Draft Profile Series: Jimmy Garoppolo
- Updated: April 24, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 6-2, 226, Eastern Illinois
Key stats: Threw for 5,050 yards, with 50 TDs and just 9 interceptions in 2013.
Strengths: Quick release and good anticipation. … Goes through his progressions. … Has good eye discipline, as he looks to one side and is able to quickly find receivers on opposite side of field. … Uses shoulder-pump fake to move safeties and linebackers out of position. … Threw only 9 interceptions in 568 attempts. … Arm strength is better than he gets credit for. … Played several games in the cold and his arm strength was fine. … Keeps feet moving while in pocket. … Has good mobility.
Weaknesses: Competition level was not very good. … Let’s face it: He had it much easier than most of the elite quarterbacks in college. More often than not, his team’s offense was just far more talented than the defenses he was up against. … Sometimes doesn’t step into shorter throws and loses accuracy. … If first couple of reads are covered, sometimes will take off and run, even though he is under no pressure from the rush. … Needs to settle in pocket and let receivers come free instead of tucking and running.
Conclusion: This evaluation would’ve been much easier had Garoppolo faced a few top-ranked defenses. … I like his natural throwing skills and quick release. … That alone makes him worth a shot relatively early in the draft. … Has high upside as a player, but also has a lot to prove.
NFL comparison: Tony Romo.
Draft projection: Second Round.
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