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Photo of Drew Willy
Grade
?
  • 4.90 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 30.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 109.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.18 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.45 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'3" Height
  • 215LBS. Weight

Overview

Willy is one of a handful of potential late-round draft prospects at quarterback because of his prototypical height and production as a four-year starter. His play improved every season, leading to a strong senior season: 65 percent completion rate, 3,304 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Willy also gained national attention with a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown against Temple in September; the play was a finalist for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the year.

Willy's arm strength won't wow scouts, but that's not the only prerequisite for the position. His intelligence, size and poise may lead to his name being called on the second day of the draft. Had an arm span of 32 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Good height for the position. Good anticipation and at least adequate accuracy on short and intermediate routes. Scans the field well and can look off the defender and come back to his initial target. Athletic enough to buy some time in the pocket and take what the defense gives him as a scrambler. Good intangibles. Poised in the pocket. Confident. Four-year starting quarterback who helped turn Buffalo into a winning program. Negatives: Operates out of the spread offense and his statistics are inflated. May lack the arm strength needed to complete every NFL throw. Good straight-line speed, but has only marginal velocity and accuracy when throwing on the move. A bit slow in his windup and delivery. Likes to dropdown to a three-quarter release, which will lead to tipped passes at the next level. Thumb injury that finished his 2006 season prematurely will have to be checked.
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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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