2022 NFL Draft QB Carson Strong

Scouting Reports:

Nevada:  https://nevadawolfpack.com/sports/football/roster/carson-strong/6988

Carson Strong, Nevada QB | NFL Draft Scouting Report:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/carson-strong-nevada-qb-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2022/

Carson Strong QB Nevada - Draft Player Profile:  https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/carson-strong

2022 NFL draft: Carson Strong scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/carson-strong-scouting-report-2022-nfl-draft-nevada-wolfpack-football/

Articles:

6 can't-miss prospects: Don't sleep on CB/returner (Maurice Jones-Drew: By now, you know I'm a big Carson Strong advocate -- and guess what?? I'm sticking with him here as my can't-miss prospect. Sometimes a can't-miss prospect isn't the best player in the draft. In Strong's case, it's a player who can give a team great value on Day 2 or 3. With the ability to play in any system, the strong-armed passer can compete for a starting job this year or sit and learn behind a veteran; either way, he's a can't-miss guy in the mid-to-later rounds.) (4-26-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-nfl-draft-who-is-this-year-s-can-t-miss-prospect

My Guys: Sam Monson's top targets in the 2022 NFL Draft (5. QB CARSON STRONG, NEVADA:  In a year lacking elite quarterback prospects, Carson Strong should have a little more respect relative to the consensus top-five quarterbacks. His knee is a concern and may have him off some team boards entirely, but if a team clears him medically, he has tape and the kind of arm talent that speaks to big potential.  Strong is also a throwback to the days of immobile pocket passers, and I want to believe there is still a place in the NFL for players like that, even if you need to go back more than a decade to find the last time one entered the NFL and became a very good player.) (4-27-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-my-guys-top-picks-2022-nfl-draft-sam-monson

2022 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Quarterbacks (6. CARSON STRONG, NEVADA (BIG BOARD RANK: 68):  No quarterback in this top-100 shouldered a bigger load as a passer. Strong had a six-game stretch toward the end of the season where he dropped back to pass over 50 times every game. Still, he finished with a career-high 90.3 passing grade this season.) (4-22-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-rankings-quarterbacks-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-sam-howell-malik-willis

3 Late-Round Quarterbacks for Lions to Target in 2022 Draft (Carson Strong, Nevada:  The strong-armed Strong -- no pun intended -- would be good value for the Lions in the third round.  The 6-foot-4, 215-pound pocket passer threw for 36 touchdowns and 4,175 yards in 12 regular season games in 2021. He also was named first-team All-Mountain West, and was selected the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.  According to The Draft Network's Drae Harris,  "One of his best assets is his ability to take care of the football. Nevada’s offense calls for big shots down the field, and he has been judicious in this regard. Some of his turnovers in the exposures I’ve graded were situations where his receivers let him down. Although the league seems to be trending away from this type of QB, this is someone who would thrive with an effective running game, good protection, and a sure-handed tight end."  As Harris indicates, Strong is going to need a quality roster of offensive linemen and skill players to succeed at the next level. Detroit might be trending in that direction, which would make Strong an interesting selection for the organization.) (4-20-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/three-late-round-quarterbacks-for-lions-to-target-in-2022-draft

2022 NFL Draft Better-Than Team: Here are 20 prospects Pete Prisco likes more than the scouts do (Carson Strong, QB, Nevada:  When you watch his tape, his arm pops off the screen. He can sling it. He also is good at recognizing and getting the ball to the right guys. So what's the problem? He has a bad knee, one that limits his mobility. With teams looking for mobile quarterbacks, that really sets him back. It seemed to get into his head some. But for a team in need, a third-round pick could end up paying big dividends if the knee holds up.) (4-13-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-better-than-team-here-are-20-prospects-pete-prisco-likes-more-than-the-scouts-do/

2022 NFL Draft quarterback rankings: Will Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis be drafted first? (6. Carson Strong, Nevada:  Strong is a pocket passer who lacks the play-extending mobility of the five guys ahead of him. After throwing for more than 7,000 yards and 63 touchdowns the last two seasons — only 21 games! — he’s established himself as a must-watch player capable of shredding some pretty good Mountain West teams. Consider:  476 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception in a loss against 10-win Fresno State in 2021.  350 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions vs. 12-win San Diego State in 2021.  271 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions vs. not-Mountain-West Tulane in the 2020 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.  Of course, the counterbalance to these performances are some comparatively weak showings against Boise State and actual Power 5 competition. Still Strong was a reliable engine for the Wolfpack, capable of throwing strikes and using his arm strength to force windows open downfield.  That may not translate at the next level, however. Between his lack of escapability and slow progressions he’ll be vulnerable to NFL blitzes and could wind up stuck on passing downs. Still, he’s been impressively turnover averse despite Nevada’s big-risk, big-reward Air Raid offense. A team with a solid line and receivers that can get open for him could glean the best possible version of Strong.) (4-12-22):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-kenny-pickett-malik-willis

2022 NFL Draft: Gauging the level of concern for notable injured prospects (QB CARSON STRONG, NEVADA WOLF PACK - Injury: Osteochondritis dissecans in right knee, underwent multiple surgeries on it.  A lack of mobility is the biggest knock on Strong’s game. Because of his bone and cartilage condition, the Nevada quarterback has had multiple surgeries on his right knee. He’s been a statue in the pocket as a result, busting off only two 10-plus yard runs since 2020 while also owning a high pressure to sack conversion rate (24.5% in 2021).  Strong is limited with what he can do with his legs but, as of now, is healthy. However, it's fair to worry about how this diagnosis could impact him as an NFL quarterback. It's a significant con that has pushed him to the class' consensus QB6 and a third-round prospect. That would be a good range for a quarterback-needy team to take the 6-foot-3, 226-pounder.  Strong does have top-notch arm talent and an ultra-quick release. He can thread the ball tightly into small windows downfield. He is fresh off an 89.1 passing grade for the 2021 season but didn’t help himself much with his Senior Bowl performance as other top passing prospects thrived.) (4-7-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-gauging-concern-injured-prospects

2022 NFL Draft preview: 5 quarterbacks that could interest the Lions (5. Carson Strong, Nevada (Sleeper) (6-3, 226.):  Strong has been compared to Drew Bledsoe in NFL.com's analysis of prospects. That's high praise, as Bledsoe played 14 NFL seasons after being drafted first overall by the Patriots in 1993.  Strong has good size. He also has good touch combined with the ability to throw deep. In 32 games in his last three seasons Strong threw for 9,368 yards and 74 TDs, with 19 interceptions and a career completion rate of 68 percent.  He passed for a career high 4,175 yards in 2021.) (4-5-22):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2022-nfl-draft-preview-5-quarterbacks-lions-pickett-willis-howell

2022 NFL Draft: The top 11 quarterbacks (5

Carson Strong, Nevada (Height: 6’3″ (63rd), Weight: 226 (71st)):  Bio: Carson Strong was a three-star recruit coming out of Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville, California. He threw for 2,732 yards and 26 touchdowns his junior season, but did not play as a senior due to a knee injury. He had just one FBS scholarship offer, and agreed to enroll at Nevada as a result.  Strong redshirted his first year on campus, but was named the starting quarterback for the 2019 campaign. He threw for 2,335 yards and 11 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. In 2020, Strong remained the starter and led the Wolf Pack to a 7-2 record and a win over Tulane in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Strong threw for 2,858 yards and 27 touchdowns, with just four interceptions, and he was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.  Last season, Strong repeated as the MWC Offensive Player of the Year, as he completed 70.2% of his passes — a career-high percentage — for 4,186 yards and 36 touchdowns, against 8 interceptions. He did this despite playing with a right knee injury that remains a topic of discussion…  Stat to Know: Strong’s arm talent is reflected in what he did on film. Pro Football Focus charted him with five 50-plus air yard completions this past season, the most among FBS passers.  Strengths: Strong’s strength as a passer is his right arm. In terms of pure arm talent, he is up there with any quarterback in this class. He has the ability to attack all levels of the field consistently, and can shape throws around defender and layer the football in the middle of the field.  Mechanically, Strong is a consistent thrower with a quick release, who has the arm talent to attack and beat even the tightest of throwing lanes.  This play also illustrates another strength of Strong’s game. The passer had full control at the line of scrimmage, with the ability to get into and out of any play based on the defensive look. Here, Strong navigates a drop-eight coverage from Kansas State and threads the needle on third-and-long for a big play.  Strong is a throwback, a dropback passer in an era where the game is trending towards mobility at the position. If this were ten years ago, or even maybe five, Strong is likely in the mix for QB1. However, when watching Strong this past season, you do see moments where he slides in the pocket to create space as a passer, as he did on the previous play.  Strong also has the ability to react and make appropriate decisions when the post-snap picture does not match the pre-snap look. On this play against Kansas State, he has to navigate a defender dropping off the line of scrimmage, but he puts the throw where it needs to be.  If we ranked quarterbacks in a similar fashion to how it is done during college recruitment season, Strong might be the top-ranked pocket passer surrounded by a host of dual-threat quarterbacks. However, with the NFL trending towards the dual threats, where does that leave him?  Weaknesses: The biggest question facing Strong begins with his injury history. The phrase “suffered a knee injury in high school” does not quite do this justice.  An MRI revealed an osteochondritis dissecans lesion. Strong’s lateral femoral condyle bone showed 70 percent detachment, an ailment he had unknowingly had since he was 12. If the bone broke, it would almost certainly end his athletic career. Instead, he had eight biodegradable nails put in to mend the crack.  Strong has undergone multiple procedures to that knee since then, having surgery after the 2020 season to clean up some cartilage, another surgery last August to clean up scar tissue, and multiple procedures to drain the knee. In fact, Strong indicated at the Combine that both his doctors — and his father — wanted him to sit out last season, but he wanted to play one more year with his teammates.  How teams feel about him from a medical standpoint, and how his evaluations went at the Combine, is going to play a huge role in his evaluation.  Beyond the injury, is his mobility. Perhaps it is a result of the injury history but Strong is more of a battleship in the pocket right now, and with the way the NFL is played, is a throwback, pocket passer the answer at the position? Let’s phrase it this way: My comparison for him is Drew Bledsoe, which is high praise coming from someone who has a Bledsoe jersey hanging in his closet to this day. Still, is Bledsoe coming off the board first overall in the current landscape? Conclusion: If a team is satisfied with Strong from a medical perspective — and has the kind of offensive line that can keep him clean and limit what he needs to do from a mobility perspective — Strong could be a lottery pick on Day Two that cashes in big-time. The arm talent is there, but the team that drafts him will need to be satisfied by their doctors, and their offensive line coach, that he can be in the best environment to succeed.  Comparison: Bledsoe. Trust me when I say that I make this comparison with love.  Resources: For more on Strong you can dive into this breakdown from myself and Matt Waldman.) (4-4-22):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/best-draft-quarterbacks-malik-willis-desmond-ridder-kenny-pickett-nfl-draft/

