. At just 6-foot-1 with average to above-average athleticism, Purdy needs to excel at throwing with anticipation and possess elite accuracy in order to be deserving of a first-round selection. Despite demonstrating these traits over the past two seasons, he has failed to show them this year, causing his draft stock to plummet in the eyes of many draft pundits, college analysts and possibly NFL general managers. To save his season, Purdy must cut down on the ill-advised throws, create chunk gains deep and thrive from clean pockets. Even if he were to complete these over the rest of the season, it may be too late to regain his first-round value.) (11-7-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-the-five-biggest-disappointments-from-the-2020-season

2021 Draft QB Watch: Fields makes case (Brock Purdy, Iowa State:  We say it every week and we'll repeat it here: We really liked Brock Purdy coming into the season. We studied his 2019 tape over the summer and we felt that if he continued to improve he could end up working his way into the first-round conversation. Through five games there hasn't been much evidence to warrant that kind of talk, and while Purdy hasn't been bad, he hasn't made the leaps we were hoping to see.  Iowa State cruised to a 52-22 victory over winless Kansas and Purdy finished 23 of 34 for 239 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The offense runs through Breece Hall, who ripped off 185 yards and two scores on the ground, while Purdy and the passing offense focused mostly on short and intermediate throws. In fact, Purdy's first deep ball didn't come until the fourth drive (incidentally, it was a deep out, right on the money ... and was called back because of a penalty).  When Purdy's in rhythm, he's on time and accurate on those short and intermediate routes, usually targeting one of the Cyclones' playmaking tight ends. But other times he struggles to put the ball on his receiver's face, which as we mentioned above with Zach Wilson, maximizes yards after catch (it could be the difference between a 10-yard gain and a 25-yard gain).  His lone interception was an underthrown deep ball into double coverage.  But Purdy has all the tools -- and he's a threat to run as well -- but it hasn't yet come together for him in 2020. That doesn't mean it won't, or that we won't see the quarterback who flashed often in 2019, just that it hasn't yet clicked yet.) (11-2-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-makes-push-for-no-1-qb-mac-jones-and-zach-wilson-continue-to-impress/

College Football: Ranking all 10 starting quarterbacks in the Big 12 ahead of Week 9 (8. BROCK PURDY, IOWA STATE:  Purdy's 2020 season has been shockingly bad compared to his previous two years at Iowa State. In 2018 and 2019, Purdy put together an 87.8 passing grade and showed to be one of the best rhythm passers in all of college football. But all of those anticipatory throws we saw him make in that span have seemingly vanished into thin air in 2020. His passing grade has fallen to 58.1, and he has recorded a passing grade north of 60.0 in just one of his five games this season. The downfield accuracy has been abysmal, too, as he has thrown an uncatchable pass on 57% of 10-plus-yard passes, the second-worst rate in college football and nearly 20 percentage points worse than the FBS average.  Purdy’s decline has been one of the most bizarre in the PFF College era, and he isn’t showing many signs that this isn’t here to stay.) (10-28-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-the-10-best-starting-quarterbacks-in-the-big-12-ahead-of-week-9

2021 Draft QB Watch: OSU's Fields is back (Brock Purdy, Iowa State:  We really liked what we saw from Brock Purdy last season and were hoping he'd continue to improve on his 2019 efforts. So far it hasn't happened on a consistent basis. Iowa State had just one loss coming into Saturday's matchup against Oklahoma State but in two of those four games Purdy completed 50 percent or fewer of his throws, and he managed just 56 percent against the Cowboys.  Purdy finished 19 of 34 for just 162 yards with a touchdown and an interception. And if those numbers don't make it clear, Purdy completed 56 percent of his passes attempting mostly short and intermediate looks. He didn't throw deep until early in the third quarter and this was the result: underthrown into double coverage and intercepted by Oklahoma State's Kolby Harvell-Peel.  Purdy has many of the tools you look for in a quarterback -- the arm strength, the mobility inside and outside the pocket, the ability to make plays off-platform, the toughness and the willingness to put the ball into tight windows -- but the lack of consistency can be infuriating at times. His accuracy hasn't been there for much of the season and he struggled to find it against a really good Oklahoma State defense. But guess what? The NFL is chocked full of good defenses.) (10-26-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-makes-case-as-no-1-qb-zach-wilson-and-mac-jones-continue-to-shine/

College Football Recap, Week 6: The top storylines from the weekend (Iowa State’s offense flourishing vs. Texas Tech (4:50 PM):  In other Power Five news, Iowa State, now ranked after beating the Oklahoma Sooners last week, is currently pulling away against Big 12 opponent Texas Tech. They’re doing so on the back of an offense led by Brock Purdy and a budding playmaker at running back.  Purdy, commonly known as a gunslinger, has instead opted for the efficient strategy so far, completing 17 of his 19 pass attempts and finding the end zone once. Sophomore running back, Breece Hall is also reprising his role after walloping Oklahoma last week; at 6-foot-1, 215, Hall has good athleticism and yards-after-contact propensity, and while he’s not draft eligible this year, he’ll certainly have attention in 2021. IC) (10-11-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-scores-schedule-live-blog-week-6-2020/

Big 12 Film Room: Brock Purdy's regression, Spencer Rattler's promising start and more (IT AIN'T PURDY:  Brock Purdy might have been a mirage this whole time.  After a scintillating true freshman 2018 season that saw him post an 88.0 passing grade, his play has been slipping every year since. His grade fell to 82.2 in 2019, still relatively good, but he only ranked 24th in passing grade among quarterbacks with over 100 dropbacks, down from 12th the year prior.  Purdy has bottomed out this season. His 47.7 passing grade ranks 73rd out of 75 quarterbacks who have dropped back at least 40 times.  What propped up Purdy’s 2018 grade is now his downfall: play under pressure. Purdy posted an unsustainable 77.7 grade under pressure that season, the sixth-best mark among FBS quarterbacks who were pressured at least 40 times.  Purdy wasn’t lucky, he played well, but we know that play under pressure is not reproducible year to year. His pressured-passing grade dropped to 54.6 last season and now sits at 28.6 this year.  His pressure rate has hardly fluctuated from year to year, too. In 2018, he was pressured on 40% of his dropbacks, and while that number fell to 35% last year and 36% this year, it’s not that much different. He just hasn’t been able to handle the heat anymore, and this season he’s reacted by throwing the ball to the other team too many times.  Iowa State is lucky that only one of Purdy's eight turnover-worthy plays has led to an actual turnover. That’s why they are 2-1 after their upset victory over Oklahoma. Purdy actually threw three balls to Sooner defenders, and every single one of them fell incomplete; he also fumbled on a scramble only for him to recover his own gaffe.  Six of his eight turnover worthy plays have come under pressure. He only committed three turnover-worthy plays on 117 pressured dropbacks in 2018.  On first-and-10, there is no reason to attempt this dangerous throw against a post safety. Oklahoma is in perfect leverage to defend this seam throw with the man-coverage defender outside and in trailing position and the free safety deep and inside. The only place you can put the ball is outside and deep, and you just hope your receiver runs under it. Purdy is hit as the throws, but this is where he wanted to go with the ball the whole time. Bad process.  There’s an argument to be made that Iowa State is an 0-3 team that caught a couple of lucky breaks en route to a 2-1 record: TCU starting their worst of two quarterbacks and then Oklahoma defenders not catching Purdy's errant throws.) (10-7-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-big-12-film-room-brock-purdys-regression-spencer-rattlers-promising-start

NFL draft winners and losers: Which QBs are rising and falling so far? (Brock Purdy, Iowa State:  We frankly don’t know what to do with Purdy. He was a sneaky favorite of ours entering the season, but the opening-game performance in the home loss to Louisiana marred his stock.  Since then, Purdy has bounced back a bit, even with a hilariously bad interception in the win over TCU. But even in showing some moxie in the upset over Oklahoma this weekend, where Purdy threw for one score and ran for another, his accuracy and decision making can readily be questioned.  Among the 44 quarterbacks with 50 or more dropbacks this season, Purdy ranks 43rd for PFF’s passing grade metric. He’s lacking top-tier receiving weapons outside of TE Charlie Kolar (who missed the opener), but that doesn’t excuse some of Purdy’s flaws to this point.  There’s a bit of a Chase Daniel element to Purdy’s game, we feel, which serves as both good and bad news. Good in that Daniel has carved out a lengthy NFL career as a quality backup. Bad in that Daniel was undrafted and has rarely been viewed as anything but a replacement-level starter when he has been thrust into an NFL lineup.) (10-5-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-which-q-bs-are-rising-and-falling-so-far-180600699.html

College Football Today, Week 5: Games, TV Schedule and Live Blog with Tony Pauline (Brock Purdy having an up and down day (10:50 PM):  Brock Purdy has led Iowa State to a tie game with Oklahoma right now. While his leadership and clutch qualities will be on display down the stretch, thus far, it is has been a nerve-racking day for Cyclones fans who watched Purdy. There have been some magical plays that Purdy has executed. A few ‘wow’ plays that showed his NFL potential.  However, Purdy’s processing and accuracy have been all over the place as well. While he has no interceptions on the stat sheet, there were at least three or four balls that could have been interceptions. They were not good decisions and Purdy has to read a defense much better than he did today. His pocket management is modest at best. At times, he fails to feel pressure, but other times, he sees ghosts and runs into pressure himself. Purdy has promise, but today will not move the needle that much. NF) (10-3-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-today-games-tv-schedule-live-blog-tony-pauline-week-5-2020/

2021 Draft QB Stock Watch: Costello shines (Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State:  Purdy had a ho-hum debut in Iowa State's loss to Louisiana two weeks ago and things weren't much better on Saturday against TCU. Yes, he finished 18 of 23 for 211 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions ... but he had one of the worst self-inflicted turnovers you'll ever want to see.  So yeah.  Purdy spent much of the day wearing out his tight ends in the flat, throws that don't get you particularly excited about his NFL potential, even though we really liked a lot about his 2019 tape. There wasn't a lot to get excited about against TCU but Purdy again did a good job of resetting his feet and threw accurately to short and intermediate targets, putting the ball on his receivers and giving them the best chance to maximize yards after catch. As as we saw a year ago, Purdy isn't afraid of tight windows and the confidence he has in his arm shows.  Purdy's one touchdown was "see it, throw it" and had more to do with Darren Wilson getting himself wide open.  Purdy is also a threat to run, though he didn't need to do it on Saturday because the Breece Hall had a huge day, racking up 154 rushing yards and three scores. And it was the running game that mitigated some of Purdy's lackluster play. He has Day 2 talent but he'll have to play with more consistency in the coming weeks.) (9-28-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-stock-watch-kyle-trask-dominates-k-j-costello-overpowers-lsu-deriq-king-shines-again/

2021 Draft QB Stock Watch: Trevor No. 1 (Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State:  We're huge Brock Purdy fans. There's a lot we like about his game based on his 2019 tape. Here's what we wrote about him heading into the season:  "Purdy gives us a Baker Mayfield vibe when we watch him because of his athleticism; he moves well in pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, is willing to make tough throws -- and perhaps more importantly, take a hit for a chance to complete a downfield pass. Purdy also throws with good anticipation and will lace balls into tight windows even when easier checkdown throws are available. His accuracy on short an intermediate passes, even when forced off his spot, is impressive."  And we saw much of that against Louisiana in the season-opener on Saturday. Unfortunately, we saw a lot of other stuff that has tempered some of that preseason enthusiasm, at least for a week. The 23rd-ranked Cyclones had their doors blown off at home, 31-14, and while Purdy played well in spots, the lack of consistency and questionable decision making is what his critics will remember.  Purdy finished 14 of 35 with no touchdowns and an interception. That said, he played much better than the box score indicates. He was accurate on short and intermediate passes, putting the ball on his receivers and allowing them to gain yards after the catch. Purdy also has Burrow-type athleticism that not only allows him to buy time in the pocket but to make plays with his feet downfield. He was also victimized by at least three dropped passes and his wide receivers and tight ends struggled all day to get open.  But Purdy, who was intercepted deep in his own territory trying to force the ball to a well-covered receiver, could have been picked off on three other occasions, too, primarily because he insists on throwing the ball into coverage. That's something he's going to have to rectify if he's going to make his way into the Day 2 draft conversation. Still, despite the rocky start, we remain bullish on his NFL prospects.) (9-15-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-stock-watch-trevor-lawrence-might-be-better-than-advertised-brock-purdy-struggles-in-debut/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 2 (Down - Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State:  Purdy has had some in the media projecting him as a first-round pick, but in speaking with NFL teams, Purdy is not viewed as a first-round talent. He then had an ugly season opener against La.-Lafayette, throwing a bad interception, taking an ugly drive-killing sack, and struggling to beat man coverage. Purdy completed 16-of-35 passes for 145 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception against the Ragin' Cajuns and did not look like an early-round pick.  Listed at 6-foot-1, 212-pounds, Purdy lacks size for the next level, plus he has a limited skill set. He looks like an accurate dink-and-dunk quarterback but a guy who struggles under pass rush and lacks good mobility to escape defenders. Purdy is also short and has issues seeing the field under pressure, and is not a playmaker on his own. From what I saw last year and against La.-Lafayette, I think Purdy looks like a fifth-round pick, at best. The Ragin' Cajuns tape will definitely hurt his draft grade and is a stock-down entry for him to open the 2020 season.) (9-15-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_02.php

College Football Week 2: Best and worst performances of the weekend (College Football Week 2 Worst Performances - Brock Purdy, Quarterback, Iowa State (6’0″, 203 pounds):  In Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), Trey Lance (North Dakota State), and Justin Fields (Ohio State), the top-three quarterback prospects in 2021 are practically set in stone. After those three talented quarterbacks, there is a major drop off of talent. Heading into the 2020 college football season, many in the draft community thought that Iowa State’s Brock Purdy was the next man up, but he was awful in Saturday’s Iowa State loss to the Louisiana Rajun Cajuns. Purdy was a dismal 16-for-35 on pass attempts, throwing for a mere 145 yards, zero touchdowns, and a brutal interception. His pocket presence was non-existent, he displayed horrendous ball placement, and the poor performance highlighted his average athleticism.  It’s time to end the first-round hype for Purdy until he can demonstrate that type of ability on a consistent basis.  Tony Pauline wasn’t fooled by Purdy, as Pauline states, “Many have graded Purdy as a potential early-round pick, but I went against the grain this summer and stamped Purdy as a sixth-round prospect who plays sandlot football, and that’s exactly what I saw during the Cyclones’ loss to Louisiana.  Purdy completed just 16 of 35 passes for 145 yards and never got the ISU offense moving. And while Purdy can be an electrifying signal-caller on the college field, his talents and lack of arm strength don’t translate well to the next level.”) (9-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-2-best-worst-performances-from-weekend/

NFL draft winners and losers: Iowa State QB Brock Purdy comes up short in upset loss (Losers - Iowa State QB Brock Purdy:  It’s hard to sugarcoat it. We came into the season hyping up Purdy and the Cyclones to a certain degree, and yet even with a good test in fearless Louisiana-Lafayette, there wasn’t much positive to report from this performance.  Purdy’s stats — 16-of-35 passing for 145 yards and one interception — don’t tell the whole story. But this wasn’t a case of the numbers exactly lying, either. Purdy made a few plays with his legs out of necessity, but overall it was a tough outing.  His disappointing performance in Iowa State’s 31-14 whipping at the hand of the Ragin’ Cajuns does come with a few small caveats: an injury that left his top target (TE Charlie Kolar) out for the game and four dropped passes by his receivers (two by Xavier Hutchinson) in the game. It was clear that his wideouts were not gaining much separation — against a heavy dose of man coverage — or giving Purdy a chance.  But we also watched Purdy misfire on some passes he should be making. On throws short and in between the hashes, Purdy was fine. But when it came to throwing deep or outside the numbers, it was starkly bad.  Purdy was 0-for-5 on passes 20 yards downfield or longer, per Pro Football Focus. And on throws outside the numbers, he was 5-for-13 for 50 yards and that pick. The Cajuns were basically daring him to beat them with deep shots and man beaters, and Purdy couldn’t do it.  If this was his worst outing of 2020, so be it. But in a year where there appear to be three clear top QB prospects — Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and Trey Lance — and a big glut of contenders for QB4, Purdy didn’t do anything in Week 1 to help his cause.  The worry is that a subpar final season could result in a Jake Fromm-esque tumble into Day 3. We’ll be watching how he and the Cyclones respond to a tough first outing.) (9-14-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-iowa-state-qb-brock-purdy-comes-up-short-in-upset-loss-164441751.html

NFL Draft Stock Report: Pauline’s Week 2 Risers and Sliders (Slider - Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State:  Many have graded Purdy as a potential early-round pick, but I went against the grain this summer and stamped Purdy as a sixth-round prospect who plays sandlot football, and that’s exactly what I saw during the Cyclones’ loss to Louisiana. Purdy completed just 16 of 35 passes for 145 yards and never got the ISU offense moving. And while Purdy can be an electrifying signal caller on the college field, his talents and lack of arm strength don’t translate well to the next level.) (9-14-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-week-2-risers-sliders/

2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy and Ian Book debut (Quarterback Brock Purdy has attained a lot of buzz in recent months. He was ranked No. 92 on our Top 100 big board released earlier this month. ) (9-11-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-quarterbacks-trevor-lawrence-brock-purdy-and-ian-book-debut/

2021 NFL Draft: Big 12 prospects to know ahead of the conference's weekend openers (Several draft analysts have liked what they have seen from quarterback Brock Purdy. Although the sample size is small, I am not in that camp yet.) (9-11-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-big-12-prospects-to-know-ahead-of-the-conferences-weekend-openers/

Five who could rise into Round 1 and top 32 (Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State:  Purdy is listed at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, which is historically undersized for an NFL quarterback. But thanks to Russell Wilson, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and even Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, QBs no longer have to be 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, rocket-armed pocket passers.  Purdy gives us a Baker Mayfield vibe when we watch him because of his athleticism; he moves well in pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, is willing to make tough throws -- and perhaps more importantly, take a hit for a chance to complete a downfield pass. Purdy also throws with good anticipation and will lace balls into tight windows even when easier checkdown throws are available. His accuracy on short an intermediate passes, even when forced off his spot, is impressive.  Purdy can sometimes get impatient, which leads to avoidable mistakes, but if he can limit the unnecessary risks -- and the turnovers that sometimes come with them -- he'll improve his draft stock and very well could end up as a Day 2 selection.  Purdy is currently 56th on our big board.) (9-1-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-why-kyle-trask-brock-purdy-could-rise-up-rankings-plus-our-top-32-prospects/

Big 12 Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (There are a lot of people on the outside who like the next-level potential of Brock Purdy, but I’m not one of them. Purdy is a terrific college signal-caller, but he’s more of a sandlot quarterback whose game does not project well to the NFL, at least in my opinion.) (8-3-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-big-12-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason quarterback rankings (4. BROCK PURDY, IOWA STATE:  Purdy may not be as big or as fast or have as much arm talent as the guys above him on this list — although he's above any NFL threshold in each — but what he does have on his resume is something that bodes well for any quarterback making the leap to the NFL: adversity.  In the past two seasons, his offensive lines have ranked 36th (2019) and 54th (2018) in pass-blocking grade among 64 Power 5 schools. He lost fourth-round receiver Hakeem Butler after the 2018 season and is unlikely to have any wide receiver drafted from his 2019 or 2020 offense. His situation is far from ideal compared to the elites in college football, yet he still earned passing grades of 82.2 (2019) and 88.0 (2018) in the past two seasons. Elite tools be damned — Purdy does whatever it takes on a weekly basis to win football games.  That gamer element and elevation of surrounding talent is nearly impossible to quantify. We know Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence obviously have easier jobs with their supporting casts, but it's difficult to say to what degree. It's clear that Purdy is a tier above your average college football “gamer,” though. He throws with anticipation and fearlessness over the middle of the field, and that is rare to see at the college level. So while he may not fit the prototype of what the NFL has coveted historically, his on-field performance warrants early-round consideration. Outlook for 2020:  For Purdy to warrant first-round consideration, he's going to have to take his game back to the level we saw from him as a freshman … and then some. We simply need to the special more consistently. He only racked up 21 big-time throws last season after having 20 as a freshman on nearly half as many dropbacks. A good portion of that is situation-based, though, and it may not turn around given that his most trusted receiving weapon in 2020 will likely be his tight end, Charlie Kolar. With him being only a true junior in 2020, I'd also bet good money that Purdy returns in 2021 if he puts up similar numbers to last season.) (7-30-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-quarterback-rankings

College Football: Ranking the 2020 Heisman favorites by the difficulty of their offensive scheme (8.  BROCK PURDY, IOWA STATE — 60 POINTS:  You could get good money betting on Purdy to win the Heisman in 2020. The Cyclones throw the ball a lot, and there is a ton of play action that will help him hit the deep passes. They also don’t burden Purdy with any of that nonsense quick-game stuff — only 7% of his throws were made up of those asinine double slants or slant-flats or stick stuff that should be abolished. The play-action passes allow him to target the middle of the field a bit more than other teams, too.) (7-29-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-the-2020-heisman-favorites-by-the-difficulty-of-their-offensive-scheme

2021 Draft: Who to know in QB class (Brock Purdy, Iowa State (junior). We get Baker Mayfield vibes from Purdy, who is listed at 6-foot-2. A tough competitor with plus-athleticism who's not afraid to rip throws into tight windows. He can sometimes get impatient, which leads to avoidable mistakes.) (7-14-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-what-to-know-about-the-quarterback-class-after-trevor-lawrence/

Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Iowa State (Purdy) (7-12-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-iowa-state

Early 2021 NFL Draft positional rankings (4. Brock Purdy, Iowa State:  Purdy is yet another third-year quarterback who has been balling since Day 1. His 88.0 passing grade as a true freshman ranks second to only Lawrence since 2015. He took a bit of a step back in 2019 to 82.8 but also lost his best playmaker in Hakeem Butler. With a distinct lack of talent around him at Iowa State, Purdy has elevated the offense using both his arm and his legs.) (6-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-early-2021-nfl-draft-positional-rankings

College Football: Which quarterbacks are in the next tier after Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields? (BROCK PURDY, IOWA STATE:  Argument for: Purdy didn’t quite take the next step forward in 2019 like we thought he would. His PFF grade dropped from 89.3 as a true freshman — which ranked 10th in the FBS — to 79.4 in 2019. That said, he’s still been one of the best quarterbacks on a throw-for-throw basis when in rhythm — an area in which you want your quarterback to excel. Over the last two years, Purdy has posted the lowest negatively graded play rate when in rhythm, en route to the ninth-best passing grade on those dropbacks. This week, PFF's Mike Renner explained why he thinks Purdy could end up cracking the top-three in the 2021 NFL Draft.  Argument against: Purdy never wants to completely give up on a play — he’ll do whatever he can to extend it and make something magical happen. This, in turn, has resulted in some gunslinger tendencies. When creating outside the structure (i.e. non-designed attempts outside the pocket), Purdy can make game-changing plays, but he can also do the contrary, which really hurts the offense. Purdy's passing grade on non-designed attempts outside the pocket since 2018 ranks second-to-last, and his turnover-worthy play count is the fourth-most. He was able to produce the seventh-most big-time throws when trying to create outside the structure, but he completed just 18 of his 57 pass attempts.) (5-28-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-college-football-quarterback-rankings-who-follows-trevor-lawrence-and-justin-fields-as-the-best

Candidates for the QB3 title in the 2021 NFL Draft (Brock Purdy, Iowa State:  Purdy may not possess the coveted measurables of Newman or Lance, but he does have experience on his side, starting for the Cyclones’ program since his days as a true freshman. Purdy’s steady progression culminated in a standout sophomore season, but the Heisman hopeful has the tools to set the bar even higher in 2020.  In 2018, Purdy threw for 2,250 yards, 16 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, and added 350 yards and five touchdowns as arunner. Last season, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound signal-caller showed marked improvement as a passer, throwing for 3,982 yards, 27 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.  While each of these quarterbacks has their own questions to answer this season, one could argue that Purdy is the most pro-ready of the trio. The Arizona native looks most comfortable on the move — his innate ability to extend plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield often yielded positive results in 2019 — but his knack for rapidly diagnosing plays and keen decision-making are underrated facets that many young signal-callers struggle with.  The main question Purdy must answer in 2020 is his ability to get outside of his comfort zone and push the ball down the field. As outlined by Pro Football Network draft writer Chris Spooner, the Cyclones’ cupboard is bare in terms of weaponry, and the offensive line situation is less than ideal. If Purdy expects to be viewed as a top-three quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft, he must elevate his surrounding cast and demonstrate adequate arm strength and accuracy.) (5-6-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/qb3-in-2021-quarterback-class-purdy-lance-newman/

