Scouting The 2017 NFL Draft: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh

I was waiting until after the combine to write this report. I've seen 7-8 games worth of tape on Peterman and he is without doubt, one of my favourite prospects in this draft. He's also a quarterback that I'd feel extremely comfortable with, and I'll try to explain that below. Yesterday I mentioned that I'm a fond believer in the theory that you keep swinging year after year until you land your QB. Personally I'd love to see the Jets take a swing on Peterman, although it'll cost a 2nd round pick to do it. If we can move down and collect more picks in the middle rounds, this is a direction I'd like to see us go.

I've also changed up the format of the draft profiles after listening to feedback. A lot of people didn't care about a lot of the information, so I've cut it down.

Personal

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Height: 6'3

Weight: 225 lb’s

Arms: 31 3/8"

Hands 9 7/8"

Combine

40 Yard Dash: 4.82

Vertical Jump: 31"

Broad Jump: 110"

3 Cone Drill: 7.14

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.31

College Statistics

2013 (Tennessee) - 10/23, 45 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT

2014 (Tennessee) - 10/20, 49 yards,

2015 (Pittsburgh) - 193/313 (61.7%), 2287 yards, 20 TD, 8 INT

2016 (Pittsburgh) - 185/306 (60.5%), 2855 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT

NFL Comparison

Kirk Cousins - Washington Redskins

Positive Attributes

• Experience running a pro-style offense.
• Good footwork, has worked from under center
• Good general size, good hand size for cold New York winters.
• Hangs in the pocket, not afraid to get hit.
• Shows an ability to throw while on the run. Moving to left and right.
• Showed an ability to identify pressure, slide and step up in the pocket.
• Showed an ability to get through progressions, not a one read guy.
• Ball placement is largely excellent, puts it where his receivers can grab it, defenders can't touch it.
• Throws with good accuracy and touch, anticipates breaks and delivers on time.
• Has the arm strength to work sideline to sideline.
• Uses his eyes to move safeties to create windows to throw into.
• Has shown an ability to thread the needle on deep passes.
• Natural athlete who extends plays easily.
• He's not a running QB, but he'll go if you give him space. 286 yards and 3 rushing TD's in 2016.
• Completed over 45% of his deep passes (ball travelling more than 20 yards in the air), that's elite.
• Perfect west coast offense QB due to accuracy, progressions and anticipation.
• Had a very strong week at the Senior Bowl, impressed in throwing drills at the combine.

Negative Attributes

• Takes a few chances trying to fit balls into windows where there is an easy completion.
• Needs to learn that it's fine to just throw the ball away sometimes.
• He has the arm strength, but he still has a tendency to float instead of drive balls.
• Puts too much heat on some short passes, causes unnecessary incompletions.
• When he is tucking to run, he needs to protect the ball better. (see 2 fumbles against Virginia Tech)

Draft Grade

I think he'll get drafted in the 2nd round, and I think he'll get drafted early 2nd round at that.

Peterman on Peterman

“Having some tough skin as a quarterback is necessary. Nothing is going to faze your confidence. Nothing has for me. That's one of the ultimate attributes and traits a quarterback needs." - Nathan Peterman, Combine