Monson: Ranking the top six quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft (4. CARSON STRONG, NEVADA:  Strong comes with a pretty significant caveat — a knee injury may have him off the board completely for some teams — but from a purely on-field standpoint, I think he is severely overlooked in this class and well worth being ranked alongside the five players typically seen as the top of the group.  The Nevada product boasts elite arm talent, with not just the strength to hit any throw but also the touch to put the ball where it needs to go and to deliver it from a variety of angles and platforms. He was asked to shoulder the burden in the Wolf Pack's offense — attempting 527 passes this past season — and some of his best games were his highest-volume performances.  In a league that has trended toward mobile, athletic passers, Strong is a throwback to the immobile pocket passer. If he’s going to succeed, it’s by maneuvering within the pocket rather than making plays outside of it or on the run. He was careful with the football throughout his college career and has the arm to make plenty of big plays, and we have seen enough evidence that there is still room for success in today’s NFL for quarterbacks who can’t add value with their athleticism.) (4-1-22):   https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-quarterbacks-2022-nfl-draft-monson

2022 NFL Draft Board: Quarterbacks (8. Carson Strong, Nevada. Strong offers a very good arm, good control of the arm and can deliver strikes from the pocket on time and with anticipation. Not afraid to challenge down the field, though he puts too much air under longer throws at times. Consistently makes the right decision with the ball. Very good touch in the red zone and the ball placement is better than average too. Major knee issues and multiple surgeries dating back to high school render him undraftable for several teams. Has no movement skills or functional athleticism other than a slow-footed sidestep. Uses different arm angles to try and create throwing lanes and avoid pressure, a lot easier to do in the MWC than the NFL. Will need a great offense line to make it work. The arm talent is there, the rest is the problem. 7th round.) (3-31-22):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3449/2022-NFL-Draft-Board-Quarterbacks

Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft: Malik Willis paces the field ahead of Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell (5. Carson Strong, Nevada:  There’s a certain special quality about Carson Strong — his arm strength. There’s no way you can watch Strong and not come away impressed with it. He drives the football with a flick of the wrist. Strong will make throws 60 yards downfield similar to a certain former Mountain West quarterback (we’re looking right at you, Josh Allen).  Strong will hope his tape atones for what could be considered a disappointing presence at the Senior Bowl, however. Though he rebounded with his media and personality at the Combine, Strong will also have to answer questions surrounding the health of his knee, seemingly until the end of time.  And yet, as long as he’s healthy, none of the off-field discourse should matter. Strong has a cannon for an arm and is far more limber than his critics give him credit. He can maneuver the pocket well, similar to a spry, youthful Ben Roethlisberger. Strong can also easily hit every level of the field. He understands to layer or zip his throws depending on the coverages presented. And his ball placement is near-elite.  Strong is NFL-ready if medically cleared. Here’s hoping this cycle is the last we hear of his injury issues.) (3-31-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-quarterbacks-in-the-2022-nfl-draft-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-continue-their-ascension/

NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: Carson Strong continues to struggle, Jets show interest in Trevor Penning (I received a variety of opinions on Carson Strong, but the overriding theme was what I expected. He threw great deep passes but was inaccurate on the shorter throws and still needs to learn touch. One scout on hand told me outright he thought Strong struggled. This is a continuation of Strong’s performance from our daily reports at Senior Bowl practice.) (3-21-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-pro-day-news-and-rumors-carson-strong-continues-to-struggle-while-the-jets-show-interest-in-trevor-penning/

Nevada Pro Day 2022: Date, prospects, rumors, and more (Carson Strong, QB:  Carson Strong is one of the top QB prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft — but he has one red flag. Strong suffered a right knee injury in high school that caused him to miss time. He underwent surgery last offseason to clean it up, affecting his ability to drive off his plant leg.  He stated it was osteochondritis dessicans — a condition where a small segment of bone separates from its surroundings due to a lack of blood supply. Yet, when speaking to the media at the 2022 NFL Combine, Strong explained, “I can play football. My knee is totally fine — it’s not going to fall off.”  Strong isn’t a signal-caller that relies on his athleticism, so testing numbers won’t mean much for his draft stock. However, it will be important to prove he is healthy at his pro day.) (3-21-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nevada-pro-day-2022-date-prospects-rumors-more/

2022 NFL Draft: Mid-round quarterbacks to know (Carson Strong, Nevada - Strong is a tall quarterback with a good arm. He suffered an injury that cost him his entire senior season of high school, so the medical evaluations will be important for him. The California native is contained to the pocket with a lack of mobility. Although his pre-snap control of the offense is noteworthy, Strong doesn't have a particularly good sense of pressure in the pocket. Over the past two years, he has done a fantastic job of not putting the ball in harm's way.  In an ideal world, Strong would go to a team with enough talent to allow him some time in the pocket to deliver the football. He would have zero chance of success behind a porous offensive line.) (3-9-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-carson-strong-jack-coan-among-middle-round-quarterback-options-to-consider/

2022 NFL Scouting Combine: Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell among quarterback winners and losers (Losers - Carson Strong, Nevada: Strong's strengths are his command of the game pre-snap and his ability to work through progressions. Those traits are not necessarily present at the NFL combine. It is important to note that before diving into the criticism. For being one of the tallest quarterbacks in attendance, a lot of Strong's throws were very low. He comes across a little more reserved than others in the group.) (3-4-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-scouting-combine-malik-willis-desmond-ridder-sam-howell-among-quarterback-winners-and-losers/

NFL Combine results: 8 standouts from the quarterback group (Carson Strong (Nevada, 6-foot-3 1⁄2, 226) showed off his strong arm Thursday night, but he struggled with accuracy enough to keep him at QB6 in my rankings.) (3-4-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/3/4/22961165/nfl-combine-results-8-standouts-quarterback-group

NFL Combine takeaways: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder star in QB workouts for 2022 draft (Carson Strong, Nevada (6-3, 226 pounds, 9 1/8-inch hands):  Strong's calling card is, appropriately, his arm strength, and he did throw plenty of pretty downfield balls during his throwing session. But there are lingering questions about just how mobile and athletic he is, given he has already dealt with multiple knee surgeries. He also needs better touch on short and intermediate passes. Strong is a borderline second-round pick based on his physical upside.) (3-4-22):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-results-2022-draft-quarterback-workouts-malik-willis-kenny-pickett-desmond-ridder/t20uzy4dmdyynegm8y1kn8wa

NFL Scouting Combine 2022 results, takeaways: QBs, WRs and TEs run 40-yard dash, compete in drills (Quarterbacks demonstrate their arm strength - I don't take much from quarterback prospects throwing against air at the combine, but the conclusion of the evening was fun. Liberty's Malik Willis, Nevada's Carson Strong, Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder, and Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett all let it rip down the field and dropped a few throws into the bucket 60-plus yards down the field. The fans in attendance liked it. I did, too.) (3-4-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-scouting-combine-2022-results-takeaways-qbs-wrs-and-tes-run-40-yard-dash-compete-in-drills/live/

5 Players who have the most to lose at the 2022 NFL Combine (1. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada:  There’s a common thread among most of the 2022 NFL Draft quarterbacks. Desmond Ridder offers great mobility. Malik Willis offers great mobility. Matt Corral offers great mobility. Sam Howell is also a stalwart running threat, and even Kenny Pickett has the mobility to go off-script and create a bit with his legs.  All of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft are plus athletes at the position — except Carson Strong. The Nevada QB never needed his mobility in college, instead opting to dice up defenses with his arm. That arm will pop in throwing drills. But when Strong has to run and jump and go through agility drills, he simply won’t match up with the other top QBs. And that side-by-side comparison could be detrimental.  If we’re being honest, it shouldn’t be. It’s never been a secret that Strong lacks the creative aspect other QBs have. If you’re just learning about that at the 2022 NFL Combine, you’re a little late to the party. But his testing will reaffirm that truth and perhaps make the scrutiny surrounding his other qualities — like mechanics, progression work, and interviews — more strict.  Medical checks surrounding a high school knee injury will also be crucial, and it could further dock Strong if red flags show up. There are several variables impacting Strong’s stock at the 2022 NFL Combine. And few are working in his favor.) (3-3-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/5-players-who-have-the-most-to-lose-at-the-2022-nfl-combine/

QB takeaways from Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine (Carson Strong addressees the knee injury concerns - For many prospects, particularly at the quarterback position, they face a number of different questions about their game during the draft process. For example, Kenny Pickett faces questions about his hand size, as well as his late development at Pittsburgh.  Nevada quarterback Carson Strong, however, really faces one question most of all: His knee injury history. During his podium session Wednesday morning, he addressed it right out of the gate.  What is fascinating about Strong’s story is the fact that he was advised to sit out last season and give his knee a year to heal, but instead worked with doctors to come up with a six-month plan so he could play one more season in college.  Me and my doctor we put a plan together where we knew I wasn’t going to be quite ready. We knew that I was going to be coming back in half the time I was supposed to. But we put the best plan we possibly could together for that. We knew there was going to be some ups and downs going through the season with it.  Obviously I still managed to throw for over 4,000 yards and have a pretty good season.  There was never a question I was going to play or not. I was going to play no matter what. It was just a matter of dealing with the challenges that came with that.  That willingness to play for his team despite the injury will certainly be viewed in a positive light by NFL teams, but it might have played a role in his recent work as he prepares for the NFL draft. Strong, along with Desmond Ridder and other quarterbacks, is working with quarterback coach Jordan Palmer. They have found that Strong’s injury, and as he recovers from it, has impacted his throwing mechanics.  The number one thing that I take away from him is for me, just keeping my cleats in the ground, driving off my right foot and getting leverage. I developed some compensation issues from the season so I’m learning how to drive off my right leg again, I just have a ton of untapped power that I haven’t been using so moving forward I just have a ton of potential to gain even more strength in my arm.  While the arm strength might draw teams in, Strong’s freedom at the line of scrimmage might keep them there. To hear Strong tell it, he had complete liberty at the line of scrimmage to change plays, and took full advantage:  I think the freedom that my coaches gave me at Nevada, being able to get into whatever play I thought would work at the time. I had no limitations at the line of scrimmage. I could get into any play at any time…If I thought there was going to be a play that would get us a first down, I would get into it…I would audible into runs, screens, quick game, I’ll check the deep ball too. I’ll just take what [the defense] gives me.  That kind of trust from his coaches will play will with NFL coaches, for sure. Provided that knee checks out, a solid throwing session from Strong this week would be a huge boost for his stock.) (3-2-22):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/qb-takeaways-from-wednesday-at-the-nfl-scouting-combine/