2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 10 quarterbacks in the class (4. Brock Purdy, Iowa State:  While Lawrence, Fields, and Lance should all be picked up in the first ten selections, I do think there’s another first-round talent in this quarterback group. Purdy is a fearless gunslinger with good arm talent and quality athleticism. He’s raw and unrefined but his physical abilities and nature to push the ball down the field make him a very good option as a developmental quarterback. A team could take him late in the first to ensure they get the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.) (5-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/summer-scouting-a-look-at-the-2021-quarterback-class-rankings/

Meet the 2021 NFL draft QB class: Names to know, potential landing spots (Brock Purdy, Iowa State - Stat to know: Purdy's 8.38 yards per attempt were second best among Big 12 QBs in 2019, trailing only Jalen Hurts.  A moderate recruit out of high school, Purdy has excelled from the jump at Iowa State, starting in 2018 as a true freshman before a stellar sophomore campaign in 2019. His mix of accuracy and athleticism has made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the offensive-minded Big 12. He posted two six-TD games last season, one of which came against playoff-bound Oklahoma.  His size (6-1) isn't ideal, and to suggest Iowa State lacks a rich history of producing top NFL talent would be an understatement. The Cyclones' last first-rounder came in 1973. But Purdy was one of just two quarterbacks with at least 3,900 passing yards, 35 touchdowns and fewer than 10 picks in 2019. The other was Burrow.) (4-29-20):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/story/_/id/29112470/2021-nfl-draft-qb-class-early-look-eight-names-know-potential-landing-spots

NFL Draft prospects 2021: The top 10 quarterbacks, ranked from Trevor Lawrence to Ian Book (8. Brock Purdy, Iowa State: Purdy has 43 TDs and just 16 interceptions in two seasons with the Cyclones, and another year with Matt Campbell should foster the development. Purdy also has 13 rushing TDs and is mobile in a 6-1, 210-pound frame.  Purdy has eight games with 300 or more passing yards with Iowa State.) (4-25-20):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2021-prospects-quarterbacks/4jw6kjatvk8i1131mfwdic0na

2021 NFL Draft: Brock Purdy is a dark-horse top prospect (2-2-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-brock-purdy-is-a-dark-horse-top-prospect/

QB Kyle Trask:

Scouting Reports:

Florida:  https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/kyle-trask/13810

Walter football:  https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2021ktrask.php

Kyle Trask, QB, Florida – NFL Draft Player Profile (12-10-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/kyle-trask-nfl-draft-player-profile-florida-quarterback/

Kyle Trask - Quarterback Florida Gators Scouting Report:  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/kyletrask

Draft Network:  https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/kyle-trask/PHAxFWWsbD

2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Kyle Trask, QB, University of Florida (11-8-20):  https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/10/kyle-trask/

Articles:

2021 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Offense (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  I think Trask could become a good backup or mid-range starter in the NFL. He has excellent pocket presence with field vision, very good accuracy and ball placement, plus he hangs tough in the pocket. The big knock on Trask is a lack of mobility, as the NFL is trending away from the pure pocket passers. I think Trask's passing ability, however, could lead to him becoming a starter in the mold of an Andy Dalton- or Kirk Cousins-caliber quarterback.) (4-28-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021valuesoffense.php

The best draft prospect quarterbacks against every type of coverage (Cover-0: Kyle Trask, Florida - There are some legitimate reasons to be hesitant about Trask’s NFL potential — though he completed 301 of 437 passes for 4,283 yards, 43 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2020, any study of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts leaves you with the conclusion that Pitts will be even better in the NFL than he was in college (a truly frightening thought) without Trask throwing Pitts a bunch of late helium balls that forced Pitts into contested-catch situations more often than you’d like.  However, Trask was a bit of a red-zone wizard in 2020 as well, which gave him great numbers against Cover-0 (man coverage with no deep safeties), which is a primary red zone coverage. From the opposing 10-yard line to the opposing one-yard line last season, Trask completed nine of 14 passes for 19 yards, seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 95.8. And if you can demolish that kind of coverage with play-action slants to Pitts, you should do that all day long.  Overall against Cover-0, Trask led the nation in 2020 with 11 touchdown passes and had no interceptions, completing 14 passes in 22 attempts for 178 yards and a passer rating of 128.4. Perhaps when Trask doesn’t have deep safeties to deal with, he’s quicker to read the field, determine his target, and pull the trigger. He did throw seven touchdown passes against two-deep coverage last season (Cover-2, 2-Man, Cover-4), but also had three of his eight interceptions.) (4-24-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-mac-jones-zach-wilson/

4 Late-Round Quarterbacks Lions Could Target in 2021 NFL Draft (Kyle Trask (Florida) (Projected draft range: Second-fourth round):  Why Trask fits: Kyle Trask was all over draft boards during his time at Florida. He went nearly six seasons without starting a game at quarterback, going from his sophomore year of high school to his fourth year at Florida. After an injury to incumbent starter Felipe Franks, Trask burst onto the scene.  Trask entered the 2020 season as a likely first-round pick, but struggled with accuracy and turnovers. Pair those struggles with the rise of Alabama’s Mac Jones and BYU’s Zach Wilson, and Trask fell out of first-round projections.  He should be available on Day 2, if the Lions want an experienced signal-caller who will be less of a project than some of the other late-round options.) (4-16-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-4-late-round-quarterbacks

2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the late-round quarterback options (2. KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  Trask is one of the most interesting prospects in this draft class because he has many of the same traits Alabama’s Mac Jones has. The buzz around draft circles is that Jones will still end up going in the first round, but Trask isn't viewed in nearly the same light.  The Florida product has marginal NFL tools in terms of arm strength and athleticism, even if he has good size. His time in the 40-yard dash places him in the fourth percentile among quarterbacks, as does his short-shuttle time.  He also has just one season of high-quality play under his belt, though it did come this past season when he earned an impressive 92.2 PFF grade. In fact, he has just a very limited amount of experience, period, which could be argued from either angle as both a positive and a negative for his prospects.  The 6-foot-5, 211-pound quarterback eventually took hold of the Gators starting job in 2019, but before that, he backed up Miami quarterback D’Eriq King in high school and sat behind Feleipe Franks on the Florida depth chart as a freshman and sophomore.  He wasn’t great in that 2019 season before taking a huge leap in 2020, but he had attempted a total of just 538 passes since his freshman year of varsity football before this past year. It would be madness to expect the finished article in a player with so little actual game experience, which can also be used to excuse some of the flaws that still showed up in 2020.  His worst performances tended to come against his best opposition, though he graded above 90.0 in games against the likes of Georgia, as well.  Trask played exceptionally well in 2020, and he should have room to get better given how little actual playing experience he has. Still, his physical tools aren’t great, which may cap his ceiling at the next level. I would be all over Trask as an option if I needed a good backup, but my hopes of him being a high-end starter in the NFL wouldn’t be high.) (4-15-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-ranking-late-rounds-2021-nfl-draft-ranking-the-day-2-and-day-3-quarterback-options-kellen-mond-jamie-newman-kj-costello-kyle-trask-davis-mills

2021 NFL Draft: Grouping QB prospects by stylistic type (Average athletes with average arms and pinpoint accuracy (Mac Jones, Alabama, Kyle Trask, Florida):  Jones is the more polished version of Trask. The two SEC rivals couldn't be more similar from a strengths-and-weaknesses perspective. Both have immense control of where the football goes once it's released. Both show flashes of the inherent skill of subtly avoiding pressure while inside the pocket. Neither have strong arms by NFL standards. And both are low-level athletes for the quarterback position. And let's not forget both played with an embarrassment of riches at receiver, tight end, and offensive line in college.  Jones gives you a touch more athletic twitch and fewer misses altogether, which is why he's a more highly touted prospect.) (4-5-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-examining-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-and-rest-of-quarterback-class-by-type/

Kellen Mond vs. Kyle Trask: Will both QBs go on Day 2? (4-8-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/kellen-mond-kyle-trask-will-qbs-go-on-day-two/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Pro Days IV (Up - Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Trask needed to have a good pro day after missing the Senior Bowl with an injury, and he came through with a strong outing that showed off his accuracy, ball placement, and overall pocket passing ability. Trask was in better shape and looked more athletic than last fall. His pro-day performance should him to end up as a second-day selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.) (4-6-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_31.php

Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Wake Forest pro days: Kyle Pitts, Ja'Marr Chase post eye-popping 40s (ND - Kyle Trask

Florida:  The Gators' Heisman Trophy finalist threw for a large contingent of scouts Wednesday in a lengthy session. After measuring 6-5 1/2 and 236 pounds, he had all his top targets at UF catching his passes, including Pitts, Toney and WR Trevon Grimes. Trask opened his script with short routes and eventually lengthened out with some impressive intermediate and deeper throws.  "He's accurate, and as a big guy, he's actually more of a touch thrower than he is a huge-armed power [thrower]," Jeremiah said on NFL Network's Path to the Draft Pro Day Special.  In testing, Trask ran an underwhelming 5.11 40-yard dash.) (3-31-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/florida-kentucky-lsu-notre-dame-pro-days-elite-pass-catchers-kyle-pitts-and-ja-m

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for each of PFF’s top QB prospects (6. KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA - Biggest pro: Maneuvering pockets.  This was one of many areas where Trask greatly improved in 2020. He often panicked in tight pockets back in 2019, making bad decisions and throws as defenders closed in.  But that was far from the case in 2020.  Trask stayed poised, kept his eyes downfield and maneuvered muddy pockets this past season. He saw his grade under pressure go from 32.9 in 2019 (worst among those on this list by nearly 15 grading points) to 71.1 in 2020 (second among those on this list). It is, however, a whole different ballgame at the next level. It won’t be as easy for Trask to replicate those numbers, especially considering he lacks NFL-level traits.  Biggest con: Mobility.  The NFL is searching for mobile quarterbacks, and Trask simply doesn't fit that bill. Despite seeing 24 starts over the past two years, he busted off only 10 runs that resulted in a 10-plus yard gain. That’s the third-fewest among the 10 quarterbacks on this list — ahead of only Mac Jones and Davis Mills, who saw seven and 13 fewer starts, respectively, than Trask over that span. Trask can operate from tight pockets, but I wouldn’t expect him to make plays out of structure; he’s likely to be a sitting duck out there due to his lack of mobility.) (3-30-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-con-top-qb-prospects

Quantifying Quarterbacks: Kyle Trask (3-25-21):  https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/article/qb-klassroom/quantifying-quarterbacks-kyle-trask

2021 NFL draft: Can Florida QB Kyle Trask fit in modern NFL game? (65. QB Kyle Trask) (3-12-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nfl-draft-can-florida-qb-kyle-trask-fit-in-modern-nfl-game-224126855.html

2021 NFL draft film room: Florida QB Kyle Trask (3-1-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/03/01/2021-nfl-draft-kyle-trask-florida-film-room-video/

Best of the Rest: Examining the late-round QB options in the 2021 NFL Draft (2. THE GREAT COLLEGE QB WHO MIGHT STRUGGLE AS A PRO: KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  I think that Kyle Trask is probably maxed out as a college player, but that shouldn’t take away from his incredible and improbable run over the last two years.  Trask's box score stats are remarkable. He replaced Feleipe Franks as Florida's starting signal-caller early in the 2019 season and threw for 8.8 adjusted yards per attempt with 25 touchdowns to only seven interceptions, grading above 60.0 in nine of his 10 starts. This was his first season starting since D’eriq King pipped him in high school, and given that he was already a junior in 2019, it was quite a big leap between starts.  However, the box score didn’t show exactly how Trask played in 2019, as he recorded 22 turnover-worthy plays in total, tied for 10th-most in the country and the most in the SEC.  Ahead of 2020, there was concern that those turnover-worthy plays would turn into actual turnovers and that Florida’s offense would stagnate as a result. The opposite happened. Across 470 dropbacks, 81 more than he logged in 2019, Trask cut his turnover-worthy plays from 22 to only 13. His passing grade skyrocketed from 66.4 in 2019 to 92.4 in 2020.  The Florida quarterback kept the same accuracy he showed in 2019 but just stopped making bone-headed decisions, and the results were stunning: 43 touchdowns to only eight interceptions and 10.9 adjusted yards per attempt. He ranked second among FBS quarterbacks in passer rating on deep throws (139.6), ninth in passer rating from a clean pocket (132.4) and 11th in passer rating under pressure (99.8). I can’t say enough about the incredible leap he took with a full offseason as a starter under his belt.  The issue is that he doesn’t have the physical gifts that are almost universally found in NFL quarterbacks. He doesn’t even have average levels of athleticism, whether that comes with his legs or his arm. The ball just travels at such a slow speed when it leaves his hand that it’s going to be hard to fit balls into closing windows with NFL athletes playing defense, and he’s going to have to throw with immaculate anticipation.  He could figure it out, but it's not something you’d want to bet on. It’s going to be a hard transition for Trask and whichever team selects him.) (2-24-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-late-round-quarterback-prospects-2021-nfl-draft

2021 NFL DRAFT QB RANKINGS (7. Kyle Trask (Florida) | 6'4/239 (Comp: Nick Foles):  Trask is very similar to Mac Jones in that each is an average-armed statue in the pocket that enjoyed enormous, level-up 2020 seasons while playing with awesome supporting casts.  For all the surface-level similarities, Trask’s ethos is about the opposite of Jones’. While Jones will kill you short all day, Trask’s M.O. is attacking deep. On throws 20-yards or more downfield last year, Trask went an incredible 35-for-69 (50.7%) for 1,497 yards and a 16/0 TD/INT ratio.  Of course, he was throwing to TE Kyle Pitts and WRs Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes, one of the best receiving corps in the nation, a group that was insanely athletic and also big. Many quarterbacks would have had success throwing downfield to those guys. If you want to know why Trask was deadly downfield without possessing a bazooka, this is why.  Where Trask’s evaluation gives pause is the utter lack of mobility in conjunction with struggles underneath and on timing routes. Per PFF, he ranked only No. 50 in the nation last year with 67.4% completions on throws within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Since he worked with Pitts and Toney in particular, this is an especially troubling stat.  Trask was already facing major questions about how much the scheme and his supporting cast aided him in 2020 when he played in the bowl game against Oklahoma without Pitts, Toney and Grimes, who all opted-out. Trask went 16-for-28 for 158 yards, zero TD and three interceptions in a 55-20 loss. In that game, he posted a 21.6 QBR while his backup, raw dual-threat Emory Jones, posted a 92.4 QBR in roughly the same number of snaps.  Credit Trask for his enormous leap in 2020. But I struggle to get too excited about him from an NFL Draft perspective. How many average-armed quarterbacks who can’t move and don’t excel in the short-to-intermediate game have even been league-average starters in the past decade?  If everything works out, he’ll be another Nick Foles, bouncing between good backup/replaceable starter statuses. But if Trask doesn’t improve in the short and intermediate sectors and finds the deep-ball harder to complete when not throwing to Kyle Pitts, Trask will struggle to hold onto even a QB2 job.) (2-24-21):  https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/article/rankings/2021-nfl-draft-qb-rankings

2021 NFL Draft quarterback rankings (6. KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  Trask lit up scoreboards this past season at Florida en route to 43 touchdowns in 13 games on the season. He has ideal size at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and NFL-caliber arm talent, although it’s not quite on the level of the guys at the top of the class.  With Trask, one has to buy into the upward trajectory of his career. He went from never having started, even in high school, to a 66.4 passing grade in his first year of 2019 to a 92.4 mark this past year. The problem is that he’s a bit of a statue and his 68.7 completion percentage isn’t anywhere near indicative of his overall ball placement. Only 57.8% of his targets past the line of scrimmage were deemed accurate this past season — the sixth-ranked figure among the 10 quarterbacks listed here.) (2-16-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings

2021 NFL Draft: Justin Jefferson and the impact of bias, plus other lessons from scouting hits and misses (Applying the lesson to the 2021 draft class - Kyle Trask and especially Mac Jones. Those are the two easy-to-spot quarterback prospects who were unbelievably effective from stat and analytics angles who were surrounded by many future NFL players. Justin Fields could fall into this category to a lesser degree. The same applies to Trevor Lawrence at a lower level, especially because the 2020 Clemson Tigers are sending fewer picks to the upcoming draft than that program has had in many years.  Can Trask or Jones transcend their college environment when they get to the pros? Well, their NFL situations will again matter a great deal, more than other prospects at the position.) (2-15-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-justin-jefferson-and-the-impact-of-bias-plus-other-lessons-from-scouting-hits-and-misses/

NFL Draft quarterbacks 2021: Ranking the best QB prospects, from Trevor Lawrence to Kyle Trask (6. Kyle Trask, Florida - 2020 stats: 12 games, 4,283 yards, 43 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 68.9 completion percentage; 50 yards, three touchdowns.  Trask's 2020 breakout was equal parts a product of solid offensive weaponry and legitimate talent, making him a very intriguing prospect. But there are a few red flags that knock him down anywhere from the late first round to the third round.  At 6-5, Trask has prototypical size for a passer, but his size doesn't necessarily represent his arm strength. Trask demonstrates good ball placement and anticipation on throws, but his distanced throws are a bit weaker than other QBs listed here, dying out when arriving at the target.  Trask's arm and mobility are a bit weaker than the other prospects. Like Jones, Trask's lack of true mobility is going to limit what NFL offenses are and can be.  Still, it's hard to deny Trask's production this year, a year after not many expected much from him as a quarterback altogether. He'll likely fall in the draft, though he could generate some first-round buzz with the way he balled out in 2020.  Strengths:  Prototypical QB size, Geat accuracy and ball placement.  Weaknesses:  Average arm, Very limited mobility, Long-ish release) (2-12-21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-2021-quarterback-rankings/36jdxvnucjpj16ecv4j68iort

2021 NFL draft: Kyle Trask film breakdown against Vanderbilt (2-9-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/02/09/2021-nfl-draft-kyle-trask-florida-gators-draft-quarterbacks/

Davis Mills vs. Kyle Trask: Whose draft stock is higher ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft? (2-6-21):   https://www.profootballnetwork.com/davis-mills-vs-kyle-trask-whose-draft-stock-higher-ahead-2021-nfl-draft/

2021 Senior Bowl Quarterback Analysis (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Like Mac Jones, Kyle Trask sat out the Senior Bowl because of an ankle injury. Trask was once slotted in the latter end of the opening round of my 2021 NFL Mock Draft, but he has since slipped to the second round. Trask has great physical tools, but needs to improve his decision-making and pocket awareness.  2021 NFL Draft Projection: Round 2) (1-30-21):  https://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2021quarterbacks.php

What channel is the Senior Bowl 2021 on today? Time, rosters & NFL Draft prospects with most to prove (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Like Jones, Trask enjoyed an incredible season in 2020. But he threw five interceptions over his last three games, including multiple turnovers against LSU and Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. The common factor in those two games is that he played without several of his offensive playmakers, including receiver Kadarius Toney and Mackey Award-winning tight end Kyle Pitts. A good week of practice can erase doubts those subpar games may have created.) (1-29-21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/senior-bowl-2021-rosters-channel-time-nfl-draft-prospects/1szzz80ogunxh1n0kjxalhpstf

5 players with the most to lose at 2021 Senior Bowl (Kyle Trask may have the most to lose due to his Senior Bowl absence - Kyle Trask improved his draft stock immensely during his senior season. However, a poor performance in his final game for Florida has raised some question marks. There was a lot of intrigue in how Trask would perform at the Senior Bowl this week. However, it was announced Monday afternoon that Trask will miss the Senior Bowl due to an ankle injury.  While not appearing at the Senior Bowl will prevent Trask from seeing his stock drop through poor performance, there is a reason for concern surrounding his absence. Trask is currently the consensus sixth QB off the board. He is projected to be taken somewhere in either the second or third round. However, teams will have been hoping to watch his Senior Bowl performance closely. With a number of QBs just behind him in consensus ranks competing, could we see a good performance help one of them jump above Trask?  While it may be unlikely that the likes of Jamie Newman, Kellen Mond, or Sam Ehlinger climb above Trask on board, they could provide a viable alternative. If teams believe they can get another option in the fourth or fifth round, they may pass on Trask. Even without being at the Senior Bowl, Trask could see his stock fall this week.) (1-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/5-players-most-to-lose-2021-senior-bowl/

TWENTYMAN: 10 players to watch at the Senior Bowl (5. Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Trask leads the next group of quarterbacks that could be late Day 1 or Day 2 picks in the draft. Also in that group is Kellen Mond (Texas A&M), Jamie Newman (Georgia), Sam Ehlinger (Texas), Ian Book (Notre Dame) and Feleipe Franks (Arkansas), who will all be competing in Mobile this week. It's a great class of quarterbacks on this year's Senior Bowl roster. Trask (6-5, 240) threw for 4,283 yards with 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season.) (1-26-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-players-to-watch-at-the-senior-bowl-smith-jones-trask

Top quarterbacks at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Totaling 4,283 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, Kyle Trask enters the Senior Bowl as the group’s second-biggest name. Despite his production, Trask is in a similar boat to Mac Jones, though there are rough seas ahead for this Senior Bowl quarterback from Florida.  Like Jones, Trask’s arm talent and athleticism fail to clear the bar. He has more placement issues than Jones and is less proven intangibly, though he projects reasonably well in this regard — at least in comparison to the rest of his game. This week will separate him from Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney, two targets he relied on heavily this season.  If all goes well for Trask, a Day 2 selection isn’t out of the question. On the other hand, a poor week could send him towards the latter half of Day 3.) (1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-quarterbacks-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

10 players to watch in 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (9. Kyle Trask, QB, Florida: Trask was even more lightly regarded than Jones coming out of high school (he wasn’t even a starter, as Miami’s D’Eriq King was a teammate), but is the latest Dan Mullen project to become a pro prospect. He set Florida records for passing yards (4,283) and touchdowns (43) in 2020.) (1-25-21):  https://www.al.com/sports/2021/01/10-players-to-watch-in-2021-reeses-senior-bowl.html

Top prospects Lions could target to replace Matthew Stafford (Kyle Trask, Florida: If the Lions want to wait until Day 2 of the draft to land their next quarterback, Trask could be their target. A Heisman Trophy finalist after a stellar 2020 season, Trask flashed impressive throwing ability and enough athleticism to make defenses pay for forgetting about his running ability. He had some roller-coaster moments at times, and he might not have the ceiling of the other prospects on this list, but he could end up being a solid value outside the first round.) (1-23-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/matthew-stafford-trade-lions-2021-nfl-draft-prospects/

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's top prospects on the 2021 Senior Bowl roster (7. QB KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA (PFF Big Board Rank: 43rd): While Mac Jones produced the most yards to open receivers last year, Trask came in second. After a breakout season that earned a 92.2 overall grade, his performance without his top weapons against Oklahoma’s defense will give many pause. Trask has a similar opportunity to Jones in that he has to show that his talent holds up regardless of whether he’s throwing to multiple first-round receivers or not.) (1-21-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-best-prospects-on-the-senior-bowl-roster

101 best players in college football from the 2020 season (20.  QB KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  Trask had one of the best year-to-year improvements we have seen at the quarterback position this past season. In 2019, Trask posted a 66.4 passing grade and tied for the fourth-worst big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio in the entire country (9:22). This year, Trask improved his passing grade to an elite mark of 92.4 and had the best big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio in the country (41:13).) (1-18-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-101-best-players-2020

2021 Senior Bowl Rosters, Weigh-Ins, and Measurements (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Kyle Trask was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy this year. He ultimately finished fourth in the voting, with DeVonta Smith the eventual Heisman Trophy winner. Trask threw for 4,283 yards and 43 touchdowns in his 12 games in 2020. He led Florida to an 8-4 record, as they made the SEC Conference Championship. Trask’s college career ended on a sour note in Florida’s bowl game, as he threw for just 158 yards and 3 interceptions against Oklahoma.  Trask is the ideal size for an NFL quarterback; his competitive toughness is unquestioned. He has consistently made good decisions throughout his career and has thrown just 15 interceptions in his college career. He has averaged a 67.9 percent completion rate, demonstrating his accuracy.  The concerns around Trask revolve around a relative lack of mobility, as well as his arm strength to throw the ball deep. Look for the coaching staff of the American Team to investigate those areas thoroughly in Senior Bowl week.) (1-17-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-rosters-weigh-ins-measurements/

2021 NFL Draft: 5 quarterbacks who could make sense for the Detroit Lions (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Desmond Ridder and Kenny Pickett both opted to return to school in 2021, helping Kyle Trask’s stock a touch. Trask is one heck of an intriguing prospect, officially declaring for the draft late last month.  Trask set school records for passing yards and touchdowns this past season, finishing fourth in the Heisman voting. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound quarterback hit on 68.9% of his passes for 4,283 yards with 43 scores and only eight interceptions in 12 games. Don’t expect the big man to take off and run too often. He’s a pocket passer whose size likely afforded him more reads on the ground at the college level. Trask’s arm strength will remain under the microscope leading into the draft, especially when paired with his lack of mobility. It’s hard to ignore his production level this past season and amount of big-time throws he made, though. Right now, he’s a developmental quarterback that could cost a pretty penny based on the pick come April.  “The Florida QB emerged halfway through the 2020 season with five straight games of passing grades above 85.0 (Weeks 10-14) and showed off his accuracy constantly while hitting all those wheel routes, seams and fades that his head coach dialed up,” Pro Football Focus writes. “(Florida coach Dan) Mullen helped turn Trask from one of the worst big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratios in 2019 (9:22) to one of the best in 2020 (41:14).”) (1-13-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/01/2021-nfl-draft-5-quarterbacks-who-could-make-sense-for-the-detroit-lions.html

