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The crop of quarterbacks eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft is not considered elite, particularly when compared to last year when Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were so highly touted and wound up being the first two picks in last April’s draft.
With Geno Smith and Matt Barkley, who are widely regarded as the top two quarterback prospects this year, not participating in this weekend’s Senior Bowl, others have had a chance to showcase their talents for NFL scouts. Among those in Mobile, Alabama this week is Miami of Ohio quarterback Zac Dysert, who surpassed Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the school’s all-time passing yardage leader (12,016 yards) despite multiple changes in the coaching staff during his collegiate career.
Dysert has a chance to work his way up draft boards with solid work during the pre-draft process, but reviews of his work during Senior Bowl practices this week have been mixed at best. Still, his performance during drills may be quickly forgotten if he performs well in Saturday’s game.
Let’s see how Dysert measures up, then I’ll take a look at his strengths and weaknesses as well as attempt to predict where he might go in April’s draft.
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 224 lbs.
Strengths
– Has ideal size to be an NFL quarterback; stands strong in the pocket
– Has good intangibles; plays with confidence and poise
– Shows good accuracy when throwing on the run
– Has an efficient, over-the-top throwing motion and generally steps into his throws well
– Is a solid athlete; is able and willing to run
Weaknesses
– Lacks overall consistency in terms of accuracy; needs to prove he can make all the throws required at the next level
– Seems to lack the velocity to throw the ball into tight windows
– Worked in a shotgun-heavy spread offense as a senior, which limited his downfield throws, simplified his reads and seemed ill-suited to his skills
– Played predominantly against lower-level competition in college, which may create a steep learning curve at the next level
Final Analysis
Barring an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine next month, Dysert looks like a second day selection come April. Whatever team drafts him should not expect him to step right in and start immediately, but that’s not to say he does not have appeal as a developmental prospect. Dysert’s ultimate success or failure as a pro really comes down to where he lands. If he comes into a situation with good offensive coaches in place and an established veteran under center, I think he can become a solid NFL starter down the road.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24 or add him to your network on Google.
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