Carson Strong Injury Update: Nevada quarterback adamant that his knee isn’t a concern (3-2-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/carson-strong-injury-update-nevada-quarterback-adamant-that-his-knee-isnt-a-concern/

2022 NFL combine: Detroit Lions staring down crowded group at top of this year’s ho-hum quarterback class (Possible Lions fits - Carson Strong (Nevada): Carson Strong put Nevada’s offense on his back and looked good doing it. He’s got a cannon and desirable size at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds and some of the best production in this class. He threw for 4,175 yards with 36 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. He’s completed 70.1% of his passes while throwing for 63 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions over the previous two years. PFF ranks him 65th overall and sixth among quarterbacks.) (2-22-22):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/02/2022-nfl-combine-detroit-lions-staring-down-crowded-group-at-top-of-this-years-ho-hum-quarterback-class.html

2022 NFL draft film room: Nevada QB Carson Strong (2-22-22):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-prospects-2022-carson-strong-nevada-film-room-highlights-video/

Combine preview: 9 quarterbacks the Lions should be watching (Quick thoughts - Carson Strong (Nevada, 6-foot-4, 226) was once thought to be “in the mix” for one of the top quarterback spots in this class, but his stock has dropped below the five listed above. Can he get himself back in the conversation?) (2-21-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/2/21/22943675/2022-nfl-combine-preview-9-quarterbacks-detroit-lions-watching

NFL insider notes: Kenny Pickett a likely Panthers pick at No. 6 and more draft insight from scouts and execs (Strong remains a mystery - Even some of the evaluators I know who are the highest on Nevada quarterback Carson Strong thought he had a very uneven week. Strong's medicals will be imperative, as he already has a history of serious knee issues, and he was clearly working through some rust in Mobile. As would be expected. We'll see how sharp he gets as we move through the process. "Not a great week for him, although I'm not quite sure how much that means for him," said one exec who watched him very closely. "I don't really know how much you could have expected at this point.") (2-10-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-insider-notes-kenny-pickett-a-likely-panthers-pick-at-no-6-and-more-draft-insight-from-scouts-and-execs/

One thing learned about each QB at the Senior Bowl (Carson Strong, Nevada:  The hope coming into the week was that Strong separated himself as a passer. He has the worst mobility -- a previous knee injury could be playing a role -- of any draft-eligible quarterback so his talents as a passer needed to overcome that deficiency. Unfortunately, he did not blow Wilson away. Although his lack of mobility has been well-documented, he ranked just No. 70 in sack rate at 6.9% so at least he is not holding the ball too long and taking unnecessary sacks.) (2-10-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-one-thing-learned-about-malik-willis-kenny-pickett-and-other-senior-bowl-quarterbacks/

2022 NFL Draft Stock - Senior Bowl (Stock Down - Carson Strong, QB, Nevada:  There have been som mock drafts which have projected Strong as a high first-round pick and the first quarterback drafted. NFL teams, however, had him graded later in the first round at the time, and Strong's performance in Mobile verified the scouts' views of him. He demonstrated some accuracy issues, overthrowing some check downs in the flat and throwing too high on many occasions. While Strong has an arm that can loft the ball deep down the field, his passes lack zip, and he is not one to drive the ball into tight windows. Strong also is not a great athlete who offers running ability. Over the week of Senior Bowl practices, Strong did not look likfe a first-round quarterback.) (2-8-22):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2022stock_22.php

2022 NFL Draft: Pros and cons for PFF's top five quarterbacks (5. CARSON STRONG, NEVADA WOLFPACK (PFF Big Board Rank: 45) - PROS:  Strong has a gorgeous, tight spiral, which is paired with a quick release. This the ideal combo for NFL windows.  His arm talent opens the entire field. He had five 50-plus-yard completions — the most in the FBS.  The Wolfpack offense was entirely on his right arm. He had 50-plus dropbacks in six straight games.  CONS:  The former Nevada signal-caller has serious knee problems — Osteochondritis dissecans. This could possibly be career-threatening.

Strong is like a statue — no escapability. He has broken just six total tackles in his career.  He could be described as a pocket-drifter. He's too quick to eliminate options while drifting from non-existent pressure.) (2-7-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pros-and-cons-top-5-quarterbacks-2022-nfl-draft-sam-howell-matt-corral-desmond-ridder

2022 NFL draft: Updated QB rankings, post-Senior Bowl (6. Carson Strong | Nevada:  Strong’s performance throughout Senior Bowl week was up-and-down, but he displayed adequate arm strength and the ability to deliver to all levels of the field.  His injury history and medical evaluations will be key to his draft stock, but there’s enough talent here to project him as a potential starter in the pros.) (2-6-22):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-rankings-quarterback-updated-senior-bowl-2022-malik-willis-kenny-pickett-matt-corral/

Alontae Taylor highpoints underthrown ball for INT vs. Carson Strong (2-6-22):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/alontae-taylor-highpoints-underthrown-ball-for-int-vs-carson-strong

Wolf Pack connection! Strong delivers 12-yard pinpoint strike to Turner on third down (2-6-22):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/wolf-pack-connection-strong-delivers-12-yard-pinpoint-strike-to-turner-on-third-

2022 NFL Senior Bowl Quarterback Analysis (Carson Strong, Nevada:  Carson Strong's afternoon didn't get off to a good start, though it wasn't his fault that his opening drive was ruined by two botched snaps. Strong had more of a chance after that, but the results weren't that pretty.  Strong was responsible for the first and only interception of the first 59 minutes when he lofted a dying duck downfield. The underthrown pass was picked by Alontae Taylor. Strong later heaved some helpless passes into the end zone. The drive ended with a field goal on the 1-yard line, which went wide right somehow.  Strong was advertised as a quarterback with a powerful arm, but we didn't get to see it during the Senior Bowl game. Strong had an underwhelming performance overall, going 6-of-11 for 67 yards and an interception. One incompletion was thrown away because of pressure.  2022 NFL Draft Projection: Round 2-4) (2-5-22):  https://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2022quarterbacks.php

Final Senior Bowl QB Power Rankings: Malik Willis, Sam Howell steal the show (3. Carson Strong, Nevada:  The ball left Carson Strong‘s hands differently. It was apparent that Strong had the best arm of the class in Mobile as it effortlessly flew 50-60 yards in the air at times. He may have gotten away with a few throws where he just chucked it deep. But on those occasions, it seemed like the play call for the situation — a “fourth-and-long, just heave it” moment — more than him thinking he could complete the throws he attempted.  It’s imperative to note that he needed to do little to prove he had all the skills to be a franchise quarterback. Strong shook those who thought he was a “statue” as he gracefully extended the play with his legs at times. He also answered questions about his knee, whether he wanted to or not, as those were the first media questions on Day 1.) (2-5-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-senior-bowl-qb-power-rankings-malik-willis-sam-howell/

2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Day 3 Practice Highlights, Analysis & Takeaways (QB CARSON STRONG, NEVADA (PFF Big Board Rank: 45):   Strong’s ball placement was terrific all day throughout practice. He didn’t have the best couple of days to start the week, so it was nice to see him settle in and let his natural arm talent take over. That’s especially true considering Thursday’s practice was mostly red zone work, which is where Strong should excel given his biggest strength is arguably his ability to thread it into tight windows.) (2-4-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-reeses-senior-bowl-day-3-practice-highlights-analysis-takeaways

2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl QB Review: Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder climbing up boards (CARSON STRONG, NEVADA WOLF PACK (PFF Big Board Rank: 45) -  Strong was volatile in every practice. He showed off his quick release and high velocity, but he was also inaccurate throughout. Strong’s uncatchable pass rate in practice was lower than any other quarterback in attendance. It was uncharacteristic, as he ranked top 10 nationally in that metric this past season. Accuracy shouldn’t be that big of a concern for the 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback, but mobility will be. Strong had a chance to place himself in Round 1 conversation this past week, but he ultimately could not seize the opportunity.) (2-4-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-reeses-senior-bowl-quarterback-review-malik-willis-desmond-ridder

Senior Bowl notes: Rookie QBs, Patriots next offensive coordinator and more (Ask 20 scouts at the Senior Bowl to rank the six quarterbacks practicing in front of 32 NFL teams this week, and you’d probably receive 20 different answers.  That’s what one executive told PFF on Thursday following the final Senior Bowl practice of the week before Saturday afternoon’s all-star game. The consensus seems to be that this is not a great year to need a young quarterback, though there are many teams who could use one.  Nevada’s Carson Strong has injury concerns; Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe lacks zip; Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett didn’t have his hands measured, practiced with gloves and struggled throwing through a rainy Wednesday practice; Liberty’s Malik Willis has the best tools but lacks accuracy; and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder and UNC’s Sam Howell didn’t exactly stand out from the crowd this week. (It’s worth noting that the last time I was at the Senior Bowl was in 2012 — I was busy covering AFC Championship Games while covering the New England Patriots in the meantime — when the quarterbacks were Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Nick Foles, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Lindley and Kellen Moore. There were no true standouts that year, either, which goes to show that QBs can still have success without a stellar week in Mobile.)) (2-4-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-doug-kyed-mailbag-senior-bowl-notes-2022-rookie-quarterbacks-patriots-next-offensive-coordinator

SAM HOWELL, MALIK WILLIS, OTHERS TO WATCH IN SHRINE, SENIOR BOWLS (Carson Strong, QB, Nevada:  Though the East-West Shrine Bowl has shifted to Las Vegas this year, three of the most intriguing prospects heading to Mobile for the Senior Bowl played college ball in the state of Nevada. That would be Strong and his two Wolfpack teammates, wideout Romeo Doubs and tight end Cole Turner.  Belying his last name, Strong’s greatest asset is his accuracy. While he possesses plenty of arm strength to make every NFL throw, his ability to thread the needle is what could make him an early pick on draft day.) (2-3-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/sam-howell-malik-willis-others-to-watch-in-shrine-senior-bowls