3 Draft Prospects Lions Need to Avoid at No. 7 Overall (Florida QB Kyle Trask:  The Heisman finalist had an extremely impressive season against SEC competition.  In 11 SEC games, Trask threw for 4,125 yards, 43 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also accounted for three touchdowns on the ground. However, he laid an egg in Florida's 55-20 loss to Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners in the Cotton Bowl Classic. He finished with a season-low 158 passing yards, to go along with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. This all came in the first half, as he didn't play a single snap after halftime.  The Lions surely need to prioritize acquiring a quarterback early in this year's draft.  However, it shouldn't be Trask in round one at No. 7 overall. ) (1-12-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-3-draft-prospects-to-avoid-no-7-overall

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Late Bowl Games (Down - Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Trask had to play the Cotton Bowl without his top four receivers as Kyle Pitts, Kadarius Toney, Trevon Grimes and Jacob Copeland were all out due to either 2021 NFL Draft preparation or a positive COVID-19 test. He had been excellent for Florida all season - 11 straight games -, but for he produced a dud in what could be his final collegiate game. It was a tough situation for him to be thrust into playing with backup receivers, but he also made mistakes unrelated to the loss of those playmakers.  On the Gators' first possession, Trask telegraphed a pass on a deep out and had a cornerback jump the route for a 45-yard pick-six. Trask stared down his receiver, making it an easy interception for the Sooners defensive back.  Trask had some bad luck on the next drive, seeing a deflected pass get picked off. The ball was a little behind the tight end, but it still should have been caught. Trask then threw his third pick of the first quarter when he wasn't on the same page with one of his new receivers, as the ball was located to the inside rather than the back corner of the end zone, and that resulted in an easy catch for the defensive back. Trask threw the ball before getting a good view, and that mistaken anticipation was costly for Florida. Trask completed 16-of-28 passes for 158 yards and three interceptions against Oklahoma. Trask's draft grade certainly won't be helped by his Cotton Bowl, but he probably won't be hurt too much considering he dominated in the other 11 games of the season.) (1-5-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_18.php

Florida QB Kyle Trask declares for 2021 NFL draft (12-31-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/31/kyle-trask-florida-declares-2021-nfl-draft/

NFL draft: Florida QB Kyle Trask is what he is, and Oklahoma meltdown doesn’t change that (12-31-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-florida-qb-kyle-trask-is-what-he-is-and-oklahoma-meltdown-doesnt-change-that-173350598.html

Draft: Tracking prospects in bowl season (Florida QB Kyle Trask's lack of a rocket arm showed up on more than one occasion in the loss to the Sooners, as he wasn't able to drive the football outside the numbers on two of his interceptions.) (12-31-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-bowl-game-tracker-zach-wilsons-big-opportunity-who-to-watch-in-tulane-nevada-and-more/

Who are the finalists for the 2020 Heisman Trophy? (Finalist: Kyle Trask, Florida - One of the Kyles on the Gators is quarterback Kyle Trask, who threw for 4,125 yards, with 43 touchdowns against 5 picks.) (12-24-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/24/finalists-for-the-2020-heisman-trophy-mac-jones-alabama-devonta-smith-crimson-tide-trevor-lawrence-clemson-tigers-kyle-trask-florida-gators/

Meet the 2021 NFL draft quarterbacks: Stats and what you need to know for Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, more (Kyle Trask, Florida Gators:  It has been a long road for Trask, but his breakout 2020 season puts him deservedly in this group of high-end quarterbacks in this class. First, he didn't even start for a high school team after his freshman year. Why? Former Houston Cougars and current Miami Hurricanes signal-caller D'Eriq King also went to Texas' Manvel High School. Then Trask went to Florida and didn't see much action; he redshirted in 2016 and then rode the bench for two seasons behind Feleipe Franks, who is also in this class. After Franks was injured in 2019, however, Trask went in and threw for 2,941 yards, 25 scores and seven interceptions. He retained the job, while Franks transferred to Arkansas.  Trask has taken his game to another level this season. He set the Florida record for most touchdowns thrown in a season (43) and became the first FBS player in 15 seasons (and only one in SEC history) to throw at least three in nine consecutive games. He has done it in 10 of 11 games this season. Trask could be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.  2020 stats: 4,125 passing yards, 69.7% completion rate, 43 touchdowns and five interceptions (plus three rushing TDs).  Rankings: Kiper's QB6 | McShay's QB6.  What's next: It'll be the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic to cap the Gators' 8-3 season. That Dec. 30 meeting with Oklahoma (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) will be Trask's final college game. But having accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl, he will have another opportunity to make a case for the first round next April. Senior Bowl activities will take place during the final week of January in Mobile, Alabama.) (12-24-20):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/story/_/id/30469546/meet-2021-nfl-draft-quarterbacks-stats-need-know-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-zach-wilson-more

How good are the 2021 NFL draft quarterbacks? Why this class is one of the most talented ever (THE POCKET PASSERS: ALABAMA'S MAC JONES AND FLORIDA'S KYLE TRASK:  While dubbing them “pocket passers” might be selling their mobility a tad short, if you're drafting one of these players in the first round, it's because of the way they can operate a passing game from inside the pocket. While both are surrounded with impressive collections of playmakers, both are taking their respective offenses to heights we rarely see, thanks to NFL-caliber quarterbacking.  Jones' calling card is his anticipation and timing within the Alabama offense. Every read and every throw looks as if it's manifested straight out of the playbook. You simply won't see Jones late to many windows. It's difficult not to get similar vibes to Joe Burrow‘s 2019 season at LSU when you watch Jones pick apart SEC defenses (despite middling arm strength). At the very least, he's outperforming former teammate and top-five pick Tua Tagovailoa in every conceivable passing metric. That's without Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and now Jaylen Waddle mind you.  As for Trask, his calling card is his downfield ball placement. He already has tied Burrow's Power 5 record for big-time throws with 41 on over 150 fewer dropbacks. Trask had seven against Alabama's vaunted defense in the SEC title game alone. For a quarterback in just his second year starting (he backed up Miami quarterback D'Eriq King in high school), Trask's arrow is pointing up.) (12-24-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-how-good-are-the-2021-nfl-draft-quarterbacks-why-this-class-is-one-of-the-most-talented-ever

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 16 (8. QB KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  It wasn’t a perfect performance, but when you light up a Nick Saban-coached defense for 400-plus passing yards, you deserve a spot on this list. Not only did Trask rack up the yardage, but he did a lot of it through the air as opposed to after the catch. He finished with seven big-time throws in a game that scouts will no doubt pore over all spring.) (12-22-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-16

NFL draft winners and losers: Where do the Jets go if they miss out on QB Trevor Lawrence? (Alabama Mac Jones and Florida QB Kyle Trask:  In an entertaining shootout in the SEC title game, both quarterbacks fared well.  Jones completed 33 of 43 passes (76.7 percent) for 418 yards, five TDs and one pick. His one interception was in the hands of TE Miller Forrestall before being ripped out by Florida’s Trey Dean for a pick. Could the throw have been better? Yes, but it was a minor mar in an otherwise strong performance.  Trask threw a few balls up for grabs (six passes defended), took five sacks and fumbled twice. But he threw some gorgeous passes, accounted for four TDs (three passing, one rushing) and became the first QB to throw for more than 400 yards, three or more TDs and zero interceptions against the Crimson Tide since Deshaun Watson in the 2016 national title game.  Trask also took a beating in the game behind the Gators’ patchwork offensive line. That toughness surely will earn him some more NFL respect.  Neither Trask nor Jones will fit the mold of the modern dual-threat QB that’s all the rage in the league. But each brings some uncanny accuracy, touch and competitiveness to the table and will be fascinating evaluations. We think Jones might end up in Round 1, and while many believe Trask more likely will be a second-round pick, he’s acquitted himself as well as you could hope.) (12-21-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-where-do-the-jets-go-if-they-miss-out-on-qb-trevor-lawrence-184254289.html

Stock Watch: Fields lone top QB to flop (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida: Stock Up - Considering the opponent, Trask had his best game of the season against Alabama. He went 26 of 40 for 408 yards with three touchdowns and no picks. His downfield touch was impeccable, as evidenced by the long touchdown down the left sideline to Kadarius Toney early in the game.   His best throw of the evening came late in the second quarter with the score 28-10 from deep in his own end. Trask stood in the pocket and fired a laser to Toney from the 20 to the Alabama 45 between two defenders. He ripped a strike to Toney a few plays later before scoring himself on a keeper to cut the lead to 11.  Trask threw with more velocity than I've ever noticed and did not fold up shop when the Gators continually fell behind by multiple scores, often delivering strikes down the field, like the long touchdown to Trevon Grimes with future first-round pick Patrick Surtain in coverage. The late touchdown to Kyle Pitts was a thing of beauty too, a pass thrown purposely high over traffic. His pocket presence was average and that lack of awareness led to some big plays for the Crimson Tide, but Trask did a lot to help himself in the SEC title game despite losing to Alabama.) (12-21-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-stock-watch-alabama-stars-shine-justin-fields-flops-in-conference-title/

Week 16 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Can Kyle Trask rebound against Alabama defense that has underperformed this season?  Florida desperately needs a victory against Alabama in the SEC title game after losing to LSU last week if they are to have any hope of making the College Football Playoff. But it will be tough for the Gators defense to stop the Tide’s offense.  From a scouting point of view, it’s important for Kyle Trask to rebound after his poor performance from a week ago. Alabama’s defense has been suspect at times this season. So it’s equally important for the likes of Dylan Moses, Patrick Surtain II, and Josh Jobe to show they can stop, or at least slow down, the terrific skill players at Trask’s disposal.) (12-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-16-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

QB Watch: BYU's Wilson holds his own (Kyle Trask, Florida:  It was a night to forget for Trask and the Gators. The outcome was Florida's second loss of the season and the disappearance of any sliver of College Football Playoff hope. Trask threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. His successful plays were not necessarily a stroke of football brilliance either.  On one of his two touchdown passes, wide receiver Jacob Copeland gave a subtle shove to the defensive back and worked underneath to secure the score. The other touchdown pass was a screen to wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who did most of the work after the catch. Trask threw a pick six to true freshman cornerback Eli Ricks, who spied the quarterback and jumped an inside route.  The Texas native did register his first rushing touchdown of the season. It was just his seventh rushing touchdown in three seasons. According to TruMedia, his weakness has been medium and deep routes breaking towards the boundary. He has been below average in that situation this season but those attempts have accounted for just 3.2% of his total throws. His efficiency on underneath routes has been red hot.  Clemson's Trevor Lawrence is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect available in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ohio State's Justin Fields, BYU's Zach Wilson, and North Dakota State's Trey Lance are the second tier of quarterbacks. Beyond those four, Trask, along with the aforementioned Jones, enters the conversation. There is a ceiling for his draft stock because of his lack of mobility.) (12-14-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-alabamas-mac-jones-byus-zach-wilson-do-just-enough-in-victories/

NFL draft winners and losers: Why Florida QB Kyle Trask might not be a first-round pick (12-14-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-why-florida-qb-kyle-trask-might-not-be-a-firstround-pick-193506370.html

Week 15 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Despite Kyle Trask’s numbers, his draft stock is anything but certain (10:40 PM):  Kyle Trask just set the Florida program record for touchdown passes in a season, breaking the previous record held by Danny Wuerffel. While his college numbers are off-the-charts insane, Trask’s projection into the NFL is not that of someone who will go in the Top-10. It is for good reason, as Trask lacks great physical tools. He has an average arm at best and can fail to push the ball sufficiently down the field.  However, his arm is not the main concern. Trask has the accuracy and precision to make up for some of those arm talent concerns. There is no way for him to overcome his lack of mobility. Trask has very little ability to do anything out of structure if the play breaks down. It is almost like he is a statue in the pocket with very little movement. Those two traits knock down Trask’s ceiling, and he should be a high IQ backup for an NFL team. Rather than a first-round pick, Trask may just be a solid backup picked on mid-Day 2. NF.  While Pitts will be unavailable, this game still deserves the watchful eye of draft junkies. Trask’s pro projection remains an enigma as he continues to put up record-breaking numbers, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney has developed quickly into one of the league’s most dynamic players. IC) (12-13-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-15-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

QB Watch: Scrambling ability on display (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask added to his Heisman candidacy with another outrageous game for the stat sheet. He notched his third 400-plus yard game of the year (433) and fourth-straight with a completion percentage over 70 (71.4%) and fourth overall game with at least four touchdown passes. He displayed fine touch on the football on a few throws near the sideline that required extra loft to get over the underneath defender, repeatedly hit the hole shot against Cover 2 and made some quality throws on designed roll outs. Despite all that, something just seems off with Trask -- yes, even despite his absurd statistics. A large portion of his passes are to completely open wideouts on his first read. And while I like that he has shown he's been coached to step up into the pocket while scanning, his pocket presence doesn't seem natural, and he's a clunky athlete. I'm still worried about his arm strength too. Two of his four touchdowns were schemed open short tosses near the end zone. Another was somewhat of a tight-window toss. Trask has become pretty close to a first-round lock at this juncture, but he, individually, hasn't been as spectacular as his statistics. ) (12-7-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-zach-wilson-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-showcase-dynamic-running-talent/

Kyle Trask shines again as Florida beats Tennessee, clinches SEC East (12-5-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/05/florida-tennessee-kyle-trask-sec-nfl-draft/

College Football Award Watch: Top candidates for every major CFB award through Week 13 (Florida quarterback Kyle Trask joins Jones as one of the big surprises of the season. Trask struggled to a disappointing 66.4 passing grade after replacing the injured Feleipe Franks in 2019. The accuracy was there, but the decision-making was far from good. But this year, Trask has done a complete 180.  The Florida quarterback did look a bit like his 2019 self in his first three games, with two of those ending in sub-70.0 PFF grades, but he has been on fire in his last five outings. Trask has posted a 93.7 passing grade since Week 9, displaying tremendous ball placement deep downfield and looking far more comfortable out there than he was in 2019.) (12-4-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-award-watch-top-candidates-for-every-major-cfb-award-through-week-13-2020

QB Watch: No stopping Trevor Lawrence (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask was facing a favorable matchup against a depleted Kentucky team this weekend. The Gators had just one score before Kadarius Toney returned a punt for a touchdown in the final minute. The Trask to Kyle Pitts connection was alive and well, however. All three of the senior quarterback's touchdowns went to the tight end. Trask does a great job of throwing with touch and he gives his skill players a chance to make plays. There were a few throws into tight coverage, but Pitts made the catch for his quarterback. Trask completed 21-of-27 passes for 256 yards and zero interceptions.  Nearly one-quarter of Trask's pass attempts have been on Go routes this season and he has performed well above average on those plays, according to truMedia Stats. In fact, the quarterback has been average or above average on every route with the exception of intermediate and deep throws to the boundary. Some projections have included Trask in the first round. With limited mobility, it is difficult envisioning a scenario where he is taken earlier than late Day 1.) (11-30-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-trevor-lawrence-concedes-nothing-in-race-to-be-no-1-overall-pick/

Comparing Kyle Trask's 2020 season to Joe Burrow's historic 2019 (11-25-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/11/25/kyle-trask-joe-burrow-comparison-nfl-draft-college-football-heisman-trophy/

2021 NFL Draft QB Watch: Fields up, down (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Over the summer, we used the term "steady as she goes" to describe Trask's game. We may have been underselling him a bit because Trask has been phenomenal all season and Saturday against a feisty Vanderbilt team was no different. He finished 26 of 35 for 383 yards and three more touchdowns and he now has 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions on the season.  How impressive is that through seven games? Those 31 TDs ranks first in the SEC ahead of Joe Burrow and Tim Couch, who each managed 29.  Trask is who he is -- a traditional pocket passer who'll never be confused athletically with Kyler Murray or Josh Allen, or even Joe Burrow. That reality may make it difficult for him to find his way into the first round but he's played at such a high level this season -- after only taking over the starting job midway through 2019 -- that we won't be surprised if he's among the first 32 picks.  Despite the world-class athleticism, Trask moves well in the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, and has an ability to put the ball where only his receiver can make a play. We've seen it time and again this season and we saw it on Saturday too.  Trask is one of the best touch passers in the country but NFL teams will have questions about his arm strength. He can overcome some of the physical shortcomings because he's accurate, throws with anticipation as well as anyone in college football, and is also incredibly smart. And don't misunderstand, Trask isn't a statue -- he moves well in the pocket to buy time, and as we saw in the clip above, he can even move outside the pocket and make plays downfield -- but he'll never be consistent a threat to run, either. NFL teams know this, of course, but that will have to be part of the math that comes with drafting a pure pocket passer.) (11-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-has-up-and-down-performance-kyle-trask-continues-to-shine/

Week 12 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Kyle Trask carries on elite production versus Vanderbilt (3:45 PM):  It was a typical day of statistical dominance for Florida quarterback Kyle Trask today. The Heisman candidate meticulously tore up the Vanderbilt secondary, completing 26 of 35 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Trask now has over 2,500 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just three picks in seven games this season.  There is, of course, a difference between statistical production and diagnostic ability. Trask is an excellent example of this, as opinions on his NFL projection are primarily split. But regardless of whatever limitations might be perceived with Trask, his latest outing again showcased his redeeming traits. Trask can see the field reasonably well, and his execution of Florida’s offense has been superb. He may not have the mobility and arm talent of preferred modern passers, but his high floor will generate interest. IC) (11-21-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-12-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

2021 NFL Draft: Top 10 quarterback prospects (5. KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  At a position where we constantly talk about how much supporting cast matters, Trask has shown he can rise above. The redshirt senior lost all of his starting wide receivers from a season ago to the NFL and has seen his passing grade jump from 66.4 in 2019 to 91.5 so far in 2020. Yes, he still has legit NFL talents in tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Kadarius Toney, but even without Pitts this past weekend against Arkansas, Trask put together his highest-graded game of the season.  Year 2 as a starter in the Florida offense — he didn’t even start in high school — has brought Trask to life as a downfield passer. He’s put up 22 big-time throws already on the season after managing all of nine last season. While pretty much everyone on this list is a better athlete than Trask, he’s not a complete statue and actually has 17 designed runs on the year. He’s putting together a first-round resume.) (11-19-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-top-10-quarterback-prospects

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 11 (1. QB KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  Going 23-of-29 for 356 yards, six touchdowns, zero picks and five big-time throws is one hell of a stat line — regardless of the opponent. Oh, and Trask didn’t even have his top target, Kyle Pitts. He flashed his massive arm on multiple occasions and played efficiently on top of that. Trask now has a 91.7 passing grade on the season and has firmly played his way into the Round 1 conversation.) (11-17-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-11-college-football

QB Watch: Trask enters Heisman talks (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask has thrown for at least 268 yards in each of his team's six games. Saturday against Arkansas was no different. He finished with as many touchdowns as incompletions. The pocket passer from Texas finished completing 23-of-29 passes for 356 yards and six touchdowns. The consummate teammate, Trask overcame the absence of star tight end Kyle Pitts by throwing two touchdowns to the backup -- Keon Zipperer.  The senior is tough and poised in the pocket. Teams will never be afraid of his ability to get yardage on the ground because he lacks speed but he has the ability to manipulate defenses. Trask held the safety with his eyes on one play before tossing it over the top for an easy touchdown to Zipperer. On another touchdown, he motioned forward as if orchestrating a quarterback draw before zipping it out to wide receiver Trevon Grimes on the boundary. Trask throws with elite ball placement and gets the ball out quickly. His understanding of the opposition has allowed him to play at a much faster pace in 2020.  As of today, Lawrence, Fields, Wilson and Lance appear to be the four best quarterback prospects available in the 2021 NFL Draft. Trask has forced himself into that second tier quarterback conversation along with Alabama's Mac Jones and a few others.) (11-16-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-kyle-trask-steals-the-show-and-joins-heisman-conversation-ian-book-enters-the-chat/

Week 11 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Trask doing it – Again! (8:10 PM):  There are still seven minutes left in the first half, but Kyle Trask already has three touchdown passes against Arkansas. The Florida signal-caller just made a beautiful throw in the end zone to tight end Justin Shorter, the replacement for the injured Kyle Pitts, who made an equally impressive catch for six points. Trask is 13-of-16 for 193 yards so far, with seven different pass catchers recording a reception. The Week 10 riser is getting a lot of top 45 conversation at this point, after entering the season graded as a late-round pick by scouts.) (11-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-11-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

Florida QB Kyle Trask keeps lighting up opposing defenses (11-14-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/11/14/kyle-trask-florida-arkansas-nfl-draft-college-football/

NFL draft matchups: There's a surprisingly good QB battle in the SEC this week (Trask, Franks’ backup (and friend) with the Gators last season, has thrived this season and could end up being a top-50 overall selection in 2021. But he also has thrown pick-sixes in back-to-back weeks, so we’ll be watching to see how careful Trask is with the ball in this game. Both Trask and Franks can be careless with the ball at times.) (11-13-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-theres-a-surprisingly-good-qb-battle-in-the-sec-this-week-160734101.html

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 10 (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Early in the year, Trask beat up on some of the weaker defenses in the SEC, but against Georgia, he torched one of the better ones relentlessly. Trask put on an impressive display of pocket passing with accuracy, field vision, decision-making, timing, and precision. Trask completed 30-of-43 passes for 474 yards, four touchdowns and an interception against the Bulldogs.  Overall, Trask showed pocket-passing ability for the NFL. He was accurate with impressive ball placement and made good decisions. Thanks to his powerful arm capable of making touch passes, Trask put on display some natural ability. The big knock on Trask is a lack of mobility, and that hurts his chances of being a first-round pick next April in the 2021 NFL Draft.) (11-10-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_10.php

QB Watch: Fields, Wilson cruise (Kyle Trask, Florida:  It seemed as though the Bulldogs defensive backs completely forgot that the opposing team was allowed to throw the ball outside the hashmarks. Trask and the Gators' passing offense repeatedly attacked the outside with short throws into the flat and wheel routes from backs and tight ends with little to no resistance. While the stat line indicates Trask was incredible against Georgia -- 30-of-43 for 474 yards with four touchdowns and one pick -- the interception was a force throw late and with a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter, he made another ill-advised decision that should've led to a pick six but was dropped. Don't get me wrong though, Trask made a handful of on-target throws, particularly short over the middle and at the intermediate level outside the numbers. I love that Trask isn't afraid to give his receivers -- and tight ends -- a chance on throws downfield.  Even after superstar tight end Kyle Pitts left with an injury, Trask operated Dan Mullen's offense efficiently in the convincing rivalry game win. His arm strength is a concern for me.) (11-9-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-zach-wilson-stay-hot-and-get-to-know-libertys-malik-willis/

NFL Draft Stock Report: Florida QB Kyle Trask leads list of Week 10 risers (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Numbers aside, it was a tremendous performance for Kyle Trask against a very good Georgia defense. But the numbers must be mentioned, as the fast-rising senior amassed 475 yards and four touchdowns on 30-of-43 passing. Most impressive was the poise and leadership Trask displayed.  Top target Kyle Pitts was lost early in the game and senior Trevon Grimes was a nonfactor, but Trask adjusted and did a great job using all of his other targets, as 10 different pass catchers registered a reception. This was the type of complete performance in Week 10 from a production, intangible and intelligence standpoint — against a highly rated defense — that boosts his NFL draft stock and moves Trask closer to being in the conversation for Round 1.) (11-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-week-10-risers-kyle-trask/

SIX FROM SATURDAY (3. April’s quarterback class keeps looking better. Of course, you’ve got Lawrence, Ohio State’s Justin Fields and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. BYU’s Zach Wilson has come on. And I’d keep an eye on Florida’s Kyle Trask, who carved up Georgia’s defense on Saturday and has been putting up video-game numbers all year. “He’s worked his way into the second or third round,” said one area scout assigned to Florida. “As long as he keeps playing this way, you see an accurate passer, a good decision-maker, and a big kid with incredible production in his first full year as starter.”) (11-9-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/11/09/mmqb-week-9-lamar-jackson-ravens-growing-dolphins-giants-saints

Florida QB Kyle Trask makes SEC history in big win over Georgia (11-7-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/11/07/florida-georgia-kyle-trask-sec-history-nfl-draft/

