For the next couple of months I am going to be running a series of articles giving you a breakdown of the top 25 on my 2012 NFL Draft big board. Just last week, I compiled a list of the top 200 prospects in the draft after watching extensive videos and looking at the play of each individual.
Today's article is going to focus on my 25th ranked prospect for April's draft, Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State.
Strengths
Size: Weeden is your prototypical quarterback in terms of size, standing at 6'4" and 214 pounds. He will have absolutely no issues looking over the top of the defensive front and finding throwing lanes between the hashes.
Arm Strength: He can make every single throw on the football field, including putting a tremendous amount of zip on the longer passes. Weeden will be able to throw across the field to the sidelines without much of an issue, something that a vast majority of NFL quarterbacks tend to struggle with.
Accuracy: One of the things that stood out most to me in watching game film of Weeden is the fact that he understands when to put loft on the ball. He is extremely good laying the ball in between over the top coverage and linebackers dropping back. That is something that really cannot be taught. He does a great job putting the receiver in the situation to be able to make plays after the catch, another huge positive.
Decision making: Weeden is able to make quick decisions when facing pressure up the gut. This will only be magnified when he plays under center rather in out of the shotgun at the next level.
Weaknesses
Age: I am not too entirely sure that his age (29) could be categorized as a "weakness." In fact, it shows that he has the maturity and experience to be successful from the get go in the NFL. With that said, teams are going to be hesitant to spend a top pick on a quarterback of that age.
Mechanics: As with most rookie quarterbacks, mechanics are an issue in regards to Brandon Weeden. He does tend to have trouble stepping up in the pocket and keeping his head concentrated down field. This causes him to hurry throws when under pressure, which leads to some mistakes.
Athleticism: Weeden runs a 4.92 forty, which puts him right up there with Nick Foles as one of the slowest quarterbacks in the draft. He will not beat you with his legs and needs to good offensive line in front of him.
Draft Status: Currently projected to be a second round pick. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks will take a look in the first round if Weeden has a good NFL Scouting Combine and Oklahoma State Pro Day.
Player Comparison: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons.
You Tube Video presented by Universal Draft