PFN's 2022 Senior Bowl Practice Report: National Team (Strong looks the most natural of the three quarterbacks at navigating the pocket. However, he’s seemed a bit gunshy at times. His deep ball continues to underwhelm, and a few times there have been passes calling for velocity that lacked it. He was decisive during the team red-zone period.) (2-3-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-senior-bowl-practice-report-national-team/

Five stars from Senior Bowl Day 2: Two RBs emerge (1. QB prospect keeping sense of humor about knee concerns. Nevada quarterback Carson Strong insists his right knee feels fine, but he knows questions about it will persist as the draft process continues. After having cartilage repaired in a 2017 procedure that cost him his senior season at the high school level, Strong underwent another surgery last year to replace his own cartilage with that of a cadaver. One of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, Strong is refreshingly honest and even humorous about a procedure that will certainly draw high scrutiny from 32 medical teams during pre-draft evaluations.  "A joke I've been telling teams is, 'I've never jammed a finger, I've never rolled an ankle, but I've had two knee surgeries,' " Strong said. "Long story short, I got a tire change on cartilage."  Strong said the February 2021 surgery was supposed to have required a 12-month recovery, but six months later, he started the Wolf Pack's season opener against Cal and threw for 312 yards in a 22-17 win. His body has accepted the bone graft, he said, and he's fearless about whatever medical exams await him as NFL teams do their due diligence.  Strong's throwing arm stacks up well with the 2022 draft's top passers. His mobility was limited early in the season last year due to his recovery, but he still managed to average 348 yards and three TD passes per game, throwing just eight interceptions in 12 contests.) (2-2-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-senior-bowl-day-2-standouts-rb-prospect-on-track-similar-to-jets-michael-ca

Senior Bowl Day 2 notes: Rain, wind no match for Willis (Carson Strong, meanwhile, bounced back after a tough day, and while he had his miscues, at times, he also showed off his deep-ball abilities, hooking up with Nevada teammate, Romeo Doubs.) (2-2-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-senior-bowl-rain-wind-was-no-match-for-malik-willis-on-day-2-of-practice/

Senior Bowl practice Day 1: 6 standouts from Tuesday, QB observations (Nevada QB Carson Strong — You could clearly see Strong’s awkward mobility when the practice opened with some bootleg drills, but Strong did make up for it with the best accuracy of the group on Day 1. His arm strength is clearly not an issue, but while he was the most accurate of the group, I would not call his overall day “accurate.”) (2-2-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/2/2/22914315/senior-bowl-practice-day-1-6-standouts-from-tuesday-qb-observations

QBs struggle at Senior Bowl, but Lions remain intrigued by Malik Willis’ dual-threat capabilities (2-2-22):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/02/qbs-struggle-at-senior-bowl-but-lions-remain-intrigued-by-malik-willis-dual-threat-capabilities.html

PFN's 2022 Senior Bowl Practice Report: National Team (Wednesday - Carson Strong was inconsistent all day. Early on, he delivered several nice throws in drills. Yet again, he seemed all too happy to fling the ball downfield during scrimmage trying to show off his arm strength, and the results were poor.) (2-2-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-senior-bowl-practice-report-national-team/

Senior Bowl QB Power Rankings: Sam Howell ascends to the top (2.  Carson Strong, Nevada:  It was a great day for Carson Strong. The ball effortlessly left his hand and routinely found his receivers in places where they could make the play. It wasn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination as all the quarterbacks need to work on timing with this cast of receivers. Nevertheless, Strong easily had the best day of the National Team QBs.  He had great command over throws and even better strength on deep shots when given the time. Strong was impressive looking through his reads, albeit when there was no rush, finding open receivers with ease. There was maybe one or two overthrows or misses, but there were more than enough of those special balls that make you take notice.) (2-2-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-senior-bowl-qb-power-rankings-sam-howell-ascends-to-the-top/

2022 Senior Bowl Day 1 notebook: QBs front and center (The National Team, coached by the Jets staff, practiced first on Tuesday, and quarterbacks Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett and Carson Strong were, well, average. And that's OK! It's a new offense with new players and new coaches and there's an adjustment period, for sure. Of the three, Strong had the best arm, Pickett and Ridder showed off their mobility, and all three struggled at times with accuracy.) (2-1-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-senior-bowl-quarterbacks-look-to-separate-themselves-wide-receivers-edge-rushers-shine-on-day-1/

NFL draft: Nevada QB Carson Strong, Round 1? One big concern might stand in the way (2-1-22):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-nevada-qb-carson-strong-round-1-one-big-concern-might-stand-in-the-way-013403274.html

PFN's 2022 Senior Bowl Practice Report: National Team (Tuesday - Made some beautiful throws and far and away has the strongest arm on any quarterback. He also needs a lot of work on his game. Often times Strong resorted to flinging the ball downfield and not properly delivering passes.) (2-1-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-senior-bowl-practice-report-national-team/

National Team Highlights from the the Reese's Senior Bowl National Team's day one media session (Carson Strong, Quarterback, Nevada:  One of the many quarterbacks trying to gain ground in a congested pack, Strong is known for his arm and deep-ball ability. After his first day in Mobile, the gunslinger said, “I just want to make sure I am making the most out of this opportunity and learn from my mistakes because that’s how I learn best. Day 1 was about making sure I was right and getting the call in.” Some injury concerns have been noteworthy with Strong, so when asked about how his knee was feeling, he said, “It feels better for sure, I am never going to be out there hurdling guys and making insane plays, but as long as I can maneuver the pocket and keep my eyes downfield, I will be OK.” Look for the next few days of practice to be big in terms of shaping of this year’s quarterback selections.) (2-1-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/nfl-draft-reeses-senior-bowl-day-one-media-recap-national-team

2022 Senior Bowl Practice Report - National Team (Strong did not have a good practice, as he had some accuracy issues overthrowing some checkdowns in the flat and throwing too high on many occasions. While Strong has an arm that can loft the ball down the field, his passes lack zip, and he is not one to drive the ball into tight windows. In this practice, Strong did not have the look of a first-round quarterback.) (2-1-22):  https://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2022practice.php

2022 Senior Bowl Quarterbacks: Can Kenny Pickett, Carson Strong, or Sam Howell cement themselves as QB1? (Carson Strong, Sam Howell, Malik Willis to battle it out.  Though it would’ve been nice to see them all on the same team, Strong, Howell, and Willis will look to jump their cohorts to become QB1. They each have talent in their arm to do so, while Willis presents trouble with his legs. Unfortunately for him, Willis’ legs will be a non-factor in the simulated Senior Bowl practice drills. Instead, he’ll get to show off his immense –and improving — arm talent.  Strong will be able to demonstrate the power that routinely saw him layer throws over defenders to every level of the field. And for Howell, his arm talent will be on display, as he has a bevy of throws in his arsenal that are considered to be NFL throws.) (2-1-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-senior-bowl-quarterbacks/

2022 NFL draft: 10 Senior Bowl prospects with the most to gain (or lose) in Mobile (Nevada QB Carson Strong - If there’s a quarterback from this year’s middling group who can crash Round 1 unexpectedly, it might be Strong. He’s not received the same hype and spotlight that other Senior Bowl quarterbacks have, including Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder and Willis.  But Strong has two high-end qualities that could open eyes during the week of practices and the game itself: NFL-grade arm talent and the ability to process at the line. We’re intrigued to see if those qualities stand out against all-star rosters of defensive talent.  Strong can absolutely shoot the ball all over the field — and he knows it. He possesses supreme confidence to fire the ball into tight windows and trusts his receivers to make plays. Strong also was tasked with a lot of pre-snap responsibility at the line at Nevada (setting protections, making calls and checks, audibles, etc.), so we think he'll be comfortable running plays he's learning on the fly.  He’s also not what you might call mobile by today’s QB standards. But Strong’s subtle movement within the pocket is pretty solid. He can reset his feet and generally has clean mechanics.  We expect him to shine in practices. The biggest question after that likely would be answered at the NFL scouting combine during medical evaluations. Strong has a chronic knee injury that has kept a lid on his upside and might draw some red flags from teams’ medical staffs, depending on what they find.) (1-28-22(:  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-10-senior-bowl-prospects-with-the-most-to-gain-or-lose-130033832.html

NFL Draft: Introducing the top QB prospects (Carson Strong, Nevada - Strengths: Loads of in-the-bucket throws down the field on film. Aggressive about tight-window throws, and hit many of them in college. Will certainly give his receivers a chance to make a play on the football. Pocket presence is advanced. Started 31 games over three seasons at Nevada.  Weaknesses: Immobile. Has massive struggles even moving inside the pocket, and will not be able to create outside of structure in the NFL. Accuracy is good but not a clear-cut strength. Wasn't ultra-efficient on long throws, just attempted an insane amount of them.  Stylistic NFL comparison: Less accurate Jared Goff) (1-20-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-qb-prospects-strengths-weaknesses-and-pro-comparisons-for-the-top-signal-callers/

2022 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Quarterbacks (6. CARSON STRONG, NEVADA (BIG BOARD RANK: 41):  No quarterback in this top 100 shouldered a bigger load as a passer. Strong had a six-game stretch toward the end of the season where he dropped back to pass over 50 times every game. Still, he finished with a career-high 90.3 passing grade this season.) (1-6-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-rankings-quarterbacks-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-sam-howell-malik-willis

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: PFF's Top 100 Prospects (41. QB CARSON STRONG, NEVADA:  No quarterback in this top 100 shouldered a bigger load as a passer. Strong had a six-game stretch toward the end of the season where he dropped back to pass over 50 times every game. Still, he finished with a career-high 90.3 passing grade this season.) (12-27-21):   https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-board-big-board

Malik Willis, Matt Corral and more: Who is the best QB in the 2022 NFL Draft rankings? (6. Carson Strong, Nevada (6-4, 215 pounds):  Strong is the same size as Ridder and has done many simliar things well as the leader of the Wolf Pack. HIs last name is apt for how he can make all the throws with his arm, and he's still learning to better use his athleticism. He's kind of a hybrid of what Josh Allen and Justin Herbert do well.) (12-16-21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/malik-willis-matt-corral-nfl-draft-2022-rankings/1j34cegt67nqt1g7rgb0d1thc7