Treash: Why Florida’s Kyle Trask is not an elite SEC quarterback (10-20-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-why-florida-kyle-trask-not-elite-sec-quarterback

NFL Draft Rumors & News: Will Jets look to pair Trevor Lawrence & Dabo Swinney? (Beyond the big three quarterbacks (Lawrence, Fields and Lance), are there any NFL Draft rumors about who the quarterbacks are that could push into the back end of Round 1 or the top of Round 2. Kyle Trask of Florida has played very well and should end up going on Day 2, but the top 32 may be a bit rich for his talents.) (10-20-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-will-jets-pair-trevor-lawrence-dabo-swinney/

NFL draft winners and losers: Even in another banner WR crop, Alabama’s DeVonta Smith deserves highest praise (Florida’s Kyle Trask has not at all disappointed and is trending toward a top-50 spot, and perhaps even a Round 1 pick.) (10-19-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-even-in-another-banner-wr-crop-alabamas-de-vonta-smith-deserves-highest-praise-164424421.html

College Football: Ranking all 14 SEC starting quarterbacks ahead of Week 7 (5. KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  Trask was the player we at PFF disagreed with the public consensus on the most last year — he earned a 66.4 passing grade on the year and ranked outside the top 110 of 130 FBS quarterbacks in both big-time throw and turnover-worthy play rate. He no doubt showed he had the accuracy to succeed at the position, but Trask left a lot to be desired. Trask and the Gators opened up the 2020 season with Ole Miss, and the fifth-year senior had a career day by posting a 90.9 PFF grade. But he followed that one up with two games that made him look like the Trask from 2019. Over the last two weeks, Trask has recorded a 64.1 passing grade and second-lowest adjusted completion percentage on throws of 10 or more yards downfield.  Trask's box score may have looked great, but nearly all of that production is thanks to his playmakers on shallow targets. No SEC receiving unit averaged more yards after catch on targets less than 9 yards downfield than Florida at 9.1 the last couple of weeks, and they also managed to turn 11 of those targets into explosive plays of 15-plus yards. When you consider that Ole Miss’ defense would go on to be carved up by both Kentucky and Alabama, paving way to the most EPA allowed by any FBS defense this year, it looks more and more like Trask isn't really much better than he was in 2019. He is exactly who we thought he was.) (10-14-20):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-all-14-sec-starting-quarterbacks-ahead-of-week-7

2021 NFL Draft QB Watch: Kellen Mond, Mac Jones and Zach Wilson emerge as legit prospects (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask finished 23-of-32 for 312 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions against Texas A&M. A large portion of his production came via quick, schemed tosses and yards after the catch, but he did drop this downfield shot to Kadarius Toney for a 37-yard touchdown in the third quarter. A back-shoulder toss down the left side in the fourth quarter that landed a quarter of the yard to short and fell incomplete on third down was costly, but Trask led a touchdown drive on the next possession. Despite his size --  6-foot-5 and 240 pounds -- Trask doesn't have a rocket. I did notice a few throws downfield that were made with almost no lower-half rotation. However, it's easy to spot that some of Trasks tosses could use more speed.  It was another smooth performance for Trask in a game without many high-degree-of-difficulty throws. ) (10-11-20):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-kellen-mond-mac-jones-and-zach-wilson-emerge-as-legit-prospects/

College Football Recap, Week 6: The top storylines from the weekend (The Gators’ other Kyle continues to impress in the Week 6 College Football Recap (12:45 PM):  Tight end Kyle Pitts has been the rage in the draft blogosphere this season and with good reason, but don’t sleep on the Gators’ other Kyle: Quarterback Kyle Trask. The senior has shown terrific improvement in his game and is really becoming the complete package at quarterback. Trask has the size and arm strength to play at the next level, but his ability to see the field, read the defense, and lead the offense has been off the charts in 2020.  Trask uses all his targets, makes a lot of NFL passes, and shows terrific accuracy.  Entering the season with Day 3 grades, Trask is moving into top 100 territory with his play this season as we move toward the 2021 NFL Draft. TP) (10-11-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-scores-schedule-live-blog-week-6-2020/

Could a Kellen Mond win over Kyle Trask, Florida change the narrative? (10-8-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/could-kellen-mond-win-over-kyle-trask-florida-change-the-narrative/

NFL draft winners and losers: Which QBs are rising and falling so far? (Kyle Trask, Florida:  When we wrote about the possibility of the “next Joe Burrow” emerging in college football this season, Trask was one of the first names we mentioned. (While noting that there likely would be no next Joe Burrow, who was the Halley’s Comet of NFL prospects quite honestly.)  But Trask has started out the season hot, completing 51 of 71 passes (71.8 percent) for 684 yards (9.6 yards per attempt) with a 10-1 TD-INT ratio. Having the kinds of weapons Florida does wil cast doubt on Trask’s true upside, as it will for Alabama QB Mac Jones (see below).  However, if there’s a quarterback whom we think has a chance to vault into the first-round picture as QB4 in 2021, it’s Trask. He has the build, the makeup, the solid arm talent, the ball placement on his throws and the poise to impress NFL evaluators. So far, he already has. And if Florida’s defense remains a bit leaky, it could help boost Trask’s stats a bit. They’ve needed him to keep piling on the drives, yards and points through two games.) (10-5-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-which-q-bs-are-rising-and-falling-so-far-180600699.html

2021 Draft QB Watch: Lance under microscope (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask has been efficient and effective. Kyle's Pitts and Trask had college football buzzing last weekend as they dominated the Ole Miss secondary. Trask was thrust into the starting lineup when Feleipe Franks was injured last season. He assumed the role as if it were a birthright. His comprehension of the offense allowed him to have success immediately and ever since. His ball placement has allowed the Florida receivers to do what comes naturally.  His arm may not be the strongest, but Trask is accurate and does a good job of working through his progressions. The Texas native completed 21-of-29 passes for 268 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in a 38-24 victory over South Carolina. The No. 3 Gators are going to be a real contender this season as long as the quarterback play remains consistent.) (10-5-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-trey-lances-one-game-showcase-kyle-trask-continues-to-impress/

Six from Saturday (3. While we’re there, I’m going to start keeping an eye on Florida QB Kyle Trask. I’m not saying he’s this year’s Joe Burrow, but what I’ve seen has been impressive (684 yards, 10 TDs, one INT through two games), he’s got a great backstory, and his measurables check out. There’s a lot of season left, so we won’t jump to conclusions yet, but I’m intrigued. “He was our top-rated senior QB, based off junior tape,” Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said, via text. “And he’s separated himself even more these first couple weeks. Don’t have the tape of [Saturday]’s game yet but Ole Miss game was impressive. He looks like an NFL starter.” For what it’s worth, Dan Mullen’s got pretty good track record developing NFL QBs too (Dak Prescott, Alex Smith, etc.)) (10-5-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/05/mmqb-week-4-covid-19-protocols-saints-vikings-patriots

College Football: PFF’s Heisman rankings through Week 4 (7. QB KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA

(PFF grade: 90.9):  Trask kicked off his second year as a starter with a big Mike Breen bang, posting the highest PFF grade of his career. He also notched four big-time throws, which was nearly half of his 2019 total (nine). The Florida quarterback still made a couple of bad decisions — the kind we saw in 2019 — and still didn’t look completely comfortable under pressure, but it wasn’t to the degree at which we saw routinely a season ago.  While this was a great game from Trask, we still need to see it on a consistent basis. Remember, he recorded an 83.0 passing grade in his very first start last season, but after that, his next best game from a passing grade standpoint graded at just 70.4.) (9-30--20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pffs-heisman-rankings-through-week-4

QB KlassRoom: Florida QB Kyle Trask (9-29-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/qb-klassroom/qb-klassroom-florida-qb-kyle-trask

NFL Draft Rumors & News: Will Jets soon fire Adam Gase? (Did Kyle Trask show anything specific you were looking for in his first 2020 start?  I always liked his intangibles like patience, accuracy, and command of the offense, but I always thought Trask was more of a game manager. He seemed to disprove that against Ole Miss. LSU and Georgia in the coming month will be huge challenges for Trask to see if he is in fact a guy that can carry the team.) (9-30-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-will-jets-fire-adam-gase/

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 4 (2. QB KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  For as good as Pitts was, Trask wasn’t too far behind. He finished with an elite 90.0-plus overall grade and had four big-time throws on 43 dropbacks. It was a far cry from the quarterback who had only nine big-time throws all last season. He looked so much more comfortable pushing the ball down the field and giving his guys chances to make plays.  The sort of accuracy he showed when throwing into tight windows or to closely guarded receivers was something we didn’t get to see nearly as much in 2019. For the quarterback many have tabbed as “this year’s Joe Burrow,” he had a Burrow-esque Week 1.) (9-29-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-4

College Football Top Performers, Week 4: Kyle Pitts stands out (Kyle Trask, Quarterback, Florida (6’5″, 240 pounds): After the “Big Three” quarterback prospects of the 2021 NFL Draft, a group consisting of Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, and Ohio State’s Justin Fields, the name to watch when it comes to 2021 quarterbacks is Florida’s Kyle Trask.  In Week 4, Trask was remarkable, completing 30 of 42 passes for 416 yards and a stunning six touchdown passes. Trask showcased his football savviness and arm talent in the Gators’ thrashing of Ole Miss. He and tight end Kyle Pitts have a special connection, and both players are poised for huge seasons.  Due to the law of supply and demand, Trask is going to get drafted higher way sooner than anticipated in 2021.) (9-29-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-top-performers-week-4-kyle-pitts-kyle-trask-jaylen-waddle/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 4 (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  Trask is a potential early-round prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft, and he got his senior year off to a good start by dominating Ole Miss. Against the Rebels, Trask completed 30-of-42 passes - 71.4 percent- for 416 yards with six touchdowns and zero interceptions. Overall, Trask showed pocket-passing ability for the NFL. He was accurate with impressive ball placement and made good decisions. Assisted his powerful arm capable of making touch passes, Trask put on display some natural passing ability for the NFL while doing a phenomenal job of getting the ball to his playmaking receivers and tight end. While Trask is not a running threat, he did use his feet some times to help produce positive plays. The Ole Miss game is going to help Trask's draft grade.) (9-29-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_04.php

NFL draft winners and losers: The Mississippi State prospect whom Mike Leach's arrival can help most (If there is a Gators prospect whose stock was most volatile entering the season, it was QB Kyle Trask. While admitting that there probably won’t be a Joe Burrow-like QB ascension in this year’s class, Trask was one of the first prospects we mentioned who had that type of potential to move up. (Just do us a favor and skip over the Brock Purdy section. Yikes.)  There were times last season when Trask, getting his first real shot to showcase his abilities, forced some passes into traffic, struggled vs. zone coverage and lacked zip on his passes. But in Saturday’s game, Trask appeared poised, accurate and dangerous.  It was one game, but a fine performance to kickstart his season. Trask has every shot to be QB4 in the 2021 NFL draft class if he keeps stacking strong showings for a team capable of reaching the College Football Playoff. Tests against Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee should provide ample opportunity for the redshirt senior to boost his draft status.) (9-28-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-the-mississippi-state-prospect-whom-mike-leachs-arrival-can-help-most-181118102.html

2021 Draft QB Stock Watch: Costello shines (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  This is how we described Kyle Trask over the summer, after watching his 2019 performance: "'Steady as she goes' might be the best way to describe his game. He's not flashy but he's efficient, and in the NFL the ability to do the right thing from one play to the next is more important than flashing once a series while drives stall out."  On Saturday against Ole Miss, Trask was, in fact, "steady as she goes," but there very few instances of drives stalling out. Florida's offense was on point from the kickoff right till the end when the scored showed they put up 51 points, almost all courtesy of Trask's right arm. He finished 30 of 42 for 416 yards and six (!!) touchdowns. Those six TDs ties the mark for most in an SEC opener set by ... Joe Burrow last season.  Just like a season ago, Trask didn't force throws, and was almost always accurate and on time. Of course, it helps when your receivers are running wide open for most of the afternoon -- and oh by the way, he also has the luxury of throwing to Kadarius Toney (5 catches, 59 yards) and more importantly, Kyle Pitts, the best tight end in the country (and who, through three of our mock drafts, has made a first-round appearance every time). Pitts finished with eight receptions for 170 yards and four of Trask's six touchdowns.  It was one highlight after the next. Here's Trask looking left before coming back to his right, and throwing a back-shoulder strike in the end zone to 6-foot-4 Trevon Grimes.  This is just a pitch and catch, but enjoy the Pitts middle-of-the-field stiff arm without breaking stride and then only to dust the safety in a race to the end zone.  And finally, here's Trask-to-Pitts again, this time a higher degree of difficulty; Trask puts the ball at the pylon, away from the defenders, knowing that Pitts' freakish athleticism gives him the advantage.  Good luck stopping that, SEC defenses.) (9-28-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-stock-watch-kyle-trask-dominates-k-j-costello-overpowers-lsu-deriq-king-shines-again/

Week 4 CFB Breakout Performers (Kyle Trask - Florida:  Florida HC Dan Mullen left Mississippi State for Gainesville in 2018 and proceeded to run an almost perfectly balanced offense for the first season. His offense rushed for 213 yards per game and threw for 214 yards per game behind dual-threat QB Felipe Franks. What is important to remember about that season is that Kyle Trask was outplaying the more heralded recruit Franks in fall camp before sustaining a season-ending injury in practice. The incumbent Franks retained the starting job in 2019 until he went down for the year with a knee injury in the third game against Kentucky. Mullen then turned the starting job over to D’Eriq King’s high school backup, Kyle Trask, and he never looked back. Under Trask the offense morphed from a run-heavy approach in 2018 to a pass-first air assault that averaged 301 passing yards to only 130 rushing. His accuracy and poise allowed Mullen to open up the playbook and embrace an aggressive approach that challenged secondaries to cover Florida’s elite athletes across the formation. With weapons like Kyle Pitts, Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney, Trask has the weapons at his disposal to make a serious run at Georgia in the SEC East. In fact the SEC writers voted Florida as their East favorite in 2020, giving rise to the belief that it might be Florida who is the next team to make a LSU-like leap this season. Trask is certainly doing his part so far, completing 30-of-42 passes for 416 yards and six touchdowns in their 51-35 victory over Ole Miss. His six touchdown performance could put the talented signal-caller on a short-list of potential Heisman contenders should these six-touchdown outings become a habit.) (9-27-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/command-performances/week-4-cfb-breakout-performers

Florida football in fine hands with Kyle Pitts, Kyle Trask in 2020 (Kyle Trask sets the tone for 2020:  When Feleipe Franke broke his ankle in 2019 many wrote off the Gators. Kyle Trask was coming in to replace him and he’d never really seen the field. He had limited experience in three games, but little else. He put those worries to rest quickly.  Trask put together a strong 2020, completing 66.9% of his passes for 2,941 yards 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. That season caught the eyes of talent evaluators. While Trask didn’t come into the season as a big name in the 2021 NFL Draft, most see him as a mid-to-late round quarterback with upside. After his astonishing start to the year against Ole Miss, that view could be set to change.  Trask was handed the reins to the Florida football program in 2020, and he is making head coach Dan Mullen look like a genius for choosing him over Franks.  Trask shredded Ole Miss through the air to kick off the 2020 football season for Florida. He was 30-of-42 for 416 yards and six touchdowns. Trask’s favorite target was Pitts, but he wasn’t the only pass-catcher to get in on the action. He completed passes to 11 different Gators and three different players caught touchdowns.  The top three quarterbacks for the 2021 NFL Draft seem set, but Trask has a chance to be the fourth name off the board. If he keeps dominating in the SEC as he did in his 2020 debut, who knows what might happen) (9-26-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/florida-football-in-fine-hands-with-kyle-pitts-kyle-trask-in-2020/

2021 NFL Draft: SEC prospects to know (Quarterback Kyle Trask, who only took over the starting job in 2019 after Feleipe Franks suffered an injury (Franks has since transferred to Arkansas), showed the type of poise and decision-making you'd expect to see from a player with a lot more experience.  In fact, Trask attempted just 22 passes before last season when, in 12 games, he completed 66.9 percent of his attempts for 2,941 yards, 25 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He's not flashy but he's efficient, and in the NFL the ability to do the right thing from one play to the next is more important than flashing once a series while drives stall out. Trask's nickname should be 'Textbook' because his footwork in the pocket is consistently on point, and more importantly, he gets the ball out on time, accurately, and he rarely looks confused by what he sees pre-snap. While we're not expecting him to make a Joe Burrow-like leap in '20, we wouldn't be surprised if he continues to improve and ultimately find his way into mix as a possible Round 1 target. He ranked 32nd on our preseason Big Board.) (9-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-sec-prospects-to-know-ahead-of-the-conferences-weekend-openers/

NFL Draft: Who are the top Florida Gators 2021 prospects? (Kyle Trask, Quarterback, Redshirt Senior (6’5″, 239 pounds):  The top three 2021 quarterback prospects are set in stone, and I don’t see that changing, as Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, and Ohio State’s Justin Fields are brilliant prospects. With that said, Florida’s Kyle Trask is clearly in the running to be the fourth quarterback selected next April.  I’ve previously highlighted Trask’s strengths, stating, “Trask has good football intelligence and plays the game with a lot of passion. He has a quick, smooth release and throws with anticipation. He demonstrates moxie under pressure, allowing him to read through his progressions.”  Trask has prototypical size for the position and brings a lot of juice in terms of arm strength. In a quarterback-needy NFL, prospects like Trask tend to get selected way earlier than anticipated.  With that said, there are many in the draft community that view Trask as more of a game-manager. The 2020 season is paramount for Trask, as he could cement himself as a top-50 selection with a good season or push himself into the middle rounds of the 2021 draft with a poor season.) (9-18-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-florida-gators-2021-prospects-nfl-draft/

2021 Draft QB Stock Watch: Trevor No. 1 (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida vs. Ole Miss (Sept. 26). "Steady as she goes" might be the best way to describe Trask's game. He's not flashy but he's efficient, and in the NFL the ability to do the right thing from one play to the next is more important than flashing once a series while drives stall out. Before taking over for Feleipe Franks last season, Trask had played in just three games. He played in 12 games in 2019 and completed 66.9 percent of his throws with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Trask's nickname should be 'Textbook' because his footwork in the pocket is consistently on point, and more importantly, he gets the ball out on time, accurately, and he rarely looks confused by what he sees pre-snap. While we're not expecting him to make a Burrow-like leap in '20 we wouldn't be surprised if he continues to improve and Trask finds his way into Round 1 conversations in the spring. ) (9-15-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-stock-watch-trevor-lawrence-might-be-better-than-advertised-brock-purdy-struggles-in-debut/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 1 (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  During preseason study, some team sources said they came away impressed with Trask. They like his height, thick build, strong arm, and accuracy. Many feel that Trask could be a riser during the process for the 2021 NFL Draft, as he has excellent intangibles that will impress general managers and coaches later on during the interview process. Sources feel that Trask needs to improve getting the ball out faster and playing with more confidence, but those could be resolved now that he has a year of starting experience to build off of. It would not be surprising to some team staffers if Trask becomes a hot quarterback prospect this year.) (9-8-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_01.php

Five who could rise into Round 1 and top 32 (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  We all know about Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and Trey Lance. Those are the consensus top three quarterbacks heading into the 2020 season, even though Fields and Ohio State won't (for now, anyway) play this fall and Lance and North Dakota State are only currently expected to have one showcase game against Central Arkansas on Oct. 3. Lawrence and Clemson will kick things off against Wake Forest on Sept. 12.  All three players are considered first-round talents. But Florida's Kyle Trask, who only took over the starting job in 2019 after Feleipe Franks suffered an injury (Franks has since transferred to Arkansas), showed the type of poise and decision-making you'd expect to see from a player with a lot more experience.  In fact, Trask attempted just 22 passes before last season when, in 12 games, he completed 66.9 percent of his attempts for 2,941 yards, 25 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. "Steady as she goes" might be the best way to describe Trask's game. He's not flashy but he's efficient, and in the NFL the ability to do the right thing from one play to the next is more important than flashing once a series while drives stall out. Trask's nickname should be 'Textbook' because his footwork in the pocket is consistently on point, and more importantly, he gets the ball out on time, accurately, and he rarely looks confused by what he sees pre-snap. While we're not expecting him to make a Joe Burrow-like leap in '20, we wouldn't be surprised if he continues to improve and ultimately find his way into mix as a possible Round 1 target.  Trask is currently 32nd on our big board.) (9-1-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-why-kyle-trask-brock-purdy-could-rise-up-rankings-plus-our-top-32-prospects/

NFL Hot Press: Comps for Mond and Trask (8-28-20):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Trask-compared-to-Brad-Johnson,-Mond-Similar-to-Colin-Kaepernick

2021 NFL Draft: 25 draft prospects who need football this fall (3. QB KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  Outside of the “Big 3” at the top of the 2021 quarterback class, Trask certainly “looks the part” of a first-rounder, at 6-foot-5, 239 pounds with a laser. Now, can he play the part? Last season that big arm netted him all of nine big-time throws and a 66.4 passing grade.) (8-26-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-25-draft-prospects-who-need-football-this-fall

NFL draft: Ranking all 16 quarterbacks on Senior Bowl initial top 250 list (2. Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask actually backed up D’Eriq King for two years in high school and had to wait his turn at Florida to get a chance, replacing Feleipe Franks as a junior last season. But when Trask got under center, he exceeded all expectations and showed some real intrigue as a leader and thrower.  Is he this year’s Joe Burrow? That feels like a stretch right now. But Trask is a big-framed, tough-minded QB with some nice athletic traits and requisite arm talent. What he needs most now is experience.  His mental skill seems uncannily sharp for someone who has played so (relatively) little football since early in his high school career, so we have to assume that his growth potential is fairly sizable. Trask is a player who appears on the verge of a big season, as he flirted with greatness at times last year but couldn’t quite reach the mountaintop.  We’re fans of his upside. Keep a close eye on this late bloomer, please, because he easily could pass Ehlinger and the rest of the senior crop if he gets the chance to start a full season.) (8-21-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-ranking-all-16-quarterbacks-on-senior-bowl-initial-top-250-list-143724370.html

2021 NFL Draft: The most overrated prospects heading into next season (Kyle Trask:  I acknowledge that there is a wide-open race for the QB4 spot in the 2021 NFL Draft. Trevor Lawrence has a hold on the QB1 spot while Justin Fields and Trey Lance will battle it out for the QB2 spot throughout the process. After that trio though, there’s a void of potential suitors. Some people believe Kyle Trask is not only the obvious answer but the only answer.  I appreciate his physical tools and he had a nice year for Florida last year, but his accuracy lacks consistency at all levels and his decision making can be questionable at times. I can see a reality where Trask plays himself in the 2021 QB4, but he’s still got a way to go before that spot is his to lose.) (8-21-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-ten-overrated-prospects/

2021 NFL Draft prospects most impacted by NCAA's uncertain future (Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:  As we start thinking of more dark horse options for that QB who rises in the process, we arrive at Kyle Trask from Florida. Trask certainly looks the part of a potential first-round quarterback. He checks the arm and size boxes with ease. Trask also plays with aggression, and is willing to challenge some of the tighter throwing windows that other quarterbacks avoid.  Where he stands to improve is in how he handles the pocket. He struggles when pressured and some of his biggest mistakes on the field stem from how he responds to duress when dropping to throw. If he could learn how to slide and avoid pressure with subtlety, that would go a long way towards proving to scouts that he could stand up to the kinds of pressure situations he’d face in the NFL.  The problem is, you cannot replicate those moments without live game reps. Granted, the SEC is aiming to play football this fall, but should that situation change, or if a season gets cut short, Trask might be impacted the most by such a decision.) (8-11-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/08/11/the-2021-draft-prospects-most-impacted-the-most-by-the-ncaas-uncertain-future/

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason quarterback rankings (7. KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA:  Arm talent is still priority No. 1 for many evaluators, and Trask is right up there with anyone in this class in terms of ability to launch the pigskin. There are easy ropes on his tape that hit Cover 2 holes along with many other throws of that nature that other quarterbacks simply can't hit. While I think that can get overrated, it certainly leaves more margin for error at the NFL level. Not only is Trask the prototype from an arm strength perspective, but he “looks the part” from a physical standpoint, as well. At 6-foot-5, 239 pounds, Trask is what the quarterback position has looked like for the better part of the last 50 years.  The interesting thing about Trask is that for all his arm strength, his tape is oddly conservative — apparently, “if you got it, flaunt it” is not a saying the Florida quarterback believes in. Trask's average depth of target last season was only 8.6 yards downfield. Brock Purdy is the only other quarterback on this list who was below 10, and even his 8.8 aDoT was higher than Trask's. Trask also only had nine big-time throws.  These are head-scratching numbers for a quarterback who had three receivers drafted last April as well as arguably the most athletic tight end in the country. All that paints a picture of a quarterback whose solid numbers were aided far more by what his receivers did than by his own contributions.  Outlook for 2020:  Some of the negatives above can be explained away by comfort level in the offense. That's not to say that's 100% the case with Trask, but one can see why a quarterback would be more conservative after only getting the starting nod a few games into the season. He has to shed that in 2020, though, and he must prove that his arm strength can lead to tangible results on the field.) (7-30-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-quarterback-rankings

