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Photo of Curtis Painter
Grade
?
  • 4.87 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 29.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 102.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.00 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.48 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'3" Height
  • 225LBS. Weight

Overview

Blessed with first-round caliber arm strength, Painter was considered a top 100 prospect coming off an honorable mention All-Big Ten junior season (3,846 yards, 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions). But like other senior quarterbacks in this draft, he struggled with consistency in 2008.

Painter completed just under 60 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, getting pulled in one game and missing all or part of three others with a separated right shoulder.

Although his arm and size are what scouts look for, most wonder how Painter can succeed in the NFL if he couldn't be efficient in Purdue's spread offense. His inability to handle pressure -- whether in the form of the blitz or in big-game situations -- raises questions about his ability to handle the mental pressure of the NFL. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Strengths: Good size and bulk for the position. Durable four-year starter from a system that produced starting NFL QBs Drew Brees (Saints) and Kyle Orton (Bears). Quick set up and delivery. Legitimate NFL arm strength and accuracy. Can make every NFL throw, showing the zip, touch and deep accuracy necessary to attack every level of the defense. When given time in the pocket, shows very good accuracy. Can hit the moving target, giving his receivers the opportunity to take advantage of their abilities to run after the catch. Not particularly athletic, but can roll out, square his shoulders and throw accurately on the move. Weaknesses: Struggles with pressure. Fails to feel the pocket collapsing around him and too often either absorbs hits or forces the ball into coverage. Will stare down his primary target and trusts his arm strength to put the ball into extraordinarily tight windows. Simply hasn't made the improvements throughout his career expected of a four-year starter. Has struggled in big-game situations. Missed time as a senior with a separated right shoulder that requires a medical check.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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