Carson Strong's QB1 case (12-15-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/12/15/carson-strong-nevada-bowl-game/

Clustering the top 2022 NFL Draft quarterback prospects: Ole Miss' Matt Corral, Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett and more (CARSON STRONG, NEVADA WOLF PACK (PFF QB6, #40 OVERALL) (Scheme: Modernized Air Raid, Rushing Production: Statue (No Fumbles Version), Passing Production: Short Success):  Strong’s offense aligns much closer with what one might label a “modernized Air Raid” than Pickett's, but they share some broad-stroke similarities. Strong is easily the most accurate quarterback in the class. He was placed into the same category as Howell due to having the seventh-highest CPOE on underneath passes in the class, but unlike Howell, all of his other accuracies check out within the top 20 of the sample. The sole exception to this is his accuracy in the 6-10 air yards bucket, which is likely just a sample size issue — only 18.2% of his passes were in that area of the field.  Strong is largely a non-factor in the run game, where his biggest positive is that he doesn’t fumble the ball very often. His statistical profile resembles Cody Kessler as a prospect, but his deep passing numbers are leagues better than Kessler's, so it is not a terribly accurate comparison.) (12-15-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-clustering-2022-nfl-draft-quarterback-prospects-ole-miss-matt-corral-pittsburgh-kenny-pickett

Nevada QB Carson Strong declares for 2022 NFL draft (12-14-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/12/14/nfl-news-draft-carson-strong-nevada-declares/

2022 NFL draft: 5 quarterbacks to watch for the Detroit Lions (Carson Strong, QB, Nevada:  Something about the junior quarterback’s game makes it feel like there’s more to offer and room to grow. Carson Strong, listed at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, has a cannon and some of the most impressive production among this quarterback class. His quality of opponents will justifiably come into focus once the draft nears, but the production is the production. Strong has thrown for 4,186 yards with 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 70.2% of his passes. He hit 70.1% of his passes with 27 touchdowns and only four interceptions as a sophomore last year, so it’s been a strong stretch, pun intended.  “I want to finish the season strong with my teammates, but I also need to think about my future and how I can get the most healthy for the Senior Bowl and the combine and pro day and everything like that,” Strong said of Nevada’s upcoming bowl game against Western Michigan. “I don’t know for sure yet. I would love to play in the game, but we’ll see.”) (12-10-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/12/2022-nfl-draft-5-quarterbacks-to-watch-for-the-detroit-lions.html

Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft: Kenny Pickett continues his ascension to the top (3. Carson Strong, Nevada:  A better arm in the 2022 NFL Draft class, there is not. Carson Strong possesses elite arm talent to completely change whatever offense he goes to. At worst, he’ll match the play of whatever offense he takes over. His arm is that good. Strong drops 50-yard, outside-the-number throws with ease. He’ll hit shallow crossing receivers in stride perfectly.  Strong has all the tools, including underrated athleticism. He proved time and time again that he is not the proverbial statue in the pocket, maneuvering his way through the trash like Ben Roethlisberger did in his prime. Strong’s knee injury may be a concern, but expect teams to clear him if possible, keeping him firmly in the conversation for QB1 all offseason long.) (12-10-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-quarterbacks-in-the-2022-nfl-draft-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-continue-their-ascension/

PFN’s All-Mountain West Football Team Honors for the 2021 college football season (Mountain West Player of the Year: Carson Strong, Nevada.  MWC Quarterback of the Year: Carson Strong, Nevada.  First-Team All-MWC Offense - QB: Carson Strong, Nevada) (12-7-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-mountain-west-football-team-honors-for-the-2021-college-football-season/

NFL Draft prospects 2022: Updated big board of top 100 players overall, position rankings (34. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada (6-4, 215 pounds):  Strong has some Josh Allen qualities to him with ideal size and a massive arm, only with more underrated athleticism.) (12-2-21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-2022-player-rankings-big-board/15xmexshw7ywc1u9ijg32sjwhr

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 prospect rankings at the end of the season (47. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada:  Carson Strong will be an interesting study in how the NFL reacts to historical injury issues. The Nevada quarterback suffered a significant season-ending injury in high school that required surgery. While that hasn’t impacted his college career in terms of missed time, we’ve seen that knee injuries can make or break a prospect’s stock at the next level.  On the field, Strong is a legitimate candidate to be one of the top passers in a murky class. He’s a consistent presence in choppy waters. Strong possesses an exceptional arm, and despite concerns over his mobility, can evade pressure and maneuver in and around the pocket better than he’s given credit for.) (12-1-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-big-board-top-50-prospects-w0/2/

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: PFF's Top 100 Prospects (40. QB CARSON STRONG, NEVADA:  No quarterback in this top 100 shouldered a bigger load as a passer. Strong had a six-game stretch toward the end of the season where he dropped back to pass over 50 times every game. Still, he finished with a career-high 90.3 passing grade this season.) (11-29-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-board-big-board

College Football Team of the Week: Rivalry Week lives up to the hype (QB: Carson Strong, Nevada:  It was a tight race to win the QB of the Week honors during Rivalry Week. While some rivalry games had excellent performances from other position players, Carson Strong dominated the weekend’s quarterback play. He finished the game 17-of-22 passing for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns. Strong didn’t throw the most touchdowns nor the most yards this weekend, but his touchdown tosses were things of beauty.  It was a dominant final regular-season game for Strong, who likely has played his last collegiate game. And what a showing it was.) (11-28-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-2021-cfbwk-13/

2022 NFL draft: Ole Miss' Matt Corral might be QB1, but it's a drop from recent drafts (4. Carson Strong, Nevada (Last week: 4th):  As he does nearly every time out, Strong unleashed some gorgeous throws this weekend. Arm talent-wise, there might not be a better prospect in the 2022 class. But watching him limp around through the 3OT loss to Air Force, taking seven sacks and several more hits along the way, reminded us of two things:  1. Strong simply isn't healthy now, slogging through a long season with a chronic knee issue.  2. He's tough as heck.  Strong's interception was on him — and he knew it — underthrowing his receiver over the middle by a few yards; it was just a poor decision. He also had another ball that should have been picked, but the Air Force defender just dropped it. But there were plenty of other highlight-reel throws that will be embraced by the NFL community and keep him in the fascinating category as a prospect.  We're ambivalent with him overall, but Strong has some Jay Cutler-ish tools that must be respected.) (11-22-21):https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-ole-miss-matt-corral-might-be-qb-1-but-its-a-drop-from-recent-drafts-184710197.html 

Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft: Kenny Pickett continues his ascension to the top (3. Carson Strong, Nevada:  A better arm in the 2022 NFL Draft class, there is not. Carson Strong possesses elite arm talent to completely change whatever offense he goes to. At worst, he’ll match the play of whatever offense he takes over. His arm is that good. Strong drops 50-yard, outside-the-number throws with ease. He’ll hit shallow crossing receivers in stride perfectly.  Strong has all the tools, including underrated athleticism. He proved time and time again that he is not the proverbial statue in the pocket, maneuvering his way through the trash like Ben Roethlisberger did in his prime. Strong’s knee injury may be a concern, but expect teams to clear him if possible, keeping him firmly in the conversation for QB1 all offseason long.) (11-20-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-quarterbacks-in-the-2022-nfl-draft-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-continue-their-ascension/

Lions Select Nevada QB Carson Strong in Latest 2022 Mock Draft (11-17-21): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-draft-carson-strong-2022-nfl-mock-draft 

Is Nevada’s Carson Strong set to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft? (11-16-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/is-nevadas-carson-strong-set-to-declare-for-the-2022-nfl-draft/

2022 NFL draft: Updated QB rankings (7. Carson Strong | Nevada:  Medical concerns and level of competition will be the biggest questions with Strong, but there’s no denying his talent, with an ideal combination of size, arm strength and accuracy.) (11-15-21):    https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-rankings-quarterback-sam-hartman-matt-corral-kenny-pickett-malik-willis-sam-howell/

2022 NFL draft: Kenny Pickett-Sam Howell duel, Phil Jurkovec's return tilt QB rankings (5. Carson Strong, Nevada (Last week: 4th):  Strong's season has been defined by toughness, as he's played through a painful knee injury that nearly delayed the start of his campaign. It's been defined by resilience, too, as the Wolf Pack lost WR Elijah Cooks early in the season and have been without TE Cole Turner — one of Strong's favorite targets — for parts of the past two games.  So when you look at Strong's statistical season, it's hard not to be impressed. He's completed 70.7% if his passes, averaged 354.7 yards per game and compiled a 28-7 TD-INT ratio. Not bad for a team that barely features the run game, meaning defenses know exactly what's coming.  But when we floated Strong's name to two NFL evaluators last week, we received a mixed bag of responses. "Where's the upside?" one asked rhetorically. Even the prospect of playing next season with a healthier knee comes with a caveat, as NFL teams believe their medical staffs will need to do a thorough examination of it before assuming he'll be cleared, health-wise, for the long term.  San Diego State beat the Wolf Pack on a late field goal, and it was clear the strategy was to bury them deep and force Strong to drive the distance of the field every time. For three quarters it worked beautifully. Strong did uncork some beautiful balls late, totaled 350 pass yards and gave the Pack a late lead at one point. But his final drive came up short. it was a noble effort, all in all.  But the more we've mulled Strong as a prospect, even with all of his throwing potential, the more ambivalent we've become. He's an interesting prospect for sure, but one who comes with some possible pitfalls.) (11-15-21):   https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-kenny-pickett-sam-howell-duel-phil-jukovecs-return-tilt-qb-rankings-180259054.html

2022 NFL draft: Matt Corral outshines Malik Willis in QB showdown (4. Carson Strong, Nevada (Last week: 3rd):  Saturday's win over San Jose State saw Strong complete 36 of 54 passes for 314 yards and a touchdown, but he also tossed two interceptions and the Pack's offense largely struggled until two late drives to pull out the victory — and they did it without star TE Cole Turner, who was knocked out of the game in the third quarter.  Strong completed passes of 43, 19 and 20 yards on their penultimate drive, hitting Romeo Doubs for a TD to give Nevada a 24-17 lead with 5:26 remaining. When he got the ball back with the game tied, Strong led a 47-yard, game-winning drive in the closing seconds.  Overall, his game performance was sub-par following a hot stretch recently where the health of his knee looked as good as it had all season. But Saturday's effort was a small step back, as Strong looked rushed and flustered at times and had trouble stringing together multiple positive plays.) (11-8-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-matt-corral-outshines-malik-willis-in-qb-showdown-182430797.html

