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Bryce Petty Will Be A Career Backup In The NFL

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By @Spencer_NFL

Bryce Petty Baylor

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Bryce Petty led the Baylor Bears to a record of 11-1 in his second season as the starting quarterback. A mid-season loss to West Virginia prevented Baylor from an undefeated season and playoff berth. Despite the team’s success, there is still doubt surrounding Petty’s ability to play at the next level.

While the Baylor offense thrives on the deep ball, that’s one of the major issues with Petty. His accuracy downfield is nowhere near what it needs to be. He throws way too many lame ducks that would be intercepted by an NFL defense. He also tends to miss wide-open receivers a couple times per game. This has led to him completing less than 60 percent of his passes an astonishing 11 times in 23 games over the last two years.

In comparison, top QB prospects Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston and Brett Hundley have combined for just six games under 60 percent completion rate in 37 games this season. The passing windows in the NFL will be much smaller than what he’s used to, so his accuracy must improve significantly.

Another issue with Petty has to do with the scheme of the offense. This obviously isn’t his fault, but the simplicity of the routes and reads will make the transition to the NFL much more difficult. Out of all the quarterbacks expected to enter the NFL Draft, Petty’s pre-draft workouts will have the most impact on his stock. Evaluators will want to see if he can make the throws he hasn’t been asked to at Baylor.

The senior does have some positive attributes as well. He has the typical size (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) and arm strength that teams look for. Although his deep ball usually has too much air under it, his timing and quick delivery will decrease his interception total. He rarely hesitates and trusts his vision. He only has to make one or two reads per play, but he almost always makes the right decision.

The Cotton Bowl features a great matchup for viewers, but not necessarily for Petty. Michigan State features one of the best defenses in the country. The Spartans have held opposing quarterbacks to the fourth-lowest QB rating in the nation. CB Trae Waynes may be the first corner drafted and safety Kurtis Drummond is a top-100 prospect. This will be a great test for Petty, who can improve his stock with a solid performance.

Petty will benefit from what is one of the worst senior QB classes in a long time. He’s the top senior QB on my board, well ahead of Shane Carden of East Carolina and Sean Mannion of Oregon State. Overall, I have Petty as the sixth-best QB and believe he will come off the board in the fifth round. He’s not going to contribute immediately and may never be “the guy.” Petty should have a lengthy career as a backup who can spot start as needed.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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