College Football: Ranking the 2020 Heisman favorites by the difficulty of their offensive scheme (5. KYLE TRASK, FLORIDA — 52 POINTS:  Dan Mullen & Co. did all they could to make Mr. He11sman pop in 2019, and Trask responded with a passing grade of 66.4. They threw the ball a lot and gave him all sorts of bonuses, such as allowing him to throw the ball in goal-to-go situations and letting him throw a lot of play-action and screen passes. Hopefully he can improve in his second year as a starter because this offense sets up nicely for him to stat-pad a little bit.) (7-29-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-the-2020-heisman-favorites-by-the-difficulty-of-their-offensive-scheme

2020 SEC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (I like Kyle Trask, but he’s more of a game manager at the next level — he’s smart, protects the football and stays away from errant passes.) (7-25-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-sec-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/

2021 NFL Draft: Kyle Trask’s potential to play in the NFL (7-18-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-kyle-trasks-potential-to-play-in-the-nfl/

2021 Draft: Who to know in QB class (Kyle Trask, Florida (senior):  "Steady as she goes" might be the best way to describe Trask's game. He's not flashy but he's efficient, and in the NFL the ability to do the right thing from one play to the next is more important than flashing once a series while drives stall out. Before taking over for Feleipe Franks last season, Trask had played in just three games. He played in 12 games in 2019 and completed 66.9 percent of his throws with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Trask's nickname should be 'Textbook' because his footwork in the pocket is consistently on point, and more importantly, he gets the ball out on time, accurately, and he rarely looks confused by what he sees pre-snap. While we're not expecting him to make a Burrow-like leap in '20 we wouldn't be surprised if he continues to improve and Trask finds his way into Round 1 conversations in the spring.) (7-14-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-what-to-know-about-the-quarterback-class-after-trevor-lawrence/

Potential 2021 Senior Bowl Quarterback Candidates (Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask feels like a perfect quarterback for the Senior Bowl. If there is a guy that is steady and will not rock the boat for an offense, Trask is the guy to do it. He has a great feel for leverage and attacks defenses well with his eyes. The anticipation and accuracy he shows are desirable traits as well.  There is just not a lot to love about his game. He is a guy that is a solid quarterback that projects as a competent NFL backup. There is no shame in that, and in this class, he is a strong Senior Bowl contender.) (5-23-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-quarterback-candidates/

NFL Draft prospects 2021: The top 10 quarterbacks, ranked from Trevor Lawrence to Ian Book (9. Kyle Trask, Florida:  Trask’s star took off last season when he stepped in for an injured Feleipe Franks. Trask improved with each week in Dan Mullen’s system, and he finished with 2,941 yards, 25 TDs and just 7 interceptions.  He has the size at 6-5, 239 pounds that will at least generate a middle-round look.) (4-25-20):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2021-prospects-quarterbacks/4jw6kjatvk8i1131mfwdic0na

QB Zach Wilson:

Scouting Reports:

BYU:  https://byucougars.com/athlete/football/1283826/Zach-Wilson

Walter football:  https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2021zwilson.php

2021 NFL draft profile: BYU QB Zach Wilson:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-zach-wilson-byu-scouting-report/

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU – NFL Draft Player Profile (11-7-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/zach-wilson-nfl-draft-player-profile-byu-quarterback/

Draft Tek:  https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Draft-Scouting-Reports/Scouting-Report-Zach-Wilson.asp

Draft Network:  https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/zach-wilson/EjpZ4YtzI0

BYU QB Zach Wilson is flying up NFL Draft Boards:  https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/11/zach-wilson/

Zach Wilson - Quarterback Brigham Young Scouting Report:  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/scouting-reports/zachwilson

Rankings:

Yahoo Prospect Ranking (8. QB Zach Wilson):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nfl-draft-by-us-zach-wilson-has-patrick-mahomes-moments-but-isnt-that-good-yet-164841672.html

Articles:

Biggest Risers in the 2021 NFL Draft: BYU's Zach Wilson, Northwestern's Greg Newsome II and more (1. QB ZACH WILSON, BYU (End of Season ADP: 8.6.  Current ADP: 2.0):  A player who was considered just another name in the mix of a deep quarterback class at season’s end has ascended to the unanimous mock draft pick for the Jets at No. 2 overall. I think the biggest realization that most people had when going back through Wilson’s 2020 season, myself included, was there was no “off” game. His lowest–graded game still earned a 76.1 mark.  This past season, Wilson showed everything you could feasibly want from a franchise quarterback at the next level. Now, the only question is how he’s going to look under more consistent pressure with smaller NFL pockets.) (4-28-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-risers-zach-wilson-greg-newsome-jamin-davis

The riskiest boom-or-bust prospects in the 2021 NFL draft class (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  Like Lance, Wilson presents a near-perfect skill set required for the modern NFL quarterback. He’s a dynamic second-reaction thrower, he’s got some ungodly good tape throwing deep out of play-action against helpless defenses, and he has an improvisational ability that the right offensive coordinator could mold into something truly special. But just as Wilson will blow you away with the kinds of throws you’d expect from an All-Pro quarterback (there are times when his good tape brings Aaron Rodgers to mind), Wilson also has a proclivity for the kinds of YOLO throws that can get him — and his team — in trouble. Ideally, Wilson will go to a team where his attributes will be maximized, and a patient coaching staff will work with him to keep the outliers in check.) (4-26-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/the-riskiest-boom-or-bust-prospects-in-the-2021-nfl-draft-class/

The best draft prospect quarterbacks against every type of coverage (Cover-1: Zach Wilson, BYU - Wilson isn’t the best quarterback in the 2021 draft class, but he might be both the most fun and the most agonizing to watch. Dude’s got YOLO throws for days, which is why a common NFL comp for him is both Good Baker Mayfield and Bad Baker Mayfield. Not to go all New York Times here, but I can definitely see both sides of that. Where Wilson was specifically effective in 2020 (besides play-action in general, where he completed 89 of 123 play-action passes for 1,548 yards, 20 touchdowns, and no interceptions.   Another point of excellence for Wilson in 2020 came against Cover-1 (man coverage underneath with a single-high safety) — when Wilson faced Cover-1 last season, he completed 40 of 57 passes for 686 yards, 427 air yards, seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 148.8. One reason Wilson is so good in general against man coverage is that he has the arm talent and functional accuracy (when he decides to use it) to put the biscuit in the basket 40-50 yards downfield, putting the ball where his receiver can grab it, and the defender just can’t. This quick strike to receiver Neil Pau’u against UCF in the Boca Raton Bowl is one such example.  Against man coverage in general last season (Cover-0, Cover-1, 2-Man), Wilson was ridiculously efficient, completing 63 of 85 passes for 1,026 yards, 636 air yards, 15 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 151.8. One of Wilson’s primary attributes is the ability to quickly isolate the open receiver in single coverage — especially benefited by backfield deception — and pull the trigger decisively.) (4-24-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-mac-jones-zach-wilson/

2021 NFL Draft: Prospect-pro comparisons for top quarterbacks (Zach Wilson (Pro comparison: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (3 NFL seasons as a starter, with 4,662.7 passing yards per year, 38 passing TDs per year, 7.7 INTs per year and a 109.3 passer rating in that span)):  I'm not the first person to make this exceedingly optimistic comparison, and it's perhaps even a little unfair to Wilson to pair him with one of the most electrifying young quarterbacks in recent memory. This is merely meant to illustrate Wilson's ceiling, the absolute best-case scenario if he is able to make his penchant for executing off-platform throws pay off in the pros at even a fraction of the level of Mahomes, who has already claimed an MVP award and Super Bowl ring in his short career.  Wilson has better running ability than Mahomes, and he's very accurate, throwing an easy-to-catch ball whether he's going long or short. Like Mahomes, he appears to have great confidence in his ability to convert from anywhere to anywhere on the field; it's no coincidence both players ranked in the top five in FBS in big-time throws, as defined by Pro Football Focus, during their final college seasons (Mahomes was second in 2016 with 42 and Wilson was fifth in 2020 with 31).) (4-23-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-prospect-pro-comparisons-for-top-quarterbacks

Creating concepts for the top five quarterbacks in the 2021 draft class (Zach Wilson: "Post-Out" or "Pout"

Zach Wilson BYU - lWhile studying Zach Wilson, some of my favorite throws of his have come when he is running “Post-Out” or “Pout,” A concept that pairs a post route with a deep out pattern to one side of the field. This is a great design that gives the quarterback options against almost any coverage. It might be best against Cover-4, because the cornerback will be forced to cover the post route putting the safety in a tough position against that deep out pattern from the slot receiver, but it can also work against single-high or man coverages.  So here is a design I would dial up for him.  Here Wilson has the X receiver on a go route which is his alert. If he likes the look pre-snap or right at the snap, he can take a vertical shot. But then I want him working the concept quickly in the down. The outside, Z receiver gives him the post route while the slot receiver runs the sail/deep-out. The tight end releases to the flat. Backside the running back is initially the protection, but will release if not threatened.  Here’s Wilson running this concept against Houston, to the right side of the field.  Houston looks to be running Cover-4 to that side of the field, and you can see how this route combination creates two different leverage advantages for the offense. The cornerback is playing with outside leverage, and that gives the boundary receiver room to the inside on the post route. The safety has to handle the out route from the slot receiver, who also has a leverage advantage working to the outside.  LHere is another example of Wilson working this route combination.  This time he throws the post route, but you can see once more how this route structure stresses the leverage of defenders. The safety has to work to the out route, and the cornerback is out-leveraged against the post route, which Wilson finds downfield.  Wilson reads this concept well, and if I am his offensive coordinator next season, I am giving him every opportunity to work this combination each week.) (4-22-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-quarterbacks-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-trey-lance/

COLIN COWHERD: WHICH NFL DRAFT QUARTERBACK IS THE BIGGEST BUST RISK? (5. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU: 15% chance to hit - 2020 stats: 3,692 passing yards, 33 passing TDs, 73.5 completion percentage.  Cowherd's predicted landing spot: New York Jets (No. 2 overall).  Cowherd's thoughts: "I think there's so many things he has to overcome. Ownership, O-line, rookie head coach, great defensive division. Just a messy organization.") (4-22-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/colin-cowherd-draft-quarterback-bust-risk-zach-wilson-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-trey-lance-mac-jones

Why Zach Wilson's 2019 tape should raise concerns about his NFL future (4-21-21):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/04/nfl-draft-zach-wilson-film-breakdown-scouting-report-2019

10 boom-or-bust NFL draft prospects: Big questions on QBs (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Question marks: Performance under pressure, footwork:  Any player who draws comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers after a breakout season should generate both excitement and suspicion. Delivering one dazzling downfield strike after another last year, Wilson built a buzz as the NFL's next unconventional playmaker. It's worth wondering, though, whether those results are replicable in the face of consistent pressure, which the 6-2, 214-pound quarterback was rarely subjected to last year. And while his off-platform throws made for some of college football's best highlights last season, his repeated footwork lapses and daredevil playing style could yield interceptions in bunches. Widely linked to the New York Jets with the No. 2 pick, Wilson could be just what the moribund franchise needs for a turnaround ... or he could become the latest in a long line of letdowns at quarterback.) (4-17-21):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2021/04/17/nfl-draft-boom-bust-prospects-trey-lance-zach-wilson/7252182002/

O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 quarterbacks that could interest Lions (1. Zach Wilson, Brigham Young - Stats line: 3 seasons, played 30 games. Career: 56 TD passes, 15 interceptions, 15 rushing TDs. 2020 season: 33 TD passes, 3 int., 74 percent completion rate. Somewhat slight build concerns some scouts, but athleticism and strong arm with quick delivery are positive traits. Projected to go no later than fourth overall. The Lions would have to look hard and long if he dropped to No. 7, which he won't. But like Holmes said, be ready for anything.  How he could fit the Lions: Accuracy, athleticism would give their offense a new dimension.) (4-15-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/draft-preview-5-quarterbacks-that-could-interest-lions-wilson-fields-lance

BUILDING THE PROTOTYPE 2021 NFL DRAFT QB (Mechanics: Zach Wilson - Honestly, there is no clear winner for this category like there was last year. In 2020, Joe Burrow so handily had both the best footwork and upper body mechanics in the class. This year, the winner for footwork may be Lance or Fields, but as far as smooth, moldable upper body mechanics go, Wilson is in a category of his own . . . sort of.  Wilson carries the ball with a loose carriage, both in the pocket and on the move. When paired with impressive core strength and a flexible arm slot, Wilson is able to generate his maximum throwing power and control from just about any platform. Wilson is nowhere near the raw talent Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes are, but it is fair to say that he plays and throws with that style of loose, creative mechanics.  Creativity (and we will get to that) also plays a big part in why Wilson succeeds outside the pocket, but being able to summon throwing platforms as easily as he does is the primary reason he is so dangerous and accurate when trying to make wild plays on the move. The caveat to this section is that Wilson's quality mechanics show up on the move far more often than in the pocket. In the pocket, Wilson's sloppy footwork can get the best of him and negate his upper body work. On the move, though, feet become almost entirely removed from the equation and it is easy for Wilson to only lean on his flexible upper body.  Playmaking / Creativity: Zach Wilson - Alongside the pocket management section, this creativity section was one of the two easiest to crown a winner. Wilson is clearly the rowdiest gunslinger in the class and has shot up boards over the past year almost entirely because of people equating his game to Mahomes.  Now, to be clear, Wilson is nowhere near that good. It’s just unreasonable to believe he is. Mahomes is in a different stratosphere of creativity and talent. That said, Wilson does have a good eye for weird avenues out of the pocket and tricky throws from outside the pocket. He is more than willing to escape the pocket with some sort of circus act before throwing back across his body towards the middle of the field. Wilson will surely run into more trouble trying to execute these plays in the NFL than he did in college, but he should be able to find his comfort zone by year two or three.) (4-14-21):  https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/article/qb-klassroom/building-prototype-2021-nfl-draft-qb

PFF Critical Factors: The most important numbers for the 2021 NFL Draft class (Using the same dataset of recent NFL prospects, BYU’s Zach Wilson ranks above the 75th percentile in every stable metric other than a 73rd-percentile ranking with no play-action. ) (4-14-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-critical-factors-most-important-numbers-for-2021-nfl-draft-class

BYU quarterback Zach Wilson is the buzz of the NFL draft. But does his potential warrant the hype? (4-14-21):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/mike-jones/2021/04/14/zach-wilson-nfl-draft-2021-quarterback-hype-mahomes-rodgers/7209148002/

A Brett Favre comparison for Zach Wilson? (4-11-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/04/11/2021-nfl-draft-zach-wilson-brett-favre-mark-sanchez-pat-mcafee/

2021 NFL Draft QB Superlatives: Strongest arm, best decision-maker, best vs. the blitz and more (BEST OUTSIDE THE POCKET: ZACH WILSON - This is Wilson’s special trait that has him penciled in behind Trevor Lawrence on the PFF draft board. The man doesn’t have to have his feet set in the pocket to drop dimes. His 86.4 passing grade outside the pocket in 2020 was the highest of any quarterback in the class. He averaged 9.3 yards per attempt, completed 65.5% of his passes and recorded a passer rating of 127.2 on throws outside the pocket. That’s doing work.) (4-6-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-superlatives-quarterbacks-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-trey-lance-mac-jones

Five reasons for Wilson's meteoric rise to No. 2 QB (4-6-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-five-reasons-for-zach-wilsons-meteoric-rise-to-no-2-quarterback/

2021 NFL Draft: Grouping QB prospects by stylistic type (Arm-talent freaks with supreme athletic gifts and major pocket-passing abilities - Wilson has a lightning-quick release, a deceptively strong arm, natural improvisational skills and plays with creativity as a runner. Plus, he routinely throws strikes to all levels of the field. For one reason or another, Fields is being viewed by many as a tier below Lawrence and Wilson. That's just not the case.) (4-5-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-examining-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-and-rest-of-quarterback-class-by-type/

Zach Wilson Film Analysis: Breaking down the BYU QB (4-8-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/zach-wilson-film-analysis-breaking-down-byu-qb/

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for each of PFF’s top QB prospects (2. ZACH WILSON, BYU - Biggest pro: Off-platform arm talent.  Wilson did so many amazing things throughout his 2020 breakout campaign. He notched a 90.0 passing grade in over half of his games played, leading him to a single-season PFF College record passing grade of 95.5. Arguably, Wilson’s most impressive trait from 2020 was his ability to easily hit off-platform throws. His 86.4 passing grade outside of the pocket this past season led the 2021 class.  Biggest con: Untested under pressure.  With an unbelievably talented offensive line going up against cupcake competition, Wilson faced minimal pressure in 2020. Just 21.6% of his dropbacks came with pressure this past year, the eighth-lowest rate in the FBS and the second-lowest in the class. That will change once he makes the jump to the NFL. Still, Wilson showed no indications that he is going to struggle at the next level with defenders bearing down on him. He converted pressure to sacks at a minimal 12.7% rate while recording the third-best passing grade under pressure in the FBS, including no turnover-worthy plays.) (3-30-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-con-top-qb-prospects

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Pro Days III (Up - QBs: Zach Wilson, BYU; Justin Fields, Ohio State; Trey Lance, North Dakota State:  Forecasting the 2021 NFL Draft was shaken up last week when the Dolphins made big trades with the 49ers and the Eagles. For the No. 3 pick, Miami received from San Francisco the No. 12 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, a first-round choice and a third-round choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, and a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Dolphins then turned around and moved picks No. 12 and No. 123 in the 2021 NFL Draft and a first-rounder in the 2022 NFL Draft to the Eagles for Nos. 6 and 156 in the 2021 NFL Draft.  San Francisco moving into No. 3 suggests they are hunting for a quarterback, and virtually locks in Zach Wilson, the consensus second-rated quarterback, as a top-three selection. It is likely Wilson will go second overall to the Jets after the lawsuits that essentially rule out a trade for Deshaun Watson. Given that the Jets are likely to take Wilson, Trey Lance or Justin Fields will go third-overall because the 49ers would not mortgage their future for a non-quarterback prospect.  There also is a lot of speculation that the Falcons could trade down from the fourth-overall pick if they don't want a quarterback. That creates the possibility that the first four selections of the 2021 NFL Draft will be quarterbacks. Even if signal-callers onlky occupy the top-three picks, the fourth quarterback will be more coveted by the teams that still need a long-term starter. Thus, Wilson, Fields and Lance really profited from the trades last Friday - especially with the lawsuits that have all but negated the possibility of a Deshaun Watson trade.) (3-30-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_30.php

Lions continue to scout top prospects, including QB Zach Wilson at BYU's pro day (3-27-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-continue-to-scout-top-prospects-including-qb-zach-wilson-at-byu-s-pro-day

Lions’ Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell spotted at BYU QB Zach Wilson’s pro day today (3-26-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/03/lions-brad-holmes-dan-campbell-spotted-at-byu-qb-zach-wilsons-pro-day-today.html

Top NFL QB draft prospect dazzles with pro day workout (3-26-21):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/mike-jones/2021/03/26/nfl-draft-prospect-zach-wilson-pro-day/7017004002/

Zach Wilson executed an absolutely ridiculous throw at his pro day (3-26-21):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/03/byu-zach-wilson-perfect-throw-pro-day

BYU, Michigan, Virginia Tech pro days: Zach Wilson electric in workout (Zach Wilson - Ranking in Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: No. 4.  Plenty of eyes were on Wilson, the top prospect performing on Friday, even as two blockbuster trades were shaking up the outlook for the 2021 NFL Draft. He didn't participate in any physical testing after tweaking his hamstring a few weeks ago, choosing instead to stick with a throwing session and measurements. He dazzled with his ability to throw accurately on the run.  "(He) made some incredible off-platform throws. To the right, to the left," said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah during Friday's Path to the Draft Pro Day Special. "... You saw him drive the football with pace, velocity and accuracy. There were some misses down the field; I wouldn't read too much into that. ... It was more movement from a quarterback than I think we've ever seen for a pro day."  Wilson measured 6-2 1/8 and 214 pounds with a hand size at 9 1/2 inches, which is big enough not to ring the QB-hand size alarms.  "There were a couple throws I missed, couple things I overshot,” Wilson told NFL Network after the workout. "Just want to make it a little easier on the receivers, but they did a great job of making me look good.") (3-26-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/byu-michigan-virginia-tech-pro-days-zach-wilson-electric-in-workout

2021 NFL Draft Scouting Notes And Thoughts (Don’t be surprised if the tide of opinion turns very quickly on BYU QB Zach Wilson. Last month’s wunderkind has been more under the microscope in the draft media. From what I’ve gathered, he’s already had that treatment from the NFL teams and we’re just catching up. Wilson is much less a lock to be a top-5 overall pick than widely assumed, though it only takes one team to believe. The notion that he’s superb in 7-on-7 but not necessarily 11-on-11 came from the NFL, not the media.) (3-24-21):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3350/2021-NFL-Draft-Scouting-Notes-And-Thoughts

2021 NFL draft: Brian Baldinger has strong opinions on this year's prospects (BYU QB Zach Wilson:  “I remember in 1999, Andy Reid came to Philadelphia, where I live. I got to know him. At that time, six quarterbacks were being juggled as possible first-rounders. So what Andy did was, he put a different quarterback on every day in his office. He’d just have it up on his screen all day, even if he wasn’t working on them every moment.  “He’d look up there and Donovan (McNabb) was up on the screen one day, another quarterback (from that draft class) the next day, and so on. So that’s how I do it with quarterbacks. I just put them up there and watch them.  “And I can’t stop watching Zach Wilson. Whether it’s the arm talent. Whether it’s the head-and-shoulder fakes. Whether it’s the mobility. Whether it’s the flick of the wrist. He absolutely captures your eye. Period.") (3-22-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nfl-draft-brian-baldinger-breaks-down-prospects-who-have-caught-his-eye-130949084.html

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest weaknesses for top 10 prospects (BYU QB Zach Wilson 

(Biggest weakness: Over-extension of plays):  Wilson can do what I call "overextend" plays, which is precisely what it sounds like. He'll run out of the pocket, spin away from pressure, run to the other side of the field before uncorking a pass down the sideline.  And while that is as trendy in the NFL as NFTs are in the cryptocurrency space, there are times when it's simply the better decision to just throw the football out of bounds to live to see another play. At BYU, Wilson got away with many overextensions. It's part of why he's such a blast to watch and likely to be the No. 2 overall pick in the class. In the NFL, overextensions aren't as much of a cinch to execute, even for the high-level athletes with freaky arm talent.  And Wilson is right on the cusp of being a high-level athlete with freaky arm talent. He's not quite the physical specimen to routinely pull off the magnificent improvisational magic of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Russell Wilson, or Deshaun Watson.) (3-15-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-biggest-weaknesses-for-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-and-the-consensus-top-10-prospects/

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest questions facing top QB prospects? League executives, scouts weigh in (Wilson - Will his body hold up? Wilson is the smallest of the top QBs (listed at 6-3, 210 pounds by BYU) and has an injury history, including a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder suffered in high school that required surgery after his freshman season in 2018; a torn labrum in his left shoulder he said in 2019 would eventually require surgery; and a fractured right thumb that required surgery and sidelined him for over a month during the 2019 season. "Size and just durability," an NFC executive said. "Can he last?" Wilson, 21, put on weight last year, won a camp competition for the job and then put together a remarkable junior season, completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns with just three interceptions as the Cougars went 11-1. He figures to be scrutinized as closely as any of this draft's QBs through the revised combine medical process. "I don't think there's much [concern], though," an AFC scout said. "You're taking a little bit of a leap of faith with a guy who's going to be right around that 205-pound range. Just the lower body, can that hold up consistently?"  What kind of leader will he be? Wilson certainly isn't lacking for swagger, which mostly manifested itself in positive ways last fall. "It's a little bit of the Baker Mayfield syndrome, where you like [the edge] to a point," an AFC executive said. "It's just whether or not you can control it and toe the line." Said an NFC exec of Wilson: "He was kind of a hothead early. There were some comments early on before he became a player about, did he endear himself to his teammates? Kind of a cocky kid, comes from money -- what kind of leadership does he have? (But) this kid loves playing football. He's a junkie of the process, which I'm a big fan of." In December, coaches and teammates came to Wilson's defense after a report surfaced about "character concerns" related in part to his privileged upbringing and his family, including his father, Mike, a former Utah defensive lineman who is known to NFL teams as a strong figure in his son's life and career. BYU assistant coach Aaron Roderick tweeted that Wilson's best quality is "zero entitlement," praising his attitude, preparation and coachability. Wilson wasn't named a captain until after the start of the 2020 season, but as one scout pointed out, that had a lot to do with a senior-laden group ahead of him and that Wilson was fighting just to win the job. His commitment isn't in any doubt: During the pandemic last spring, Wilson temporarily relocated to California to work with John Beck; when BYU restarted practice, Wilson kept commuting to see Beck each Friday-Sunday and returning to Provo in time for practice every Monday morning. He has watched full seasons of tape on current NFL QBs. And you can't play the way Wilson does without a lot of confidence. "He's got a little gunslinger to him. You can appreciate it," an NFC scout said. "I would be shocked if he wasn't the second one to come off the board (behind Lawrence). He's got enough arm talent. He's accurate. He's going to make some throws and sometimes, you're like, 'Whoa, why'd you do that?' And then he completes it. There's a little bit of that 'wow' to him.") (3-11-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-biggest-questions-facing-top-qb-prospects-league-executives-scout