Detroit Lions 2022 draft watch: Top QB prospects go head-to-head this Saturday (Carson Strong, Quarterback, Nevada (Redshirt Junior):  The quarterback class is still shaking out, but Strong is an intriguing prospect that could hear his name called in the first round. I haven’t had a chance to do a lot of film study on Strong—Nevada isn’t on my weekly watch list due to their time slot—but Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire is one of the best quarterback evaluators I know and he recently did a 14-minute video film break down on the quarterback.  “Nevada quarterback Carson Strong has played himself into the upper-tier QB discussion for the 2022 NFL draft, thanks to his production as well as what he offers from an arm talent perspective,” Schofield wrote.  From what I’ve seen, Strong is a pocket passer who possesses an NFL deep ball, can fit it in tight windows, and can throw with touch. He’s not very mobile but he can slide around the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. The one thing that could be detrimental to his draft stock is his medical checks, as NFL teams have reportedly flagged a knee injury as a potential obstacle.  Also on Nevada’s offense is another trio of draftable players including WR Romeo Doubs (Senior, 6-foot-2, 201 pounds), TE Cole Turner (Senior, 6-foot-6, 236 pounds), and RT/G Aaron Frost (Senior, 6-foot-4 1/2, 310 pounds).) (11-6-21):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/11/6/22761181/detroit-lions-2022-draft-watch-top-qb-prospects-go-head-to-head-this-saturday

Malik Willis vs. Matt Corral: Who is the No. 1 QB in the 2022 NFL Draft rankings? (5. Carson Strong, Nevada:  Strong (6-4, 215 pounds) is the same size as Ridder and has done many simliar things well as the leader of the Wolf Pack. HIs last name is apt for how he can make all the throws with his arm, and he's still learning to better use his athleticism. He's kind of a hybrid of what Josh Allen and Justin Herbert do well.) (11-5-21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/malik-willis-matt-corral-nfl-draft-2022-rankings/1j34cegt67nqt1g7rgb0d1thc7

Detroit Lions 2022 NFL draft watch: Meet two top QB prospects facing off at noon Saturday (Carson Strong, Nevada:  A lot of late starts and the Mountain West’s lackluster TV deal have obscured Strong’s excellent season: The junior has completed 71.3% of his passes for 2,883 yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions over eight games. The biggest knock on him: Strong is far from mobile, thanks to multiple knee injuries dating back to high school. Judge him for yourself when the Wolf Pack host Air Force on FS1 in a Friday-night matchup in Reno on Nov. 19.) (11-5-21):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2021/11/05/detroit-lions-2022-nfl-draft-top-quarterback-prospects/6294529001/

Breaking down Carson Strong's performance against Kansas State (11-4-21): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/11/04/carson-strong-2022-nfl-draft-kansas-state/

2022 NFL Draft Rumors: Do we have a QB1 yet and is Carson Strong in the conversation (Any update on a potential QB1 after Carson Strong dominated on Friday night?  Carson Strong is in a difficult situation. More and more people I speak with agree with the assessment I’ve made the past year: the offense Strong plays in at Nevada is not helping him improve as a passer.  He’s physically superior to any of the top-rated quarterbacks but probably at the bottom of the list when it comes to being NFL-ready.  Does he enter the draft despite not being close to NFL-ready? Does he go back to Nevada for another season when the offense is not helping his game? It’s a “damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t” situation for Strong.) (11-3-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-rumors-do-we-have-a-qb1-yet/

2022 NFL draft: Can Nevada's Carson Strong end up as QB1? (3. Carson Strong, Nevada

(Last week: 6th):  When we put together our first 2022 NFL mock draft last week, Strong was not one of our first 32 selections listed. That said, we mentioned Strong as a first-round possibility pending a strong postseason period.  The biggest thing holding him back might be the health of his knee. Strong suffered a knee injury as a prep and had to have it scoped just prior to camp. Early in the season, there were times when it appeared he didn't trust the stability of the knee and was moving around the pocket fairly gingerly.  Strong's comfort has improved over the past several weeks. He's not very agile when fully healthy and never will be regarded as a scramble threat. But that little bit of added assurance has appeared to help Strong put together a hot streak the past four games, with a 16-3 TD-INT ratio, an average of 416.3 pass yards per game and a completion rate of nearly 74 percent.  Strong might have the best arm talent in the class. He's shredding opponents through the air despite minimal help from the run game. And he's doing it in spite of a bothersome knee. But if that knee checks out during the medical portion of the pre-draft process, and if the cocksure quarterback also can also win over teams during the all-important interview process, Strong easily could make a play for QB1 — even if he lacks the dual-threat ability many teams now favor in their quarterbacks.) (11-1-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-can-nevadas-carson-strong-end-up-as-qb-1-154715450.html

Stock Watch: Shaky Saturday (Stock Steady: Carson Strong, Nevada - Carson Strong and the rest of the Nevada Wolfpack had a great opportunity on Friday night when they hosted in-state rivals UNLV, who entered play looking for their first win since November of 2019.  A win which came against…Nevada.  Strong and Nevada took care of business, dispatching UNLV by a final score of 51-20 and keeping the Fremont Cannon as the winners of the “Battle of Nevada.” In the victory, Strong completed 37 of 49 for 417 yards and four touchdowns, along with one interception.  Strong again put his arm talent on display in the win, on throws like this touchdown to Romeo Doubs.  However, the interception from Strong was a bit of a head-scratcher, as he forced a throw into coverage and was burned for the decision.  Ultimately, the issue with Strong is going to be how teams feel about him from an athleticism, pocket mobility and maneuverability perspective. He does not need to be Kyler Murray or Lamar Jackson, but teams will need to be satisfied that he can do enough with his feet to evade pressure and extend plays when necessary. As you start to do your own homework on this draft class, pay particular attention to that trait during your evaluation.) (10-31-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/sam-howell-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-carson-strong/

2022 NFL draft: Liberty's Malik Willis tries to crash top of QB power rankings (6. Carson Strong, Nevada (Last week: 6th):  There are times when Strong looks like the most interesting passer in the 2022 class. He's an easy-armed slinger, and Saturday's loss to Fresno State was actually the showcase game we've been semi-waiting for this season.  Strong played well in the comeback win at Cal and diced up Hawaii two weeks ago. But even in the loss, Strong's performance (49 of 61 passing, 476 yards, four TDs, one INT) made us sit up and take notice. The health of his knee — which he's slowly appearing to trust more as the season goes on — is a wild-card factor in his draft placement, and it's no guarantee he even opts to come out this year (with one year of eligibility remaining).  Truth be told, there's very little separating Nos. 1 through 6 in our mind. This order could be shuffled up quite a bit in the coming months. But this top six pales in comparison to the 2021 QB class' top six — and by and large, that group has struggled as rookies so far in the NFL.) (10-25-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-libertys-malik-willis-tries-to-crash-top-of-qb-power-rankings-191922092.html

Week 8 College Football Players of the Week: Kayvon Thibodeaux and Leo Chenal shine (QB Carson Strong, Nevada:  His team came up short, but Carson Strong put on a show and even made another strong case for the title of QB1 for the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. Strong threw 61 passes, completing 49 of them for 476 yards and 4 touchdowns. He threw a potential game-tying score with seconds left in the game, but his 2-point attempt to Romeo Doubs was ruled incomplete. Nevada lost 34-32 to Fresno State in a thriller.) (10-24-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-players-of-the-week-2021-cfbwk-8/

2022 NFL Draft: Evaluating the quarterback class at midseason (Carson Strong, Nevada, 6-3, 215, Redshirt Junior:  One of the wild cards of the 2022 (or 2023) QB class is Nevada’s Strong, the reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year and one likely to repeat as the top dog in the conference as a three-year starter for the Wolfpack.  After posting solid numbers as a redshirt freshman in 2019, Strong flexed in 2020, completing an eye-popping 70.1% of his passes for 2,858 yards and 27 TDs against just four interceptions in nine games. He is on a similar pace this season, with 1,990 yards and 16 TDs with three interceptions through the first six games, completing 68.2% of his passes. Strong’s numbers are all the more impressive given that Nevada’s offense asks him to make a lot of NFL-caliber downfield throws, and the quarterback possesses the velocity, touch and accuracy to project nicely to the next level.  Besides the obvious questions some will have about Strong’s level of competition in the Mountain West — the Wolfpack's only loss this season was a 38-17 thumping at Kansas State (3-3) — there are questions about how much his game is influenced by the fact that Nevada boasts two other future NFL draft picks in wide receiver Romeo Doubs and tight end Cole Turner.  Further, Strong has already undergone three surgeries on his right knee — the first of which was to repair a torn ACL that ruined his senior season of high school and played a role in his being somewhat lightly recruited. By NFL quarterback standards, Strong is an average athlete at best. He is the least mobile of the QBs on this list, relying on his awareness to buy time in the pocket but not possessing the elusiveness or speed to scare anyone as a scrambler. Strong has not recorded a rushing touchdown in his career.  In terms of passing from the pocket, however, Strong’s accuracy and fiery leadership give him the look of a future NFL signal-caller. Assuming he gets a clean bill of health, he likely will generate consideration in the first two rounds, whenever he should make himself eligible for the draft.) (10-22-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2022-nfl-draft-evaluating-the-quarterback-class-at-midseason

2022 NFL draft: How high can Pitt's Kenny Pickett rise in QB power rankings? (6. Carson Strong, Nevada

(Last week: 6th):  We reserve the right to move Strong up further, but there are concerns about his lack of mobility and the health of his knee, which might not pass muster for every club once they're able to do a full medical workup.  His arm talent is downright exciting. Strong can sling the rock all over the yard with an easy throwing motion, a clean release and quality decisiveness with his trigger. He lit up Hawaii this weekend with perhaps his cleanest all-around performance of 2021, even with a few overthrows and so-so reactions to pressure.  Nevada quarterback Carson Strong (12) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Hawaii in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)

Nevada quarterback Carson Strong (12) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Hawaii in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)

