Scouting The Draft: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

Introduction

Bryce Petty faces the same questions many quarterbacks face coming out of college these days, can you translate your skill-set from a spread first read offense like the one at Baylor to the pro-style, progression timing offense you'll likely be asked to play in the NFL. After an up and down practise in Mobile, Alabama for the senior bowl this year, Petty will face some tough questions in Indianapolis where he plans to throw at the combine. I have a lot of respect for QB's who want to go out there and compete at every opportunity, so while it may make sense for some players to skip the Senior Bowl and skip certain aspects of the combine, I always take a mental note of the guys who want to compete.

Petty's journey to become Baylors starting quarterback was anything but an easy route. Coming out of Midlothian, Texas where high school football is a religion, he originally committed to Tennessee. However after a coaching change there, the Volunteers ran a little hot and cold on Petty as well as Taj Boyd the former Jet who eventually played his football at Clemson. As a result he re-opened his recruiting options and signed on with Baylor.

However he needed to grey shirt before he was able to redshirt his freshman year. So for those who are not familiar with that term, a grey shirt is when you postpone your enrollment at the school until the 2nd term of your freshman year. As a result he had to keep himself in shape by working out in his home town. When he got to Baylor he redshirted his freshman year and then backed up Robert Griffin III before becoming the full-time starter in 2013.

Petty certainly doesn't lack confidence. While at the Senior Bowl he described himself as the top quarterback in the draft. Not in a cocky or arrogant way but in a way that says "I have confidence in myself" and I respect that, he admitted that he has a learning curve ahead of him but he's confident that he could learn an NFL play-book, calling his own protections and identifying post snap reads.

Measurables

Height: 6'3

Weight: 230lb's

Class: Senior

Projected 40: 4.6

Statistics

Positives

• Has enjoyed two excellent years in terms of production with a strong Baylor air attack.
• A very strong work ethic with excellent leadership skills and cuts a respected figure.
• Film room, one of the first in and one of the last to leave. You like to see that in your QB.
• Good size, bulk and sped for a quarterback, not elite in any, but above average in all.
• Changes his release point from 3/4's to side arm on a consistent basis to avoid pressure.
• Slides and climbs the pocket quite well to avoid most pressure.
• Quick, sharp release.
• Has the ability to extend plays and pick up a first down with his legs.
• Does show ability to deliver the ball with plenty of zip.
• Knows how to manipulate coverages with use of his eyes, holding safeties to one side.
• Not afraid to take a hit when delivering the football, excellent toughness.

Negatives

Draft Grade: 68