IS ZACH WILSON A BETTER QUARTERBACK PROSPECT THAN TREVOR LAWRENCE? (3-10-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/zach-wilson-trevor-lawrence-quarterback-prospect-byu-clemson

Zach Wilson, scheme fits and "process versus results" (3-5-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/03/05/2021-nfl-draft-zach-wilson-scheme-fit-new-york-jets/

2021 NFL Draft QB ranking analysis: Zach Wilson (3-3-21):  https://www.nbcsports.com/video/2021-nfl-draft-qb-ranking-analysis-zach-wilson

Galina: 2021 NFL Draft quarterback rankings and scheme fits (4. ZACH WILSON, BYU:  Zach Wilson shot up the draft rankings after an incredible 2020 season that saw him finish as PFF’s highest-graded passer. He has all the traits you’d want from a quarterback, but his rise to superstardom is fishy.  When BYU had to play tougher opponents in non-pandemic years, Wilson struggled. Mind you, the whole offense struggled, but Wilson was not the tide that lifted all boats. He finished with grades of 80.5 and 76.2 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In 2020, with loads of time in the pocket and wide-open receivers, he finally looked like a competent quarterback.  We can make all the comparisons of Wilson to the sudden stardom and rise of Joe Burrow last season, but Burrow was pressured just under 10 percentage points more than Wilson in their final seasons. LSU’s 2019 team pass-blocking grade was 68.7, while BYU’s 2020 team pass-blocking grade was 80.2. Wilson lived a relatively easy life in 2020.  Scheme Fit: Kyle Shanahan’s offense.  With this fit, you are looking for someone who can scheme up open throws down the field for his quarterback and then use Wilson’s lightning-quick release for the underneath option routes Shanahan likes to run. In Wilson’s breakout 2020 season, BYU used outside-zone play action 92 times — the most in the country. Shanahan used it the sixth-most times in the NFL last season. It’s a good match.) (3-3-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scheme-fits

Is Zach Wilson the next Joe Burrow? (3-1-21):  https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2021/03/01/nfl-draft-prospect-next-joe-burrow-cincinnati-bengals/

Quantifying Quarterbacks: Zach Wilson (2-24-21):  https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/article/qb-klassroom/quantifying-quarterbacks-zach-wilson

2021 NFL DRAFT QB RANKINGS (4. Zach Wilson (BYU) | 6’2/210 (Comp: Tony Romo):  An overlooked three-star recruit coming out of Draper, Utah, Wilson managed to become the youngest starting quarterback in BYU history. He didn’t embarrass himself, either, posting an 80.5 PFF grade as a freshman. An enormous 2020 season started the hype that has now grown into a fever pitch with recent reports that multiple NFL teams may have Wilson over even Trevor Lawrence on their draft boards.  There are reasons to question whether that hype train has already steamed past objective reality. Wilson regressed in his sophomore campaign to a 76.2 PFF grade despite taking 136 more snaps while dealing with hand and shoulder injuries. This is where the rubber meets the road in this eval.  Zach Wilson proponents can conveniently say that his poor 2019 tape was an injury-related aberration and when he was healthy in 2020 we saw a quarterback prospect with 1.1 overall ability. While those who don’t believe he’s a top-three overall prospect will respond that Wilson was solid as a freshman, forgettable as a sophomore, and didn’t become a supernova until his junior year when BYU played the No. 89 SP+ strength of schedule.  You can probably tell by my ranking that I fall more into the latter camp. Which isn’t to say that Wilson is a poor prospect -- he’s not. But I see him as the fourth quarterback in this class, not the first or second.  Wilson’s best trait is his right wing. He can make all the throws, and he doesn’t need his feet set to do it. He’s an extremely confident pocket-passer who sees the field well, fires the ball out at the speed of sound and doesn’t need a runway to step into to get it out of there, and drops dimes to all three sectors of the field.  Wilson has a gun and he knows how to use it. He maneuvers the pocket well, always keeps his eyes downfield, and can spin it 40-plus yards downfield into a tight window on the move. He keeps plays alive, retains accuracy on the move, and is ruthless at hunting for the kill shots that made BYU’s offense so dangerous in 2020 (an insane 99.9 PFF grade on throws 20-plus yards downfield).  But it’s the teams he did it against and the narrow sample in which he looked like a first-round pick that gives pause. Only six of BYU’s 12 opponents last season finished inside the top-67 SP+ defenses -- Houston (No. 67), Western Kentucky (37), Boise State (45), Coastal Carolina (63), San Diego State (7) and UCF (66) -- and only three of them finished in the top-half of the FBS.  Wilson tore up Boise, SDSU and UCF. His three worst games of the season -- his only three with PFF game grades below 83.0 -- were against Houston, WKU and Coastal. By contrast, comparing him to the guy he’s nominally competing for QB2 designation with... of Justin Fields’ eight 2020 games, seven were against top-38 SP+ defenses, and five of the eight were against top-15 SP+ defense (Ohio State played the No. 2 SP+ SOS).  Wilson should have torn that schedule up, in other words. Especially considering the system Wilson played in last year, an extremely quarterback-friendly attack that runs wide zone and throws play-action off it. Play-action passes in this offense seek to cut down on user errors by simplifying the quarterback's reads, while taking advantage of throwing lanes created by manipulating the post-snap movements of defenders. PFF’s Seth Galina noted that Wilson averaged only 7.7 YPA on a mere 12 play-action passes off wide zone in 2019, whereas Wilson averaged 12.4 YPA on 88 such plays in 2020.  And while Galina documented the NFL’s fixation with wide-zone and conceded Wilson could be seen as a perfect fit for modern offenses because of it, I agreed with his conclusion: “I worry that every time we've seen a quarterback from the wide-zone system have a great year, he naturally comes back down to earth. If the scheme made Wilson a hit in college, could he have already maxed out? …  just have this nagging feeling that the scheme really changed our perception of him rather than him changing and becoming a better quarterback.”  And as The Draft Network’s Benjamin Solak further noted, the specific way in which Wilson feasted off wide-zone play-action concepts in 2020 is unlikely to even be possible in the NFL (moving past even the question of rote sustainability). Off play-action, Wilson always wanted to go deep, be it your traditional 9-ball, a speed out, or a deep comeback. And that usually worked.  But as Solak pointed out, the NFL uses wide-zone play-action to attack the middle of the field, taking advantage of the space the initial post-snap false steps by linebackers and safeties has created. You wouldn’t throw to the deep corners -- not just Wilson’s specialty but his stated preference -- off this concept in the NFL because the outside corners are the only two defenders on the field whose assignments aren’t affected by the eye candy. If you wanted to throw a 9-ball, you wouldn’t do it on a play that offered Wilson’s back to the defense and allowed for the possibility of free rushers.  Wilson preferred the one-on-one deep shots because he knew he always had the protection and believes in his arm to a maniacal degree. But he often eschewed freebie throws over the middle of the field or up a seam because he was sitting dead-red, from the moment the play was called, on flinging it up for grabs deep.  Of Wilson’s throws of 20+ yards last year, 39 were attempted on the outside and only 17 were over the middle. In the 10-19 range, 55 of his passes were towards the sidelines, 45 over the middle. When you think of wide-zone play-action in the NFL, you think of Baker Mayfield or Jared Goff boot-legging and layering the ball into open pockets of space over the middle.  This is a more methodical, for lack of a better term “pro-style” offensive strategy than Wilson appears comfortable with at the moment. He trusts the power of his arm much more than the touch, so he prefers avoiding the dink-and-dunk easy completions and go for the quickest route to the end zone.  This is where BYU’s strength of schedule comes back into play. Wilson had three -- and only three -- dazzling games against top-66 defenses, Boise State (No. 45 SP+), San Diego State (7) and UCF (66). If you ran a defense against Wilson, how would you defend him? You’d take away the deep shots and force him to prove he can work the ball up the field by beating you over the middle on touch and timing throws, yeah?  From there, you’d just want to ensure you can get consistent pressure on him. Wilson is deadly in clean pockets (97.5 PFF grade/144.2 NFL QB rating/78.2% completions/84.0% adjusted completion percentage under no pressure), but, despite his magician qualities, loses accuracy under pressure (74.3 PFF grade/98.3 NFL QB rating/48.4% completions/61.5% adjusted completion percentage under no pressure).  My question is: How many of Wilson’s 2020 opponents were physically capable of generating pressure while leaving extra help deep? Very few. BYU not only played a poor schedule, but it ranked No. 8 in PFF’s pass blocking grades as a team. Wilson was generally able to hunt for explosive kill shots into the deep corners with very little downside, knowing he was always going to have time in the pocket (BYU allowed pressure on only 21.6% of dropbacks last year).  Wilson began surging up NFL Draft boards in October after an enormous first five games. In those games, he not only wasn’t sacked once, but Wilson wasn’t so much as hit or even pressured on one solitary dropback! A team with edge-rushing juice and back-half playmakers merely never arrived on the 2020 BYU schedule.  I’m not making an argument that Zach Wilson doesn’t deserve to be a first-round pick -- he certainly showed enough arm talent last year to justify that. Where I stand on Zach Wilson is we only saw that for one season, and we only saw it against opponents quite literally incapable of stopping it.  In the NFL, he will have to adapt. And perhaps he can. If NFL defenses want to take away his deep shots, it’ll require leaving more spaces in the middle of the field open. And we do know that Wilson excels throwing off-platform and out of the pocket, skills that helped him be decidedly above-average when opponents sent five or more rushers.  Whether Wilson can adapt and become an All-Pro quarterback is a question I’d want another organization to answer if the cost is a top-five overall pick.) (2-24-21):  https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/article/rankings/2021-nfl-draft-qb-rankings

2021 NFL draft: Zach Wilson learning on the fly (2-19-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/02/19/2021-nfl-draft-zach-wilson-trevor-lawrence-trey-lance-qb1/

Trevor Lawrence or Zach Wilson: Who is QB1 in 2021 NFL Draft? (2-19-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/trevor-lawrence-or-zach-wilson-who-is-qb1-in-2021-nfl-draft/

Some NFL Teams Apparently Have Zach Wilson Above Trevor Lawrence on Draft Boards (2-18-21):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/zach-wilson-trevor-lawrence-2021-nfl-draft-boards-01eys4b8p0h5

2021 NFL Draft quarterback rankings (2. ZACH WILSON, BYU:  Wilson’s meteoric rise is no fluke. The talent he possesses in his right arm is exceptional. His ability to throw lasers from any body position is unlike any other quarterback in the class.  There really aren’t too many holes you can poke in his 2020 tape. Even in his “bad” game against Coastal Carolina, he still earned an 82.7 overall grade. Wilson can win both in and out of structure. He carved up the blitz with authority this year, earning a 91.4 passing grade when dealing with five or more rushers.  The biggest knocks on him are things we haven’t seen him do. Play top competition. Face consistent pressure (only 21.6% of dropbacks in 2020). When that’s the case, it’s difficult to weigh those too heavily when the NFL-translatable skills are so ample.  Even facing lesser defenses, Wilson still excelled when his job was made difficult. His 94.2 passing grade on 122 attempts into throwing windows where the receiver had less than a step of separation is the highest we’ve seen in the past four years. Even Joe Burrow was at only 88.8 in 2019, and he ranks second. That is a necessary aspect of playing in the NFL and makes us think the leap from BYU to the league may not be too drastic for Wilson.) (2-16-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings

NFL draft: Top 5 prospects at each offensive position (Zach Wilson has a strong arm and processes defenses quickly. His baseline mobility is more than enough to extend plays in the NFL. It gets a little controversial in the third spot. Players that are not ready to be a high-level passer immediately must have other rare traits to fall back on initially until the rest of the game comes around for them. Buffalo's Josh Allen is the perfect example of this line of thinking. He was far from a developed passer when he entered the league but his mobility and threat to stretch the field enabled him to have success while he worked on other aspects of his game.) (2-16-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-breaking-down-the-top-five-prospects-at-each-offensive-position/

PICKING THE BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYERS IN THE 2021 NFL DRAFT (QUARTERBACK: Justin Fields (Ohio State) - There are those who have fallen in love with BYU quarterback Zach Wilson after his three years as the starter in Provo, where he became the youngest QB to start a game (19 years, 2 months). However, I’m not sold on his résumé and the quality of opponents BYU faced when he balled out.  Arguably his best games came against Central Florida, Boise State, Houston, Western Michigan and USC. Of that group, at the time Wilson played against them, UCF was the best team.  Yes, he threw for 425 yards — 330 in the first half — with five total TDs in the Boca Raton Bowl, but that UCF team ranked 70th in points per play allowed, 92nd in completions per game allowed and 96th in yards per play allowed.) (2-15-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2021-nfl-draft-ranking-best-offensive-players-rj-young

2021 NFL draft film room: BYU QB Zach Wilson (2-14-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/02/14/2021-nfl-draft-zach-wilson-byu-film-room-video/

NFL Draft quarterbacks 2021: Ranking the best QB prospects, from Trevor Lawrence to Kyle Trask (3. Zach Wilson, BYU - 2020 stats: 12 games, 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns, three interceptions, 73.5 completion percentage; 254 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns.  Before the 2020 college season, Justin Fields was the clear-cut No. 2 quarterback on the draft board. Zach Wilson's fast rise up NFL draft boards is warranted and has landed him squarely in the QB2 discussion.  Wilson has a strong arm, a blazing release and generates effortless power on his throws. He also has good mobility and an innate ability to make off-schedule plays and off-platform throws. Really, watching any Wilson tape looks like a college football And1 mixtape.  Like all quarterbacks in the draft, though, there are some concerns with Wilson. Past injury history (labrum tear in his throwing shoulder) raises a red flag. He also dealt with a hand injury in 2020, but clearly it didn't affect him much. Wilson also has a propensity to trust his arm a bit too much, though it hasn't led to many turnovers in his college career.  Wilson has earned some nicknames — "Zach the Ripper," "Mormon Manziel" and "Mormon Mahomes" — and all three of those hold very, very different connotations. But the BYU Cougar will be calling himself "first-round pick" come April. Just a matter of where to sort out.  Strengths:  Strong arm, Very quick and compact release, Uncanny ability to make off-platform throws.  Weaknesses:  Smaller frame (listed at 6-3, 210), Injury concerns, Not always mechanically sound on throws) (2-12-21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-2021-quarterback-rankings/36jdxvnucjpj16ecv4j68iort

TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects to watch during pre-draft process (3. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  The Lions aren't shelving the idea of drafting a quarterback, per a league source, even with the news that Detroit has reportedly agreed to trade Matthew Stafford to the Rams for Jared Goff and draft picks when the new league year starts mid-March. Wilson is coming off a 2020 season that saw him complete 73.5 percent of his passes for 3,692 yards with 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Very accurate passer.) (2-6-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-prospects-to-watch-during-pre-draft-process-parsons-wilson-smith

According to a former NFL Coach, where does Zach Wilson stand? (2-4-21): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/according-to-a-former-nfl-coach-where-does-zach-wilson-stand

Joe Theismann: Take Zach Wilson over Trevor Lawrence (2-4-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/joe-theismann-id-take-zach-wilson-over-trevor-lawrence-in-the-2021-nfl-draft/

Zach Wilson vs. Justin Fields: Who is QB2 in 2021 NFL Draft? (2-2-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/zach-wilson-justin-fields-who-is-qb2/

2021 NFL Draft: Quarterback options available to the Texans post-Deshaun Watson trade request (Zach Wilson, BYU:  Wilson offers the traits to succeed early but also the promise of continued development. He should be the choice depending on how he interviews and the level of understanding that he shows when asked to break down defenses. The Utah native likes to move the pocket and is capable of throwing from different arm angles; a skill that Patrick Mahomes has made popular in recent years even though Aaron Rodgers has been doing it much longer. Wilson is capable of picking up yardage with his feet and possesses a strong arm guided by a quick release.) (1-28-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-quarterback-options-available-to-the-texans-post-deshaun-watson-trade-request/

PFF 2021 NFL Draft Guide: PFF's top QB prospect, plus a wild-card QB to watch (BIGGEST RISER: ZACH WILSON, BYU:  A Draper, Utah native, Zach Wilson fielded more than 10 offers and took two visits (BYU and Boise State) as a three-star quarterback recruit (247Sports) in 2017. He was an honor roll student, varsity basketball player and threw for over 2,700 yards as Corner Canyon High School’s starting quarterback as a junior and senior. He graduated early in 2017 and originally committed to Boise State before decommitting to pivot to the Cougars soon after.  Quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends in the PFF NFL Draft Guide will have two heat maps showing routes run for the offense (quarterbacks) or routes the player ran (wide receivers, tight ends) and another heat map showing targets. Offensive linemen and most defensive players have a display of snaps played by alignment.  Call him a one-year wonder if you must, but Zach Wilson's ascent isn't near the same as Joe Burrow's a season ago. Wilson was out here earning an 80.5 overall grade as a true freshman in 2018 while leading a team full of adults at BYU. A shoulder injury and hand injury limited him in 2019 before he lit college football on fire this past fall. Blessed with a snappy right arm, Wilson has thrown passes as far as 65 yards through the air this season (against WKU, to be exact) with little more than a flick. He can not only make all the throws, but he can also make them accurately.  NFL player comparison: A more creative Baker Mayfield.  Biggest strength: Off-platform arm talent.  Biggest weakness: Untested under pressure.  Projection: Top-five pick) (1-27-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pff-top-quarterbacks

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's favorite draft prospect at each position (QB ZACH WILSON, BYU (95.4 OVERALL GRADE IN 2020):  While it may not be particularly uncommon to have Wilson as QB2, we feel confident enough to have him as No. 2 overall on the draft board, as well.  Wilson not only possesses special arm strength, but he also fit more footballs into tight windows than anyone else in the draft class. He not only completed more passes than anyone else when targeting a receiver with less than a step of separation, but he also earned a 94.2 grade on such throws — higher than Joe Burrow’s grade last season and over 10 grading points higher than the next best quarterback in the '21 draft class. You can’t fake that, no matter the competition.) (1-26-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-favorite-2021-nfl-draft-prospects

Top prospects Lions could target to replace Matthew Stafford (Zach Wilson, BYU:  One of the fastest-rising prospects in the country this season, Wilson established himself as a potential top-five pick with a strong 2020 campaign for the Cougars. He’s got a big arm, is accurate with his throws, and can make plays outside the pocket when things break down. He’s not a complete player just yet, but he could quickly develop into a franchise quarterback. The question for the Lions would be, is he still on the board at No. 7, or would they have to trade up to land him?) (1-23-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/matthew-stafford-trade-lions-2021-nfl-draft-prospects/

2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five players at each position (Zach Wilson at No. 2 in our quarterback rankings and on the PFF draft board might turn some heads. That’s how physically gifted he is, though, and how well he played this season. Just look at the arm talent and placement on these throws.  One might point to his competition level as a knock, but if you look at the difficulty level of some of his throws, that criticism doesn’t quite hold up as much. Wilson led all quarterbacks in the country with 64 tight-window completions. His 95.0 passing grade on such passes ranked first in college football and was even higher than Joe Burrow’s 90.5 mark from last year. That’s why he’s QB2.) (1-19-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-ranking-top-five-players-each-position

101 best players in college football from the 2020 season (3.  QB ZACH WILSON, BYU:  Wilson may have faced a cupcake schedule, with zero Power 5 defenses faced, but the way he lit up the weak competition was unlike anything we have ever seen. The BYU quarterback recorded an elite passing grade above 90.0 in eight of his 12 games played this season, with his lowest-graded game sitting at 75.4. That gave Wilson a 95.5 passing grade for the season — the best by a non-Power 5 quarterback in 2020 by over three grading points and tops for a non-Power 5 passer since PFF College’s inception in 2014.  Wilson’s arm talent is truly special, and he can make off-platform throws look easy. No quarterback threw an accurate ball on a higher rate of their 20-plus-yard passes this season (73%). It’s up there with Joe Burrow for one of the biggest breakout seasons in recent memory.) (1-18-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-101-best-players-2020

2021 NFL Draft: 5 quarterbacks who could make sense for the Detroit Lions (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  Zach Wilson could be there for the Lions at No. 7, but he’s getting mocked as high as No. 4 in the early stages. Wilson’s stock skyrocketed with his level of play in 2020, hitting 73.5% of his passes for 3,692 yards with 33 touchdowns and only three interceptions. The junior added 10 scores on the ground while leading BYU to an 11-1 season.  Wilson’s ball placement and some of the tight-window throws he makes on the run should have general managers and scouts drooling. It’s been said on this website, but it should be said again, he’s got a little Stafford in him when letting that thing rip. PFF reports Wilson lined up under center for 18% of his snaps for 2020, so he’s familiar out of the gun and at the line.  “Wilson’s arm strength affords him different amenities,” PFF writes. “Not that Wilson cannot process quickly enough at an NFL level, but he can throw to places that most defenses don’t think worthy of stationing a defender on patrol. When the ball was set on the right hash, Wilson threw 29 times to within 10 yards of the left sideline from the pocket, with a passing grade of 90.5.  “This is the arm strength NFL teams covet. Wilson has it. Now we’ll see if he can transition as smoothly to the league as (Bengals quarterback Joe) Burrow seemingly did before his injury cut short his rookie season.”) (1-13-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/01/2021-nfl-draft-5-quarterbacks-who-could-make-sense-for-the-detroit-lions.html

Zach Wilson vs. Justin Fields: Who is QB2 in 2021 NFL Draft? (1-11-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/zach-wilson-justin-fields-who-is-qb2/

NFL Draft: How Fields, Jones stack up (Who is the second-best QB in this draft class? Who do you think will be the second QB drafted?