In an era where mobile quarterbacks are all the rage, he's a different kind of prospect. Strong's final placement is tricky because of the unknown health factor, and how teams accept his fiery, heart-on-his-sleeve style will vary from one team to the next.  But the intrigue remains fairly high for him as a prospect. He could be a late first-rounder. He also could slide a bit. Stay tuned.) (10-18-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-how-high-can-pitts-kenny-pickett-rise-in-qb-power-rankings-164240764.html

2022 NFL draft: Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler sinks in QB power rankings after Texas benching (6. Carson Strong, Nevada

(Last week: 5th):  Strong was highly efficient in his (career high) six-TD performance against New Mexico State this weekend, which is exactly what you'd hope for against the 118th-ranked defense in the country.  Still, Strong remains a frustrating study at times. The arm talent is no question good enough. The confidence is what you want. There are some alluring traits that can't be overlooked.  But we also see some poor reactions to pressure and some sluggish pocket maneuverability that will tax him at the next level. He also threw a shaky pick on his second pass attempt, an underthrown deep ball where his receiver had a step on the defender for a possible TD. Strong got off to a slow start before turning in some big numbers.) (10-11-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-oklahomas-spencer-rattler-sinks-in-qb-power-rankings-after-texas-benching-170321326.html

Stock Watch: The Spencer Rattler edition (Stock Up: Carson Strong, Nevada - It has been a while since we discussed Nevada quarterback Carson Strong. But it is time to rectify that, in the wake of Strong’s huge game against New Mexico State on Saturday night.  The Wolfpack rolled over New Mexico State, winning by a final score of 55-28. But the scoreline does not do Strong’s performance justice. The passer completed 25 of 32 passes for 377 yards and six touchdowns, with a single interception. The six touchdowns were a career-high number for Strong, and four of those came in the second quarter.  We even got a little hole shot on this fake screen/verticals combination.  On the year, Strong now has completed 69.3% of his passes for 1,595 yards and 14 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. If you have no gotten around to watching him yeet, it is probably time to change that.) (10-10-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/spencer-rattler-caleb-williams-malik-willis/

Carson Strong's Draft Stock: Medical history could create uncertainty

Pro Football Network (10-9-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/carson-strong-draft-stock-medical-history-uncertainty/

No quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft class is the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick Carson Strong, Nevada (Redshirt Junior)

What’s to like: Deep Passing.  When I say deep passing, I mean DEEP passing. Since the start of 2020, Strong has five completions targeted 50+ yards past the line of scrimmage. That’s not only three more than any other college quarterback over that span, it’s more than any NFL quarterback has had over the past two years as well. While that’s obviously not comparable, it just goes to show how different it is to see someone attack that area of the field that much.  Why we’re worried: Pocket Presence.  Strong often gets caught locked in on receivers, which causes him to miss opportunities to subtly slide away from pressure in the pocket. It’s not only led to a high 23.8% pressure-to-sack conversion rate this year but also consistently poor performances under pressure. He’s earned an unsightly 35.6 passing grade under pressure for his career (For comparison, Trevor Lawrence graded at 63.7 under pressure for his career). Verdict: A Worthwhile Project.  Strong’s downfield accuracy is very real. There’s no screaming “competition level” with the ball placement on some of the windows he’s hitting.  His good, not great, performance against the lower-level competition is still meaningful, though. He may not be a slam-dunk first-rounder, but his tools are easily worth a look on Day 2.) (10-8-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-class-spencer-rattler-malik-willis-sam-howell-matt-corral

2022 NFL draft: Spencer Rattler, Malik Willis neck and neck in QB prospect power rankings (5. Carson Strong, Nevada

(Last week: 5th) - Strong threw for 263 yards and a touchdown in a good win at Boise State. What I've liked best about him so far is his taking care of the football following a shaky first half in the season-opening win over Cal. Strong also was able to be productive in this game despite losing wide receiver Elijah Cooks to a season-ending injury.   Strong still has good weapons and doesn't need to key in on Romeo Doubs every big play. Justin Lockhart (five catches, 94 yards) stepped up, and Cole Turner (six catches, 67 yards, a one-handed TD) looks like a monster. Strong seems to trust whoever is open, which is a good thing.  We could be looking at a first-round prospect here, although Strong still has work to do to get there.) (10-4-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-spencer-rattler-malik-willis-neck-and-neck-in-qb-power-rankings-180136169.html

2022 NFL draft: Fresno State's Jake Haener inches up QB prospect power rankings (5. Carson Strong, Nevada

(Last week: 3rd):  Bye week.) (9-27-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-fresno-states-jake-haener-inches-up-qb-prospect-power-rankings-191237490.html

2022 NFL draft: Quarterback prospect power rankings, Week 4 (5. Carson Strong, Nevada

(Last week: 3rd):  Strong really was not the reason the Wolfpack lost at Kansas State, and he uncorked a few terrific passes in the 38-17 loss. Such as this ...  Strong also ripped a TD pass into a tight window to tie the game at 17-all late in the third quarter. But he wasn't perfect, either, throwing a poor interception into a crowd and coming up short on a fourth-down scramble.  Still, there's a lot to like about Strong's game, and he'll absolutely have his share of big fans come draft time.) (9-20-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-quarterback-prospect-power-rankings-week-4-165713111.html

2022 NFL draft: 3 intriguing QB prospects face great tests this weekend (Nevada QB Carson Strong at Kansas State:  Strong checks in as a riser in a deep QB class but perhaps one where there’s no Trevor Lawrence-level prospect. There might not even be a quarterback on the level of Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Justin Fields yet, but Strong has a chance to crack the top three at that spot this coming spring with a continued ascension.  Strong delivered gorgeous long balls at Cal and led five scoring drives in a six-possession span on the road after falling behind 14-0. That was a terrific test for the 6-foot-4, 204-pound passer. He gets another one this weekend in his final Power Five matchup of the regular season.  The Wildcats have racked up 10 sacks, intercepted three passes, allowed only 18 passing first downs and haven’t given up a pass play longer than 29 yards in two games. Kansas State is solid and fairly deep in the secondary, and it has multiple rushers who can collapse the pocket.  Nevada’s offense is predicated on getting the ball to tight end Cole Turner and wideout Elijah Mitchell on intermediate routes and looking for WR Romeo Doubs to stretch the field. Can Strong hold up in this matchup? We expect quite a few scouts to be at this one. Strong is a potential first-round draft pick with growing intrigue.) (9-17-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-3-intriguing-qb-prospects-face-great-tests-this-weekend-154530243.html

2022 NFL draft: Quarterback prospect power rankings, Week 3 (3. Carson Strong, Nevada:  His game against Cal was a terrific first effort. Last week he shredded Idaho State and had a baseball cap on by the early fourth quarter. This week Strong and the Wolfpack draw a solid Kansas State team that hasn’t allowed a 30-yard completion through two games.  It’s Strong’s final Power-5 game of the regular season and could be a popular stop this weekend for scouts wanting to see more of what the Nevada QB is made of.) (9-13-21):   https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-qb-prospect-power-rankings-week-3-211244499.html

2022 NFL Draft QB Watch: Nevada's Carson Strong (Carson Strong, Nevada:  If you're looking for an outta-nowhere quarterback prospect who wasn't on the average fans' radar over the summer and is poised for a Joe Burrow or Zach Wilson-type ascent up the ol' media mock draft boards over the coming weeks and months, let us introduce you to Carson Strong. We had him going No. 9 overall in our first mock draft the season and the only reason he lasted that long was because of a knee injury that started in high school and limited him throughout training camp last month. Of course when you watch him, you'd have no idea Strong was anything but 100% healthy. He was dealing in the Wolf Pack's season-opening win on the road against Cal last week and he was downright dominant against Idaho State on Saturday night. In 3.5 quarters of work, Strong went 34 of 43 for 381 yards, four touchdown and no turnovers.  He was, in a word, clinical.   Whether it was a back-of-the-end zone fade on Nevada's first drive. Or a back-shoulder throw on touchdown No. 2.  His third touchdown, just before the half, came on as efficient a two-minute drill as you'll see; Strong showed off his arm, his accuracy, his ability to get through reads, and to remain patient in the pocket. And then there's the final TD, which showed off his ability to feather the ball over defenders while on the move.  To recap: Strong is legit. So legit, in fact, that the only thing keeping us from making him our QB1 is his knee. If NFL teams give him a clean bill of health (and they won't be able to get a good look at him until the combine), he could end up being a top five selection and the first quarterback off the board.) (9-13-21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2022-nfl-draft-qb-watch-nevadas-carson-strong-could-be-the-next-joe-burrow-or-zach-wilson/ 

Top 15 Quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft: Carson Strong’s strong start (3. Carson Strong, Nevada:  Talk about a player who has every tool and can make every throw. Carson Strong‘s 2021 debut performance was arguably the most impressive of all the top quarterbacks on our 2022 NFL Draft list. You can bet he’ll stay right here at No. 3 with a strong case for No. 2 or even No. 1 with more performances like this past weekend.  Against Cal, Strong hit 22-of-39 passes for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those numbers could have been even better in a vacuum had it not been for multiple drops by his receivers. Still, when you watch Strong’s performance against a talented Cal secondary, you realize just how special his arm talent is. At this rate, get to know more about the man you’ll hear throughout the season and into next April.) (9-8-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-15-quarterbacks-in-the-2022-nfl-draft-carson-strongs-strong-start/

Stock Watch: Mixed quarterback performances mark Week 1 of the college football season (Stock Up: Carson Strong, Nevada:  A trendy pick for the next “QB Riser” is Carson Strong, of Nevada. The junior quarterback’s name has been floated about this summer as a QB to watch, and according to Benjamin Allbright NFL evaluators are also taking notice of his play.  Strong’s 2021 debut came on the road against California, and the junior QB helped lead the Wolfpack to a victory over the Pac-12 foes. Strong completed 22 of 39 passes for 312 yards and a pair of touchdowns, along with an interception, in the victory. But beyond the numbers he showcased the kind of arm talent that draws attention come draft season. First it was this throw in the second quarter.  Then this deep shot in the second half from his own 30-yard line — and the right hashmark — to the opposite 13-yard line and opposite sideline. This was a good start for Strong, but it is early, and he did throw this interception which will be an aspect of his game to monitor.  As you can see from this angle, he could have done a better job of using his eyes to hold the safety before throwing this slot-fade route.  Two games to watch? In two weeks Nevada travels to Manhattan to take on Kansas State, and then after a bye the Wolfpack are on the road again, to square off with Boise State. If Strong performs well in those games, look for his stock to truly rise.) (9-5-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/spencer-rattler-sam-howell-carson-strong/ 

