NFL Scouting Combine Review: Quarterbacks

Ryan McDowell

The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine has been and gone, and we are now into the Pro Days. But there’s still time to look back and see how the top players performed in Indianapolis.

Depending on who you talk to, the events of NFL Combine weekend can either greatly impact a prospect’s standing or should be altogether ignored. The truth is somewhere in the middle, but there is no argument that it feels like Christmas in March for dynasty players.

The nineteen NFL Draft hopefuls from the quarterback position began the week with interviews and medical testing, followed by the all-important measurements in mid-week. The group wrapped things up with on-field events, including the 40-yard run, vertical and broad jumps, the three-cone drill along with some on-field work with receivers and tight ends. Before looking at some quarterbacks who improved or damaged their standing, let’s take a look at the full results of measurements and drills.

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NameCollegeHt.Wt.40VerticalBroad3-Cone
HistoricalAverage6’2”2244.8231”9’2”7.11
Austin AllenArkansas60032094.8129.5"9'4"7.18
Josh AllenWyoming60472374.7533.5"9'11"6.90
JT BarrettOhio State60122244.7030"9'0"7.38
Kurt BenkertVirginia60252184.9531"9'4"7.15
Sam DarnoldUSC60332214.8526.5'8'9"6.96
Danny EtlingLSU60202154.7630.5"9'6"7.09
Luke FalkWashington State603521526.5"8'7"
Riley FergusonMemphis60262124.9829"9'2"6.96
Quinton FlowersSouth Florida51032104.639'4"6.81
Lamar JacksonLouisville6022216
Kyle LaulettaRichmond60252224.8131"9'5"6.95
Tanner LeeNebraska60422184.9832"9'7"7.00
Chase LittonMarshall60502324.9029.5"8'10"7.49
Baker MayfieldOklahoma60052154.8429"9'3"7.00
Josh RosenUCLA60402264.9231"9'3"7.09
Mason RudolphOklahoma State60452354.9026"
Nik ShimonekTexas Tech60302254.8828.5"8'5"7.28
Mike WhiteW. Kentucky60452245.0927"8'0"7.50
Logan WoodsideToledo60122014.7931.5"8'7"6.94

Let’s take a look at each of the top quarterbacks, in order of the current DLF rookie rankings.

Josh Rosen, UCLA

There were few surprises with UCLA’s quarterback Josh Rosen. He is considered by many as the top prospect at the position for dynasty leagues, although he may not be the first signal-caller drafted in the NFL. Rosen has ideal size at 6’4” and over 225 pounds, but that was never really in doubt as it was for other quarterback prospects. Rosen did pretty much everything at the Combine, but what is most important for him is likely to be the behind the scenes interviews with teams. There are evidently still some concerns about Rosen’s personality and attitude, which could slightly hurt him in a crowded quarterback class.

Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield is another player with some off-field questions after his tumultuous final college season. Some seem worried about his attitude as well and he was described as “over the top cocky” during Combine weekend. The good news for Mayfield is he measured in at over 6’0” tall, which still puts him behind most successful NFL quarterbacks, but is a threshold some get caught up with when analyzing a signal-caller. Mayfield drew positive reviews in passing drills and seemed to lock himself in as a potential top 15 NFL Draft pick with room to go even higher.

Lamar Jackson, Louisville

Another former Heisman winner, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson was the rare quarterback who chose to throw but opted out of all other drills, which he was expected to dominate. The reasoning is likely due to the story that won’t end, the question of whether Jackson is suited to play quarterback in the NFL or if he should instead consider a move to wide receiver. At the Combine, multiple teams reportedly asked him to work out as a receiver, which he ultimately declined. While he was likely to have the top marks at all speed and athleticism tests, that may have also fueled the wide receiver fire. Jackson’s throws, as they were in college, were inconsistent during the Combine and he will get another chance to show off at his Pro Day.

Sam Darnold, USC

Unlike Jackson and the other top quarterback prospects, USC’s Sam Darnold chose not to throw at the Combine. With so many quarterbacks available and so many NFL teams having a need at the position, most evaluators were looking forward to seeing all of the prospects in one location. Darnold should throw at the USC Pro Day taking place on March 21st and is still in the running to be the top overall pick to the Cleveland Browns.

Josh Allen, Wyoming

Of the five quarterbacks making up the top tier, it was Wyoming’s Josh Allen who was the biggest beneficiary of the NFL Combine. Not only did Allen get to show off his massive arm strength, but he was also reportedly very impressive in interviews. Although fantasy players seem to have major concerns about Allen and his poor completion percentage, he is still projected to be a top NFL Draft pick, though our rankers and ADP mock drafters place him fifth among this group.

Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State

Former Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph is the forgotten man in this deep quarterback class. Although he is almost certain to fall to the second round, he is not a player dynasty owners, especially those in 2QB leagues, should ignore. Rudolph paired with wide receiver James Washington for the past three seasons to form an elite college duo. Now that he’s preparing for the NFL, that high-powered offense is actually being used against him, considering the Big 12 is not exactly known for their strong defense. Rudolph tested out below average athletically, but that is no surprise. Most of his positives can be seen on film.

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ryan mcdowell