Josh Edwards: For me, it is tight between Justin Fields and Zach Wilson. Coming off a sensational performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal, everyone wants to believe that Fields is the runaway choice but evaluations are made over a much longer period of time. Wilson is the No. 2 quarterback prospect for me right now because I want the player I select to have at least one elite trait that he can hang his hat on and, for Wilson, that is arm strength. We have seen some crazy throws from him -- stationary and on the move -- this season and we know that will translate to the next level.  Chris Trapasso: For as ridiculous as this sounds because we only have the national title left on the college football schedule, it is "early" in the pre-draft process. And following my first run-through of film for the top quarterback prospects, Fields finished slightly ahead of Wilson in my grading system. While both were spectacular long-ball throwers in 2020, I think Wilson is a better fit in a West Coast type offense that focuses on the quarterback getting out quickly to a variety of targets -- think "point guard" style. Fields and his big arm -- and long delivery -- are best-suited for a hyper-aggressive, vertical-based system that actually wants him to hold the football a little longer for deep routes to develop.) (1-8-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-picks-in-alabama-ohio-state-title-game-how-justin-fields-mac-jones-stack-up-as-prospects/

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects during college football bowl season (4. BYU QB ZACH WILSON VS. UCF:  Yes, it was UCF, and yes, they didn’t have all their starters in the secondary. But just look at this throw.  Wilson plays at a high level with consistency. He finished with a 90.9 passing grade against UCF — his seventh 90.0-plus passing grade this season.) (1-5-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-college-football-bowl-season

BYU's Zach Wilson, one of college football's top QB prospects, declares for NFL draft (1-1-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-zach-wilson-college-footballs-top-qb-prospects-nfl-draft-232712842.html

BYU QB Zach Wilson declares for 2021 NFL draft (1-1-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/01/01/zach-wilson-byu-2021-nfl-draft/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Early Bowl Games (Up - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  Wilson is a rising quarterback, and some NFL staffersthink he could rise to being the next passer taken after Clemson's Trevor Lawrence goes off the board. Wilson possesses the skill set to be a good starting quarterback at the next level. He has a strong arm capable of making all the throws and good deep ball accuracy. Wilson shows the ability to fire strikes in the short to intermediate part of the field with good ball placement to lead his receivers for more yards. Wilson's timing, anticipation, accuracy, and field vision are on point to be an effective pocket passer.  Wilson's mobility and athleticism are what make him special. He is a dangerous runner with excellent feet and agility to dodge pass rushers in the pocket. Thanks to his feet and mobility, Wilson is able to extend plays, and he has the arm strength to make big throws off platform. Wilson is a threat to pick up yards on the ground as well given his decent shiftiness in the open field. He has a backyard baller-style of play that brings energy to his team.  Wilson also is an intelligent player who has good play recall, according to team sources. He also demonstrated toughness in 2020, plus played with confidence. He is a competitor who doesn't scared and won't back down. Team sources have said that those are the strengths of Wilson' makeup, but he has negatives as well with his football character. Those issues, which could hurt him with some teams, are impressions of Wilson being a selfish, entitled rich kid who is a know-it-all rather than a leader, and parents who will be a pain for team staff to deal with. Regardless, Wilson made the most of the 2020 season and put his draft stock on the map as an early-rounder for the 2021 NFL Draft.) (12-29-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_17.php

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in the 2020 college football season (6. BYU QB ZACH WILSZON VS. LA TECH (WEEK 5):  In a season where Wilson delivered on a weekly basis, his dominance against Louisiana Tech stands above the rest. He went 24-of-26 for 325 yards with two scores. Of his two incompletions, one should have been caught but was broken up at the catch point. The other was a batted pass. He didn’t take a single downgrade all day in a darn-near perfect outing.) (12-29-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-2020-season

Could Zach Wilson be selected over Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft? (12-28-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/could-zach-wilson-be-selected-over-justin-fields-in-the-2021-nfl-draft/

Six from Saturday (3. Zach Wilson put on a show the other night, and it sets up a fascinating Friday night for NFL fans with no rooting college interest. Ohio State junior QB Justin Fields has long been considered the leader in the clubhouse to second overall, after Trevor Lawrence. But I’m less certain that’ll happen than I was two months ago, and I can say definitively there are NFL folks who prefer the BYU quarterback to him. That sets up an awesome opportunity for Fields to show his stuff against a Clemson defense that he played well against—before throwing a game-ending pick—last year.) (12-28-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/12/28/mmqb-week-16-ezekiel-elliott-cowboys-win-sam-darnold-noise-steelers

Who are the finalists for the 2020 Heisman Trophy? (9. Zach Wilson, BYU - Zach Wilson and BYU had a wild ride as an independent school in 2020. Wilson threw for 3,699 yards and 33 touchdowns against 3 picks.) (12-24-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/24/finalists-for-the-2020-heisman-trophy-mac-jones-alabama-devonta-smith-crimson-tide-trevor-lawrence-clemson-tigers-kyle-trask-florida-gators/

Meet the 2021 NFL draft quarterbacks: Stats and what you need to know for Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, more (Zach Wilson, BYU Cougars:  Wilson got his first scholarship offer in 2015 from Weber State -- he was a "a skinny little noodle," a former assistant said -- and committed to Boise State two years later. A late offer from BYU, however, gave him something Boise could not: playing college ball close to his family. Wilson, one of six children, grew up in Draper, Utah, in a family of Utah Utes fans, but the opportunity to regularly see his family throughout college made him shift his allegiances. His father, Mike, served as his private quarterbacks coach through high school, helping him to big numbers both through the air and on the ground at Corner Canyon High School.  Wilson became the Cougars' youngest starting QB ever at 19 years, 2 months when he took over for them against Hawai'i in 2018, accounting for four touchdowns in a win. Wilson brought BYU to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl that season, where he went 18-for-18 for 317 yards and four touchdowns in another victory. But his sophomore season brought middling numbers (11 touchdown passes, nine picks) and a six-week absence in the middle of the campaign with a fractured thumb.  The 2020 season has been magical for Wilson, however, as he has soared into contention for a top-10 pick. The Cougars went 10-1 in the regular season, and Wilson had 43 total touchdowns with only three interceptions. He ranked in the top five of qualifying passers nationally in yards (3,692), yards per attempt (10.8) and completion percentage (73.2%). He could become the first BYU quarterback selected in the first round since Steve Young in 1984. Wilson finished the season with 425 passing yards and five total touchdowns in the Cougars' blowout win over UCF in the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl.  2020 stats: 3,267 passing yards, 73.2% completion rate, 30 touchdowns and three interceptions (plus 242 rushing yards and eight TDs).  Rankings: Kiper's QB3 (No. 14) | McShay's QB4 (No. 15).  What's next: With his bowl game behind him, Wilson has a decision to make. If he now declares for the draft, the pre-draft process would ramp up for one of the biggest risers so far this year.) (12-24-20):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/story/_/id/30469546/meet-2021-nfl-draft-quarterbacks-stats-need-know-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-zach-wilson-more

How good are the 2021 NFL draft quarterbacks? Why this class is one of the most talented ever (THE QB1S ANY OTHER YEAR: BYU'S ZACH WILSON AND OHIO STATE'S JUSTIN FIELDS:  These two took distinctly different paths to their quarterback superstardom. Fields was in an echelon of recruiting that few achieve. 247sports ranks him as its ninth-highest-rated recruit ever, and the third-highest-ranked quarterback behind only Vince Young and Trevor Lawrence. Inseparable from the aforementioned Lawrence, it was actually Fields who won the vaunted MVP award at the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp back in high school.  Wilson, on the other hand, ended up at BYU without anywhere near the fanfare. Hailing from Draper, Utah, he went by Zachary Wilson back then as a lowly 3-star recruit. From the moment Wilson set foot on campus, the Cougars' coaching staff could tell the recruiting services got it wrong, as he was named the starting quarterback midway through his freshman season.  Now, the two will duke it out for the right to be the No. 2 overall pick. Both are deadly accurate to all levels. In fact, before Wilson played on Tuesday night, they were tied for the third-best uncatchable pass rate among all quarterbacks in college football, at 13.7%. That's made even more impressive by the healthy 9.7-yard and 11.1-yard average depth of targets for Fields and Wilson, respectively. While Fields is the better athlete and can open up the run game, Wilson is better at throwing on the move and creating plays outside of structure.  Whichever one actually ends up as QB2 in this class will be determined purely by personal preference, because there's a good chance there's no wrong answer here.) (12-24-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-how-good-are-the-2021-nfl-draft-quarterbacks-why-this-class-is-one-of-the-most-talented-ever

Draft: Tracking prospects in bowl season (RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl: UCF vs. BYU - BYU QB quarterback Zach Wilson put a plethora of ridiculous, downfield throws into the bucket on film against UCF. He was phenomenal in the first half, getting the football out of his hands quickly with velocity and ideal ball placement through tiny windows. Wilson finished 26 of 34 for 425 yards with three touchdowns, and he scored twice on the ground.) (12-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-bowl-game-tracker-zach-wilsons-big-opportunity-who-to-watch-in-tulane-nevada-and-more/

How does BYU's Zach Wilson's 2020 season compare to Joe Burrow's 2019 at LSU? An incredible rise toward the 2021 NFL draft (12-23-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-how-does-byus-zach-wilsons-2020-season-compare-to-joe-burrows-2019-at-lsu-an-incredible-rise-toward-the-2021-nfl-draft

Is BYU's Zach Wilson the 2nd-best QB in the 2021 NFL draft class? (12-23-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/22/zach-wilson-byu-nfl-draft-justin-fields-trevor-lawrence/

NFL Hot Press: Zach Wilson Character Concerns (12-23-20):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Some-Teams-Have-Makeup-Concerns-with-Zach-Wilson

Draft: Tracking prospects in bowl season (BYU QB quarterback Zach Wilson will have some teams who view him as the second-best quarterback prospect in this class. A strong showing against UCF would make more believers. He's completed over 70% of his passes at 10.9 yards per attempt with 30 touchdowns, three picks, and eight scores on the ground. He has a lightning-quick release, a strong arm, and impeccable improvisational skills when things break down inside the pocket or he can't find anyone on his first few reads.) (12-22-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-bowl-game-tracker-zach-wilsons-big-opportunity-who-to-watch-in-tulane-nevada-and-more/

College Football Bowl Games Today: TV schedules, start times, and predictions (Undoubtedly all eyes will be on BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. The junior has had a meteoric rise up NFL Draft boards following a mesmeric season. Wilson has shown through this season that he has the arm strength, mobility, and decision making to be a successful signal-caller at the next level.  Pauline has Wilson ranked as the 10th best player in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He also has draftable grades on five other Cougars. This game is awash with NFL Draft talent as Pauline has seven UCF players that also have draftable grades.) (12-22-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-bowl-games-today-2020/

NFL draft winners and losers: Where do the Jets go if they miss out on QB Trevor Lawrence? (BYU QB Zach Wilson:  Wilson didn’t even play this weekend. But by virtue of Justin Fields’ struggles against Northwestern, the conversation of who the second-best quarterback is in this class appears as open as it has been.  BYU is slated to face UCF in the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl this week. The Knights won’t be the top-shelf defense scouts would love to see Wilson face, ranking 91st in pass efficiency allowed. In UCF’s last game, South Florida QB Jordan McCloud threw for 404 yards — more than he had in the previous three games combined — and four TDs, both career highs. Wilson could really gain some momentum by adding another huge game to his resumé, and the Jets’ debate at No. 2 overall could really be something.) (12-21-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-where-do-the-jets-go-if-they-miss-out-on-qb-trevor-lawrence-184254289.html

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest risers of 2020 include BYU QB Zach Wilson, North Carolina RB Javonte Williams (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  It's happened with at least one quarterback in four of the past five drafts -- a quarterback previously viewed as a decent, draftable prospect explodes onto the scene as a legitimate, early first-round selection. Carson Wentz, Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray. And in 2017, we hadn't even seen Mitchell Trubisky start for a prolonged period at North Carolina, but after one strong season, he ultimately went No. 2 overall.  Wilson is the sudden star prospect of the 2021 class. After starting 18 games in 2018 and 2019 combined with adequate production, the BYU passer has been outstanding in 2020 in the new-school way of playing the quarterback position: pocket-passing brilliance coupled with incredible improvisation, off-script throws from awkward foundations downfield and creative weaves through traffic as a scrambler. He's completed 73.1% of his passes at 10.9 yards per attempt in an Cougar offense that loves to attack vertically. Wilson's tossed 30 touchdowns to just three picks and has eight rushing scores on his resume.  No prospect has seen more of a draft-stock ascension than Wilson. He's destined to be a top-10 pick in April.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-biggest-risers-of-2020-include-byu-qb-zach-wilson-north-carolina-rb-javonte-williams/

QB Watch: BYU's Wilson holds his own (Zach Wilson, BYU:  With Lawrence and Fields off the slate, Wilson had an opportunity to gain some ground in the early round quarterback discussion. Unfortunately, the San Diego State game was not shown in primetime nationally. Wilson had a solid outing, completing 26-of-35 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. According to TruMedia, the junior from Utah is above average on nearly all routes thrown with the exception of crossing patterns and comebacks. Those have accounted for 9.1% of his attempts this season. No one is going to confuse Wilson for Kyler Murray or Lamar Jackson but he has more than enough speed to get yardage on the ground. It will be interesting to see how he measures at the NFL combine. Listed at 6-foot-3, many believe that the quarterback will be closer to 6-foot-1. That is not a limiting factor but it is a shade under ideal by traditional standards.) (12-14-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-alabamas-mac-jones-byus-zach-wilson-do-just-enough-in-victories/

2021 NFL Draft: Four quarterbacks likely to earn first-round grades, Zach Wilson a fast riser (The biggest riser, by far, has been BYU's Zach Wilson. Wilson is an elite playmaker who has good size (6-3) and went from a fringe first-round prospect in the summer to a potential top 10 pick. He will surpass 3,000 yards passing and is completing 73 percent of his passes while averaging over 11 yards per attempt with 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions.  "Lawrence is the best quarterback in the draft and it's really not all that close," said one executive who has watched them extensively. "There is a big dropoff from him to Fields, and Wilson has really closed the gap with Fields. By the draft, he may have passed him. Seriously, this kid is really good.") (12-13-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-four-quarterbacks-likely-to-earn-first-round-grades-zach-wilson-a-fast-riser/

Week 15 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Zach Wilson playing well… again (11:25 PM):  I keep waiting for him to reach the cliff where maybe he dips off, but Zach Wilson has continued to play at a stable, high level this season. Wilson is not getting much help from his skill position players tonight, much like he did not get help from them in the loss to Coastal Carolina. He looks accurate and the out-of-structure ability continues to bear its fruits as Wilson makes multiple plays happen out of nothing with that mobility he possesses. The consistency of Wilson’s play is going to be a big part of why NFL teams should really like him. He is not a two-game sensation. In fact, Wilson’s mental game continues to improve over most games as well. He is starting to use his eyes to move defenders and open up zones as a result. I have no concerns about what Wilson will be able to do in the NFL given his consistent high-level play. He deserves the hype he gets. NF) (12-13-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-15-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's Draft Riser Team (QB ZACH WILSON, BYU:  The biggest riser, period. Wilson could very well end up as the second overall pick come late April. After an injury-plagued sophomore campaign that saw him earn a 72.5 passing grade, Wilson has skyrocketed up to an FBS-leading 95.2 this season. His accuracy, arm talent and consistency have been a sight to behold. His lowest-graded passing game this season — a 75.4 against Houston — is still higher than his passing grade from last season. That’s quite the leap.) (12-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-all-draft-riser-team

QB KLASSROOM: BYU QB ZACH WILSON VS CCU (12-8-20):   https://www.rotoworld.com/article/qb-klassroom/qb-klassroom-byu-qb-zach-wilson-vs-ccu

QB Watch: Scrambling ability on display (Zach Wilson, BYU:  The instant classic between two Group of Five powers nearly started with a bang, when Wilson connected with his favorite target Dax Milne on a long corner route that ultimately went for a 90-yard touchdown. It came back on a holding penalty, and Wilson started slowly through the air after that against Coastal Carolina's blitz-happy defense. But Wilson put his athletic gifts on display generating offense with his legs early. Even deep in the second quarter, Wilson had a 18-yard run and finished with 10 carries for 55 yards on the evening. The impressive throws we've grown accustomed too every outing from Wilson were still absolutely there. His touchdown came when he made a long rip across the field to Milne who glanced off a would-be tackler and somehow stayed in bounds for 41 yards. Wilson worked the entire field well. He only had a few misfires and was sacked just once, often eluding defenders before improvising outside the pocket. Down five with 32 seconds left, Wilson uncorked a frozen rope from his own goal line to the 40 and with the game on the line fired a rocket in traffic to Milne in traffic, but BYU's top target was tackled at the 1-yard-line as time expired. Not a completely dazzling effort from Wilson -- especially compared to what we've seen from him this season -- but another exemplary demonstration of his phenomenally fun skill set. He finished 19-of-30 for 240 yards with a touchdown and an interception on a end-of-half Hail Mary attempt.) (12-7-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-zach-wilson-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-showcase-dynamic-running-talent/

Six from Saturday (1. I don’t know that the NFL scouting community is quite as hot on BYU QB Zach Wilson as those on the internet are. He’s fun to watch, no question. But I can say evaluators I trust that have watched Wilson have concerns about his overall lack of high-end traits, and in particular his arm strength. One scout pointed out how you can see it in how much he has to put into the more difficult throws—he’s not flicking his wrist—and that kind of kills the Patrick Mahomes comparisons I’ve heard people make. Now, that doesn’t mean he can’t be a first-rounder. He can be, because there’s certainly a lot of good in his game, and there are guys who weren’t overwhelming physically (Baker Mayfield is one) who have gone high in the draft. But it’s at least interesting seeing hype vs. reality on this one.) (12-7-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/12/07/mmqb-week-13-jets-raiders-jaguars-trevor-lawrence-watch

NFL draft winners and losers: What to make of so-so games from Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson? (12-7-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-what-to-make-of-soso-games-from-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-195911948.html

Week 14 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (On-the-run throw showcases Wilson’s upside as a first-round QB (7:15 PM):  One throw that’s been making the rounds does an excellent job of displaying Zach Wilson’s NFL upside. Regardless of Wilson’s performance tonight, he’s put enough on tape this year to warrant an early selection. But this throw features traits that rest at the foundation of Wilson’s success.  On the throw in question, Wilson quickly anticipates pressure and starts to roll to his right. He uses his motion and his eyes to bait a couple of defenders to the sideline, where a receiver is running a route, and then at the last second flashes his eyes back inside and throws a dart off-platform to a receiver just outside the hash.  Wilson doesn’t have the sheer talent as Fields or Lawrence, but that’s a high bar to clear. Wilson still has the athleticism necessary to roll out and extend plays. He still has the arm elasticity to generate velocity on the move, and on top of that, he knows how to use his eyes to open up windows, even in off-script situations. That’s what matters. IC. Zach Wilson finds end zone for first time late in first half (7:00 PM):  With less than two minutes to go in the first half, Zach Wilson finally found the end zone. He hit wide receiver Dax Milne on an out-breaking route past the sticks, and Milne took it the rest of the way, tip-toeing on the sideline as he dodged defenders. The throw didn’t have a ton of pace on it, which accentuates the fact that Wilson’s physical tools, while still solid, are not elite, like those of Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields.  That Wilson touchdown will mask the fact that, until that play, the Coastal Carolina defense had largely held him in check. He had only completed 50% of his passes, and for BYU’s lone touchdown drive before that, running back Tyler Allgeier was the main threat. Wilson’s remaining task is to prove he can elevate the Cougars in the second half, now that we know the Chanticleers are giving him a challenge. IC.  Zach Wilson already under pressure against Coastal Carolina in early stages (5:55 PM):  Strength of schedule is a legitimate asterisk for both Brigham Young and Coastal Carolina. Still, it’s clear that the Chanticleers are in an echelon above their conference opposition, as they’re showing so far today. Zach Wilson, who’s consistently gotten off to strong starts this season, failed to complete his first three pass attempts, and one attempt, an underhand flip to his running back, was almost intercepted when the running back didn’t expect it.  Wilson may try to press a bit more and make things happen on his own today, which could unearth some of the volatility we’ve seen from him in previous years. At this point, not much is going to change about Wilson being a first-round quarterback, but today’s game will be significant for NFL teams trying to discern how far he still has to go before he can be a starter. IC) (12-6-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

Meet Zach Wilson, BYU's latest quarterback star and a surging first-round NFL Draft prospect (12-5-20):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/zach-wilson-nfl-draft-byu-quarterback/16a9w33fei5s71fu694wkj5nx7

BYU QB Zach Wilson leads underclassmen rumored to be entering the 2021 NFL Draft (Zach Wilson headed to the 2021 NFL Draft?

Zach Wilson’s rise up draft boards has been meteoric. Prior to the season, he was barely a blip on the radar, but his phenomenal 2021 season has him fighting for a spot as a top-10 pick in next April’s draft.  Pauline reports that Wilson isn’t going to make a decision on the NFL Draft until after the college football season. However, Wilson has begun talking to and interviewing potential agents. In the event he does declare for the draft, he’ll be well prepared and ready to make the jump.  While this isn’t a concrete sign that Wilson is headed to the NFL, it shows he’s at least seriously thinking about the possibility. This isn’t an easy decision. In 2022, he’d likely be the first quarterback off the board, and that would mean a large contract. However, he’d have to risk injury and regression, both of which could deal a blow to his draft status. Whichever way Wilson ends up ultimately leaning, it will be some time before we know for sure.) (12-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/zach-wilson-leads-underclassman-rumored-to-enter-2021-nfl-draft/

Watch the wild finish between Coastal Carolina and BYU (Wilson) (12-5-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/05/coastal-carolina-byu-highlights-video-ending-zach-wilson/

College Football Award Watch: Top candidates for every major CFB award through Week 13 (And last but certainly not least, BYU’s Zach Wilson is on pace to shatter the PFF College record for the best single-season passing grade ever recorded by a quarterback. Wilson's grade of 95.1 is over 22 grading points higher than his mark in 2019. The schedule has been weak, but Wilson is doing exactly what he should be doing against this cupcake competition: dominating them. Whether he is inside or outside of structure, Wilson is carving up the opposition.) (12-4-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-award-watch-top-candidates-for-every-major-cfb-award-through-week-13-2020

Ranking NFL franchise quarterbacks: How the 2017-2021 draft classes stack up, and why Trevor Lawrence is high on the list (10. ZACH WILSON, BYU COUGARS:  There's no fluke to Wilson's meteoric rise up draft boards this season. He edges out Dolphins rookie Tua Tagovailoa because of his physical tools. Wilson has a quick snap release that can send the ball 50-plus yards downfield on the move with a flick. And he isn't missing throws this season. He ranks third in FBS with only 12.7% of his throws being deemed uncatchable.  It's not as though Wilson is out there running screens and run-pass options to pad his accuracy numbers underneath, either. He ranks fourth in the country with 20 big-time throws, and his average depth of target is a healthy 10.7 yards downfield. In a loaded draft class at the position, Wilson's 94.7 passing grade leads the nation. Expect him to be one of the top quarterbacks taken next April.) (11-25-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-franchise-quarterbacks-how-the-2017-2021-draft-classes-stack-up-and-why-trevor-lawrence-is-high-on-the-list

Week 12 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Obligatory stat update for Zach Wilson, the biggest riser of the 2021 NFL Draft (5:10 PM):  We’re live at LaVell Edwards Stadium, home of the greatest offense known to man, where Zach Wilson is once again putting up insane numbers. Today, in an effortless blowout against Northern Alabama, Wilson is 10 for 16 for 212 yards and four touchdowns, finding the end zone on 25% of his throws. As it stands, Wilson has now completed 176 of his 237 attempts for 2,724 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Oh, and he also has almost 200 yards and eight scores rushing.  Wilson’s standout performance today is just an extension of his 2020 season; he’s been electric all year, and while he’s not close to challenging for Justin Fields’ QB2 spot, Wilson’s appeal as a legitimate first-round quarterback only gets stronger each week. He continues to display all the traits necessary to be a franchise quarterback. IC) (11-21-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-12-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

2021 NFL Draft: Top 10 quarterback prospects (3. ZACH WILSON, BYU:  Even though his 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame may not be as physically imposing as the rest of the quarterbacks in the top five, don’t get it twisted: Zach Wilson has a hose.  What makes the true juniors arm talent so special is that it shows up from the pocket, on the move or wherever he feels like letting it rip.  His ascension to QB3 is no fluke, as he impressed as a true freshman in 2018 with a 78.8 passing grade before injuries limited him in 2019. Now, he’s the highest-graded passer in the country, posting a 94.4 mark in that regard through eight games. He won't last long if he declares.) (11-19-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-top-10-quarterback-prospects

How BYU’s baby-faced, headband-wearing, fun-loving quarterback has soared up NFL draft boards (11-19-20):  https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/19/21574186/byu-football-zach-wilson-nfl-draft-best-college-quarterbacks-patrick-mahomes-aaron-roderick

College Football: Highest-graded Group of Five players at every position (QUARTERBACK: ZACH WILSON, BYU — 93.7:  Not much more can be said about Zach Wilson, whose incredible season has rocketed him up draft boards as an almost sure-fire top 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson showed promise in the past two seasons, posting 80.5 and 76.2 grades the past two seasons, respectively. But now with a veteran group of skill players and a loaded offensive line, he’s just showing off.  Only 14.5% of Wilson's passes have been charted as “uncatchable,” ranking behind only Ohio State's Justin Fields (9.3%) among quarterbacks with at least 50 throws beyond the line of scrimmage this season. Wilson just doesn’t miss.) (11-19-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-highest-graded-group-of-five-players-at-every-position-2020

11 Prospects to know for the Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  Wilson is this year’s emerging quarterback in the mold of Daniel Jones, Sam Darnold or Mitchell Trubisky of drafts of recent past. And yes, that company should alarm you a little…  Wilson has impressed with his improved decision making and short-range accuracy for the Cougars in 2020. He’s playing smarter, and that’s exactly what scouts wanted to see from a guy who played too much “hero ball” in the past. It’s nice that he can fling it and pull off the difficult, but making the easy look easier has been a big step in the right direction for Wilson in 2020. There is some Justin Herbert to Wilson too, and Herbert is having an outstanding rookie season in Los Angeles.) (11-14-20):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/11-prospects-to-know-for-the-lions-in-the-2021-nfl-draft/

College football's top 20 breakout players of the season (1. QB ZACH WILSON, BYU (2019 PFF grade: 76.2 (52nd of 140).  2020 PFF grade: 93.6 (third of 113)):  It's clear that injuries hindered Wilson's success at the start of his collegiate career. He suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder in high school, which bothered him as a freshman in 2018 and resulted in surgery prior to his 2019 season. In 2019, Wilson injured his throwing hand a few weeks into the season, and that caused him to miss four games. In his nine starts, Wilson displayed requisite accuracy underneath center, but he couldn't get anything cooking downfield.  This year, however, has been a completely different story. Wilson has been pinpoint accurate to all levels of the field and has proven to be one of the best downfield passers in college football. He trails only Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence in passing grade on throws of more than 10-plus air yards and ranks first in percentage of such throws resulting in a quarterback-fault incompletion. Wilson has firmly established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football.) (11-13-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-20-breakout-players-of-the-season