College Football News: Will Carson Strong emerge as a top QB in the 2022 NFL Draft? (8-23-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-news-will-carson-strong-emerge-as-a-top-qb-in-the-2022-nfl-draft/

10 NFL draft prospects you need to know: Nevada QB Carson Strong (8-21-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/10-nfl-draft-prospects-you-need-to-know-nevada-qb-carson-strong-144522765.html

College Football News: Will Carson Strong emerge as a top QB in the 2022 NFL Draft? (8-20-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-news-will-carson-strong-emerge-as-a-top-qb-in-the-2022-nfl-draft/

10 NFL draft prospects you need to know: Nevada QB Carson Strong (8-20-21): https://sports.yahoo.com/10-nfl-draft-prospects-you-need-to-know-nevada-qb-carson-strong-144522765.html

2022 NFL Draft Risers: Malik Willis, J.T. Daniels among QBs who could be this year's Joe Burrow or Zach Wilson (CARSON STRONG, NEVADA:  Including Strong may be cheating a bit because A). He already put up one heck of a 2020 campaign, and B). He’s already a top-five quarterback on the PFF draft board. Strong finished with an 85.8 passing grade, an adjusted completion percentage of 80.2% (sixth in the FBS) and a turnover-worthy play rate of 1.7% (third).  Oh, and he can straight spin it.  The Nevada quarterback has one of the strongest arms of any returning quarterback in the country combined with one of the quickest releases — and that’s a combination I can get on board with.  Strong will also get a better slate of defenses to prove himself against this season with away games at California, Kansas State and Boise State all early on in 2021.) (7-27-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-candidates-zach-wilson-joe-burrow-2021

Top 10 2022 NFL Draft prospects in the Group of Five (4. QB CARSON STRONG, NEVADA (REDSHIRT JUNIOR):  Strong is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects heading into 2021. Not only does he possess one of the strongest arms in the country, but the leap he already took from 2019 to 2020 stands out. Strong saw his passing grade go from 65.4 to 85.8 over that span, as his adjusted completion percentage jumped nearly eight points.  If Strong can improve his poise under pressure, a facet where he earned a 51.7 passing grade and converted nearly 20% of his pressured dropbacks into sacks last year, he could sneak his way into the Round 1 conversation.) (8-18-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-2022-nfl-draft-prospects-group-five

2022 NFL Draft QB Rankings: Carson Strong (7-27-21):https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/article/rankings/2022-nfl-draft-qb-rankings-carson-strong

Draft watch: Sam Howell, Spencer Rattler the top QBs to know entering 2021 (Carson Strong, Nevada:  Lions fans who loved Matthew Stafford’s big arm will gravitate to Strong, who has a rocket launcher of a right shoulder. He can spot the ball into tight windows at all levels of the defense and can do it with varying arm angles and platforms. There are injury flags (knee issues) and inconsistent mechanics that get him into trouble at times that Strong must overcome.) (7-9-21): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/09/2022-nfl-draft-sam-howell-spencer-rattler-malik-willis-desmond-ridder-top-qbs/

2022 NFL draft: The case for and against QB1 candidates (Carson Strong | Nevada:  Though he didn’t declare for the 2021 draft, few quarterbacks made as impressive of a leap from 2019 to 2020 as Strong did for Nevada.  Strong’s production was much better in 2020: his passing yard totals, completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio and passer rating all improved significantly last season. He displayed fantastic flashes of ball placement, hitting his targets in stride vertically down the field many times over the course of the year. He is a reliable passer in the red zone who can place the 50-50 ball accurately and hit big-bodied targets in tight windows.  A big part of what makes him so intriguing, though, is his arm strength. His passes are consistently delivered with plenty of heat behind them, and the sheer force the ball is thrown with allows him to thread the needle pretty consistently. His sheer arm talent – along with his 6-foot-4 frame – gives him plenty of potential at the NFL level.  Strong projects as one of the bigger boom-or-bust prospects in the 2022 draft.  Though he delivers accurate passes from time to time, his accuracy is pretty inconsistent. His weight distribution in his follow-through can be out of whack at times, relying solely on his arm to generate force and affecting his overall touch.  Strong’s internal clock could also use some improvement. He has a tendency to freeze in the pocket and be delayed in picking up blitz concepts, and he also has a tendency to stare down his first read too often. Plus, he doesn’t offer nearly the athletic ability that players like Willis or Rattler have in this class.) (7-9-21): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-qb1-candidates-spencer-rattler-sam-howell-malik-willis-carson-strong/

The PFF Preseason College Football All-Mountain West Team: Nevada's Carson Strong and Romeo Doubs star on offense (First-Team: Carson Strong, Nevada - Strong will enter 2021 with a fanfare after breaking out in 2020. Armed with one of the biggest arms in the country, he earned an 85.8 passing grade last season that featured the fifth-best turnover-worthy play rate in the FBS (1.7%). Strong tallied four touchdowns that traveled 50-plus yards through the air last year. For reference, that’s the most in a single season in the PFF College era — no other quarterback in the FBS in 2020 had more than one.) (7-6-21): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-all-mwc-team

Early 2022 NFL Draft quarterback rankings and class overview (5. CARSON STRONG, NEVADA (RS JUNIOR):  The difference between Nos. 3-5 on this list is really splitting hairs. All have the physical ability to move up considerably with big 2021 seasons. Strong has already seen a meteoric rise from his first year as a starter in 2019, when he earned a 61.7 overall grade, to this past year, when he posted an 85.2 overall mark.  The Nevada quarterback combines tremendous mechanics with a boomer of a right arm. No quarterback in the country targeted more passes 50-plus yards past the line of scrimmage last season than Strong. His 10 such attempts were double that of anyone in the 2021 quarterback class, and his four such completions were double that of anyone else in the country.  The level of competition will obviously be a factor, as Strong was the beneficiary of wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who you’ll be hearing about quite a bit next year. Doubs made Strong's life easy downfield. Improving his pocket presence and showing more poise under pressure will be the biggest things to watch with Strong in 2021.) (6-16-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2022-quarterback-rankings-class-overview

2022 NFL draft: 12 QB-prospect matchups we can't wait for this season (7. Carson Strong vs. Chase Garbers:  Strong was the Mountain West’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2020, and he gets back a slew of weapons in WRs Romeo Doubs and Elijah Cooks, and TE Cole Turner — all three of whom are on NFL radars. So is the 6-4, 215-pound Strong, who had a 27-4 TD-INT ratio and excelled on the deep ball in 2020.  Garbers took a step back last season, hurt by the post-COVID adjustment to new coordinator Bill Musgrove’s offense. He comes into 2021 with 23 starts (25 games) of experience, has shown toughness and fits a pro-style offense well. Can he repeat his 2019 performance (especially in wins over Stanford, UCLA and Illinois) this fall?  This Week 1 battle could put Strong on the national map and could help vault Garbers back into the discussion.) (6-11-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-there-are-some-terrific-qb-prospect-matchups-this-season-160032914.html

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Early top 50 prospect rankings (44. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada:  More in the traditional quarterback mold, Carson Strong brings an abundance of intrigue back to college football as a redshirt sophomore. He completed over 70 percent of his passes in 2020 while throwing for almost 3,000 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions. For a pocket passer, he’s reasonably mobile, but his quick, fluid arm motion and strength as a passer are what drives his potential.) (5-8-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-big-board-top-50-prospects/

The 25 most intriguing 2022 NFL draft prospects, including 10 QBs (Carson Strong, Nevada:  Another name we believe you should familiarize yourselves with, Strong broke out in a big way last season with a 27-4 TD-INT ratio, 8.1 yards per attempt and 70.1% completions in Jay Norvell’s and Matt Mumme’s “Air Raid” attack, earning conference Player of the Year. Strong’s favorite target from 2020 returns in big-play threat Romeo Doubs, and the Wolf Pack also return fascinating TE Cole Turner and 6-4 WR Elijah Cooks.  Strong has missed the spring following knee surgery but is expected back at full health in the fall. They face a great schedule this fall, including road games against Cal, Kansas State and Boise State.) (5-6-21):https://sports.yahoo.com/the-25-most-intriguing-2022-nfl-draft-prospects-including-10-q-bs-163838005.html

2022 NFL Draft prospects to watch at each position (Daniels and Strong both have arm talent but there are some rough edges that need to be polished.) (5-6-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-sam-howell-spencer-rattler-among-five-prospects-to-watch-at-each-position/

Top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft include Sam Howell, Malik Willis (6. Carson Strong, Nevada:  Nevada’s Carson Strong only sits behind Willis in these rankings due to his limited ability outside of the pocket. As the modern game transforms, teams value the ability to extend plays with athleticism. Willis has the distinct advantage in that regard while also having the arm to make plays.  Standing at 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Strong has the look of a prototypical pocket passer in the NFL. He could be a damn good one as well. Last season, he demonstrated his ability to make plays downfield while being accurate with it. The Nevada quarterback threw for 2,858 yards while averaging 8.1 yards per attempt and completing 70.1 percent of his passes. He also compiled an impressive 27:4 touchdown to interception ratio.  Strong has a genuine chance to improve his 2022 NFL Draft stock in the coming season. Strong demonstrated awareness in the pocket and arm strength last season. If he improves his accuracy — there were multiple examples of overthrows in the small sample of film studied — he can skyrocket his stock. Additionally, Nevada returns Strong’s favorite receiving target in Romeo Doubs. Their relationship will be pivotal to his success.) (5-4-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-top-quarterbacks-sam-howell-malik-willis/

Who is the next quarterback riser? (Carson Strong, Nevada:  Carson Strong took over as the starting quarterback for the Nevada Wolfpack for the 2019 season and his tenure got off to an impressive start, as he led the Wolfpack to a victory over Purdue in his debut. In that game Strong completed 30 of  51 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. In Nevada’s  nine games last year he was equally impressive, completing 249 of 355 passes for 2,858 yards and 27 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. He also led the Wolfpack to a bowl win, throwing for five touchdowns in a victory over Tulane. During his time as a starter Strong has displayed impressive arm talent and the ability to quickly work through reads, and some might consider him a favorite in the “potential riser” category, and with good reason.) (5-4-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-quarterbacks-malik-willis-dillon-gabriel/