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 10 (3. QB ZACH WILSON, BYU:  It was the stiffest test we’re going to see Wilson face until bowl season, and he passed with flying colors. He earned his fifth 90.0-plus passing grade in eight games so far this season, and he once again wasn’t missing throws. Against Boise State, he had an 84.6% adjusted completion rate while going 21-of-27 for 359 yards with two scores. That accuracy combined with his usual highlight-reel dimes on the move will make him a top-10 pick.) (11-10-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-10-college-football

QB KlassRoom: BYU QB Zach Wilson vs Boise (11-10-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/qb-klassroom/qb-klassroom-byu-qb-zach-wilson-vs-boise

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 10 (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  Against Boise State, Wilson completed 21-of-27 passes for 359 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also picked up a rushing touchdown.  There is a lot to like about Wilson for the NFL. He has a quality arm capable of making all the throws and an ability to push the ball downfield. In the short to intermediate part of the field, Wilson can spin the ball and fire some fastballs into tight windows. He also is capable of putting air under the ball to loft in touch passes. Wilson is an accurate passer who displays quality footwork that leads to him tossing precision passes. He is not an elite runner for the next level in the mold of a Lamar Jackson, but he has mobility with some quickness and athleticism to buy time in the pocket and pick up some first downs on the ground.  Wilson has some things to work on still, like any collegiate player. Speeding up his process and working through his progressions faster would help him to succeed at the pro level. There are plays on which he holds the ball too long, so he needs to get passes out more quickly. Wilson has the luxury of a good offensive line at BYU, with multiple players who will compete to make NFL rosters, but at the pro level, he should avoid putting as much pressure on his blockers against NFL pass rushers.  The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Wilson has enough size to be a starting quarterback, and it would be a good idea for him to add some weight to his frame to help him avoid injury at the pro level. He is worthy of being at least a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he could end up being a mid -to late first-rounder.) (11-10-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_10.php

QB Watch: Fields, Wilson cruise (Zach Wilson, BYU:  As if Wilson didn't already have a massive amount of hype, the junior quarterback went 21-of-27 for 359 yards with two touchdowns and no picks along with another rushing score in a 51-17 rout of No. 21 ranked Boise State.  Early in the game, he rolled left and made a tight-window throw before his receiver went out of bounds, and it looked like a breeze for him. With just a seven-point lead in the second quarter, Wilson led an impressive, pass-heavy 96-yard touchdown drive that ended with his rushing score and featured a variety of lasers toward the sideline. The ball seemed to be popping out of Wilson's hands with more velocity than what I've noticed in the past. Great sign.  While moving outside the pocket on a third down early in the third, he unleashed a roped deep shot over 45 yards in the air that connected with a diving wideout near the sideline. A few plays later, Wilson again demonstrated his arm talent on a play-action long ball down the middle. Wilson was, again, stupendous in an impressive BYU victory.) (11-9-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-zach-wilson-stay-hot-and-get-to-know-libertys-malik-willis/

BYU QB Zach Wilson is crashing the 1st-round conversation (11-7-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/11/07/zach-wilson-byu-nfl-draft-college-football/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 9 (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  Wilson has been dominating the competition this year and has earned praise from team sources. He has a quality arm, some athleticism, and an efficient style of play. This season, Wilson has been a confident and decisive passer who has shown big improvement from being a game manager to being a playmaker. He has a shot at being a late first-round pick or a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson could rise from there because quarterbacks can rise through the draft process. There is no doubt that Wilson is one college player who is really helping himself this season.) (11-3-20):   https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_09.php

NFL draft winners and losers: Zach Wilson, Trey Lance swapping spots in QB pecking order? (Winners - BYU QB Zach Wilson:  On Saturday, Wilson turned in his statistically worst game of the season — 18 of 32 passing (56.3 percent) for 224 yards, with three TDs and his first interception since the season-opening game. Wilson also ran five times for 35 yards and a score.  The pick ended a streak of 184 pass attempts without an interception, which set a school mark. It came on a bad decision — Wilson threw the ball late and short, a bad combo. It also set up Western Kentucky’s only TD of the game.  It came late in the third quarter when BYU was up 35-3. I call these “Mahomes interceptions,” in that they’re riskier-than-normal throws when a quarterback can afford to take those chances. Somewhat forgivable? Yes.  Wilson’s jaw-dropping throws stood out as he seems to have on a weekly basis. He’s playing with an incredible amount of confidence . Wilson looks like a man who believes his team can score on every drive, and the Cougars did just that early on, scoring TDs on their first five possessions before that pick (and two field goals after it).  Wilson should have had closer to 350 yards passing. Pro Football Focus credited three drops in the game, and two of them were potentially huge gains.  Here was the first — it looked like wideout Dax Milne underestimated Wilson’s arm strength, as Wilson launched the ball from his own 35-yard line and it came down around the WKU 2-yard line. Just a little 58-yard flick for you pass-distance charters at home. And here was the second.  Remind you of anyone? At one point during his freshman year, Wilson was called the “Mormon Manziel.” That’s old and tired. It’s hard not to see a little Aaron Rodgers in that release.  We promise not to get too punch drunk on Wilson’s high-end throws and ignore whatever bad stuff is out there. But we mocked Wilson at No. 6 overall last week to the Minnesota Vikings for a reason: He absolutely has a chance to land in the top 10, alongside some of the 2021 NFL draft’s elite QBs (more on this below).  Even in bad games by his standards, Wilson manages to impress in multiple ways.) (11-2-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-zach-wilson-trey-lance-swapping-spots-in-qb-pecking-order-191522524.html

2021 Draft QB Watch: Fields makes case (Zach Wilson, BYU:  Zach Wilson is so much fun to watch. He's the best parts of Texas A&M Johnny Manziel and Oklahoma Baker Mayfield -- strong arm, athletic in the open field but more accurate. The question will continue to be the level of competition; BYU blew the doors off Western Kentucky on Saturday night and Wilson plays at a high level every week.  We couldn't say that last season about Jordan Love, who struggled against similar competition and was completely overmatched against teams like LSU. Granted, few people had standout games against that 2019 LSU squad but if you didn't know who Jordan Love was he certainly didn't strike you as a first-round pick with his performance against the Tigers. And you could say that about some of his games against Mountain West opponents too.  And we point this out as huge Jordan Love supporters; we thought he was a first-round talent who was rough around the edges and would need time to grow into the job at the next level. Our point: If you're willing to make these concessions for Love, who, like Wilson, has a big arm but isn't nearly the athlete, why the hesitation with Wilson, who has very few holes in his game and is playing as well as the Lawerences and Fields of the college football world?  Wilson is a technician who has a good understanding of defenses and how to exploit them. It helps that he has rare arm talent, great vision and the willingness to trust his talent. For instance, this is something else.  The ability to step up in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield, throwing off-balance and delivering a downfield strike splitting a double team. It takes your breath away. Then there's the more conventional seed on a post pattern.  Yes, his target is wide open but look at the ball placement -- right on the receiver's face, which allows him to saunter into the end zone. Too many times you see the quarterback deliver that pass too low and the receiver has to go to the ground, or behind the receiver and it's either broken up or intercepted. The simple stuff matters too and Wilson is really, really good at the simple stuff.) (11-2-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-makes-push-for-no-1-qb-mac-jones-and-zach-wilson-continue-to-impress/

Week 9 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Zach Wilson shoving his way into first-round consideration (11:55 PM):  I have seen enough to say that Wilson is officially working his way into the first-round conversation. After another strong first half with four touchdown passes from Wilson, BYU is rolling behind their impressive quarterback. His best play may have been where he rolled around in the pocket and threw a dart down the middle of the field between two defenders for pinpoint accuracy. Wilson did not have his feet set, and even though it was incomplete, he threaded the needle about as well as he could have.  However, it is more impressive to me that he is learning on the fly. On BYU’s last touchdown, they ran two straight fade plays. Wilson put too much air under it on the first attempt, thus putting it outside of the tight end’s catch radius. However, on the second attempt, he took some air off it and worked it to the back pylon where only his tight end could bring it down for the touchdown. It is improving things like that and paying attention to the small details that make me high on Wilson. He has attention to detail. NF.  Another week, another Zach Wilson dime (10:50 PM):  Here in Week 9 of college football, Zach Wilson has an easy matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. The level of competition is going to continue to be a concern for Wilson as the season goes along, but every week, he is adding more spectacular throws to his highlight reel. The inevitable “off-week” has yet to hit the BYU signal-caller. On his first touchdown of the game, Wilson threw a shot down the right sideline and could not have placed it better. He threw to a spot where only his receiver could have caught it, and it was a gorgeous outside-the-numbers throw. The most impressive thing about Wilson is how consistently he hits throws outside the numbers. The arm talent pops out to you on tape, but the especially impressive ball placement is striking. Wilson is seriously working his way into the first-round conversation. That is not hyperbole. NF) (10-31-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-9-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-pauline/

College Football: PFF’s Heisman rankings through Week 8 (3. QB ZACH WILSON, BYU:  The biggest surprise of the 2020 season has without question been BYU’s Zach Wilson. He was coming off a 2019 season in which he battled injuries, was inaccurate downfield and produced a good, but far from great, 72.5 passing grade. This year, Wilson has earned a passing grade north of 87.0 in five of his six games, paving the way to a season passing grade of 94.0. Cupcake schedule be damned, that’s impressive to do over that sample, regardless of competition level.  Wilson ranks in the top three in both negatively and positively graded throw rates — that is something we have never seen before in the PFF College era. Downfield accuracy was Wilson’s Achilles heel in 2019. He threw just 32% of his passes over 10 yards downfield last year accurately, ranking 113th of 130 qualifying FBS quarterbacks. This year, he has improved that mark to 57%, ranking second in the country.  BYU's schedule is easy, but you can’t discredit Wilson for that because he is doing exactly what he should against this competition — he’s dismantling them and playing near impeccable ball right now.) (10-30-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pff-heisman-rankings-week-8-2020

2021 Draft QB Watch: OSU's Fields is back (Zach Wilson, BYU:  Zach Wilson hasn't exactly come out of nowhere but over the summer we certainly weren't mentioning him in the same breaths as Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields. Well, we are now. The BYU standout entered the weekend leading the nation in completion percentage and all he did was improve on that. He's now connecting on 78.3 percent of his throws and we're not talking about shovel passes and dump offs. Wilson can sling it and we don't mean it in the 'anything can happen!' way either. The kid has a hose, for sure, but he's thrown exactly one interception in 161 attempts and that came in the season opener back on Sept. 7 against Navy.  On Saturday night, Wilson went 19 of 25 for 287 yards and four touchdowns (he now has eight passing TDs in his last two games). He also rushed for 15 yards and had 16 yards receiving on a trick play. So yeah, the arm strength is what gets your attention but Wilson is a great athlete who has a firm grasp of not only BYU's offense but what defenses are trying to do to stop him. He's rarely confused about where to go with the ball and it almost always comes out on time and right on the face of his intended target.  But Wilson isn't just throwing seeds, he also shows the required touch on back-corner-of-the-end-zone throws that allow his receiver to go up and get the ball. This was really nice.  If that was nice this was 'Oh my heavens what did I just witness!' amazing.  That's an off-balance rocket to the far side of the field that left the Texas St. defensive back wondering how Wilson defied the laws of physics to make that throw.  There is the question of BYU's competition, and that's fair, but if we're willing to say that North Dakota State's Trey Lance is a first-round talent and he's played just one showcase game this year and was part of a dominant run-heavy team last year, then there's no doubt in our minds that Wilson is one of the top quarterbacks in the country and deserves a long look by NFL teams.) (10-26-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-justin-fields-makes-case-as-no-1-qb-zach-wilson-and-mac-jones-continue-to-shine/

Week 8 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Zach Wilson proving to be legit (11:05 PM):  The competition level for Zach Wilson has not been great thus far on the season, and the schedule down the line does not look too promising either. However, there is no denying that Wilson is playing at an extremely high level. Once not even on the radar of most scouts, Wilson’s stock is rising faster than any other quarterback’s in this class. The arm talent he has is truly impressive. Early in the game, Wilson threw a rocket to split the cover two safeties. It was the definition of a dime with precise accuracy.  Even of his back foot, Wilson made a beautiful throw on a wheel route down the left sideline for a touchdown. Wilson’s arm talent is special. The flashes that are there unquestionably are some of the most exciting throws we have seen in college football this season. Mobility is no question, either, as Wilson continues to extend plays with his legs and make great throws outside of structure. Wilson started out as fun, but he is now becoming a legitimate prospect. NF) (10-24-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-8-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-pauline/

NFL Draft Rumors & News: Will Jets look to pair Trevor Lawrence & Dabo Swinney? (Beyond the big three quarterbacks (Lawrence, Fields and Lance), are there any NFL Draft rumors about who the quarterbacks are that could push into the back end of Round 1 or the top of Round 2. First, Lance may be surpassed by Zach Wilson of BYU and end up as the fourth quarterback on boards next April, especially if Wilson continues his tear — a tear that has boosted his NFL Draft stock recently. After that, I don’t envision anyone sliding into the late part of Round 1.) (10-20-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-will-jets-pair-trevor-lawrence-dabo-swinney/

NFL draft winners and losers: Even in another banner WR crop, Alabama’s DeVonta Smith deserves highest praise (BYU’s Zach Wilson, of whom we’re big fans, is working his way into the first-round discussion after another brilliant game Friday night.) (10-19-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-even-in-another-banner-wr-crop-alabamas-de-vonta-smith-deserves-highest-praise-164424421.html

NFL Draft Stock Report: Zach Wilson, Jaycee Horn rising in Week 7 (Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  If there’s a faster-rising prospect in the nation than Zach Wilson, I’m not aware of him. The BYU signal caller has been brilliant during the first half of the season and turned in another dominant performance during BYU’s victory over Houston. The junior completed 71.4% of his throws for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns, the latter two categories being season bests. In five games this season, Wilson has tossed 12 touchdown passes to just 1 interception.  Except for the fact he’s short, Wilson checks all the boxes you want in a quarterback at the next level — smart, tough, athletic plus the arm strength necessary to make all the throws. Scouts who grade underclassmen stamped him as a fifth-round prospect before the season began, but Wilson has improved anywhere from three to four rounds over the first half of 2020.) (10-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-week-7-risers-sliders-zach-wilson-jaycee-horn/

BYU QB Zach Wilson flashing desirable traits early in 2020 (10-16-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/byu-qb-zach-wilson-flashing-desirable-traits-early-in-2020/

College football's biggest breakout draft prospects through Week 6 of the 2020 season (QB ZACH WILSON, BYU:  Wilson was certainly on the NFL’s radar after starting as a true freshman back in 2018 and toughing through an injury-plagued 2019, but those two seasons were nothing like the player we’re seeing now.  While BYU isn’t playing a single Power Five opponent all season, Wilson has dominated everyone that’s come in his path. He has single-game passing grades of 90.2, 87.7, 94.1 and 86.8 on the year for an FBS-leading 93.9 passing grade on the season. His 86.0 adjusted completion percentage is only one-tenth behind Mac Jones for the highest in college football. His blend of mobility, arm strength and accuracy — especially on the move — is special.) (10-16-20):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-biggest-breakout-draft-prospects-week-6-2020-season

NFL draft matchups: Bama-Georgia is a prospect smorgasbord, plus a possible first-round QB rising (BYU QB Zach Wilson vs. Houston:  Through four games this season, Wilson has looked like one of the best QB talents in the country. Granted, his shocking effectiveness — 80.4 completion percentage, 1,241 passing yards, 8-1 TD-INT ratio — has come against fairly middling competition.  But at the risk of looking silly later, we’ll throw it out there: The idea of Wilson working his way into the first-round picture this season isn’t crazy. We’re card-carrying members of the Wilson fan club and believe he’s squarely in that top-50 picture with the potential to rise.  “There’s a lot of buzz right now with him,” one scout told Yahoo Sports.  The NFL has known all about his ability since Wilson’s raucous debut as a freshman in 2018, but he took a step back last season, which was marred by a hand injury that caused him to miss four games and struggle down the stretch.  Wilson has a freewheeling style, able to make plays on the move and when the structure breaks down. But there’s also plenty of great tape of Wilson working through his progressions and making NFL-caliber reads that has scouts excited.  Here was a play against Louisiana Tech where Wilson — who accounted for five TDs in the game — goes to Gunner Romney on a “sail concept” where BYU is trying to flood one side of the field with a three-level passing plan against a two-deep zone.  Wilson is likely looking at slot WR Neil Pau'u (No. 2) on the deep out route, or even checking down to TE Isaac Rex (No. 83) on the short flat route. But Wilson read it high to low, realized the corner could fall off on the sail route and saw that Romney had found the honey hole between the corner and the safety in zone.  This is a great read and throw (at the 6:18 mark), nearly impossible to defend.  We can’t wait to see Wilson — operating behind a very good offensive line — take a step up in competition against Houston on Friday.) (10-14-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-bama-georgia-is-a-prospect-smorgasbord-plus-a-possible-firstround-qb-rising-153916486.html

2021 NFL Draft QB Watch: Kellen Mond, Mac Jones and Zach Wilson emerge as legit prospects (Zach Wilson, BYU:  On Twitter, I saw Wilson's nickname is the Mormon Manziel, which is just tremendous. And watching him, I see it, although for as much of a blast that Manziel was in college, I was significantly lower on him as a prospect than the consensus. But, obviously, it's early, so I haven't formed any concrete opinions on Wilson yet, of course. Against UTSA, Wilson ripped a deep crosser while moving up into the pocket. The ball popped out of his hands. His second touchdown was actually vintage Manizel. As he scrambled right, he lofted a ball into back right corner of the end zone, to a place so high only his wideout could come down with the football.  In the third quarter, there was a pinpoint accurate deep shot down the field off play-action. A few plays later, a little Reggie Bush back juke on a quarterback keeper. Wilson's cherry on top against UTSA was a mini fadeaway back-shoulder on a third-and-8 in the fourth quarter. Wilson is fun watch and has NFL-caliber talent. He finished 22-of-30 for 292 yards with two touchdowns with no picks.) (10-11-20):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-qb-watch-kellen-mond-mac-jones-and-zach-wilson-emerge-as-legit-prospects/

College Football Recap, Week 6: The top storylines from the weekend (New Contender for 2021 QB4? (6:30 PM):  One of the most hotly contested spots in the 2021 NFL Draft is the QB4 crown. The summer consensus was Iowa State Brock Purdy, and a guy like Kyle Trask has had the most buzz over the first few weeks of the season. However, another player starting to get a lot of notice is BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. Wilson had two very pedestrian seasons where he threw a combined 3,960 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.  However, this season Wilson has taken a noticeable step of improvement, where he looks like an almost entirely new quarterback. He’s already thrown 949 yards and six touchdowns this season, and he’s already put up 259 yards and two touchdowns today. Could Wilson continue his development and take ahold of the QB4 title? – MV.  Zach Wilson making case to rise up the QB rankings (4:30 PM):  We’ve talked about a couple of quarterbacks with off-script abilities, and while we’re on that topic, we can’t forget about BYU’s Zach Wilson.  Wilson has been one of the NCAA’s most efficient passers outside of the pocket so far in 2020, and against the UTSA Roadrunners, he’s carrying on that trend. He has 12 completions, 154 yards, and a touchdown on 14 attempts. He’s displayed excellent pocket maneuvering skills, rollout ability, and the arm elasticity necessary to generate velocity off-platform through the game so far.  The competition level should at least be noted, but Wilson is showing out so far, as should be expected from a rising quarterback prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. IC) (10-11-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-scores-schedule-live-blog-week-6-2020/

Analyst: BYU’s Zach Wilson ‘Every Bit As Good’ As Top QBs In 2021 NFL Draft (10-9-20):  https://kslsports.com/443490/analyst-byus-zach-wilson-every-bit-as-good-as-top-qbs-in-2021-nfl-draft/

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 5 (1. QB ZACH WILSON, BYU:  After an injury-plagued 2019, Wilson is back with a vengeance this fall. The true junior was lights-out in his first two contests, but Saturday’s ariel show against Louisiana Tech took the cake. He went 24-of-26 for 325 yards and two scores. He showed the ability to win from the pocket and on the move.  For the season, Wilson has an NCAA leading 90.0% adjusted completion rate. He’s got first-round type arm talent, and that’s where he’ll end up if he plays like this the rest of the way.) (10-7-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-5

NFL draft winners and losers: Which QBs are rising and falling so far? (Zach Wilson, BYU:  Wilson has attempted 71 passes so far in the 2020 season. Sixty of those have been caught. Three more have been dropped, according to Pro Football Focus. One was a throwaway. One was batted at the line. One was intercepted.  Even with the drops and the throwaway, that’s a completion percentage of 84.5 — which is incredible no matter which teams it has come against. Sure, the Cougars’ revised opening trio of games (Navy, Troy and Louisiana Tech) isn’t quite the level of opponents they were supposed to face (Utah, Michigan State and Arizona State) before the season was upended.  In Friday’s game against Louisiana Tech, Wilson threw for 325 yards and two TDs and ran for three more scores. Moreover, he was 24-of-26 passing, with one ball batted down at the line. Essentially, he had one off-target throw.  That’s now 11 touchdowns he’s accounted for this season. To go along with 11 incomplete passes.  What the 6-3, 210-pound Wilson has done so far this season is revive the trajectory of a quarterback who had some thrilling moments as a freshman but took a step backward during a somewhat frustrating 2019 season. Part of that can be explained because of the shoulder surgery he had before last season and the broken hand he suffered about one year ago to the day.  The strides Wilson has made have been impressive. He’s a confident deep-ball thrower and not quite the freewheeling, mistake-prone passer he was a year ago. In short, he’s making throws that many college quarterbacks wouldn’t even attempt.  Working with respected QB coach and former NFL passer John Beck appears to have paid off for Wilson, something Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel noted in his weekend takeaways. Beck has worked with Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan and others on their passing mechanics, and the proof of his impact appears to be showing up in Wilson’s huge turnaround.  A true junior, Wilson received some Day 3 projections from teams that graded him this summer. But we’d venture to say that he’s improved on that through three games.  He’s perhaps our biggest riser at the position to date. If you told me from the future that Wilson ends up a first-round pick eventually, it wouldn’t be the most stunning prediction I’ve heard.) (10-5-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-which-q-bs-are-rising-and-falling-so-far-180600699.html

Week 5 CFB Breakout Performers (Zach Wilson - BYU:  You'd be forgiven if you missed Friday night's game between BYU and Louisiana Tech; a game that starts at 9 pm eastern is basically a news dump. Those who did watch were treated to an impressive performance by the Cougars, and in particular, Wilson.  Wilson completed 24-of-26 passes for 326 yards with two touchdowns, and he added three rushing scores and 43 yards on the ground in a 45-14 blowout of the Bulldogs. The Cougars have been one of the most dominant teams in college football so far, outscoring their opponents 148-14 so far while improving to 3-0. They haven't exactly played the upper-echelon in college football so far with wins over Navy, Troy and Louisiana Tech, but it doesn't change the fact that they've impressed. Wilson has been borderline dominant so far, completing 60-of-72 passes -- good for 83.3 percent -- and throwing six touchdowns with just one interception.  We've seen flashes of brilliance from Wilson the previous two years, but in his junior year, he appears to be turning a corner. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if BYU finished the year undefeated; at least in part due to the poor schedule, but also because the Cougars can play.) (10-4-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/command-performances/week-5-cfb-breakout-performers

NFL draft: The 6 best prospect performances we watched last weekend (BYU QB Zach Wilson

Wilson is a polarizing prospect with fascinating potential, but his regression in 2019 caused some folks to cool on him. In the opener, Wilson — who beat Jaren Hall and Baylor Romney for the starting job in camp — looked phenomenal. The “Mormon Manziel,” as some have called him, completed 13 of 18 passes for 232 yards and two TDs in an abbreviated night of work in the blowout of the Midshipmen.

Wilson threw an interception and had a fumble, but the pick was excusable in that his target had his feet tripped up by a defender right when Wilson let go of the pass.  He makes plays that make your heart skip a beat or two (such as a risky shovel pass on fourth-and-goal), but overall it was an impressive season debut for the junior.  Not everyone is enamored with his skills as he earned Day 3 grades coming into the year, but there’s no doubt that Wilson threw the ball Monday night with better zip and confidence than he appeared to most of last season. Doing so without standout tight end Matt Bushman, who was lost for the season with a ruptured Achilles, made it all the more impressive.) (9-8-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-the-6-best-prospect-performances-we-watched-last-weekend-171717203.html