QB Andrew Luck of Stanford ~ 6.4/234
"Sans the late-rise of Heisman trophy winning QB Robert Griffin III, Luck likely would have been considered one of the most sure-thing prospects in the past decade. He is a prototypical pro-style quarterback who can make all the line calls, formation shifts, pass drops, and throws necessary to be successful at the next level. He will likely be the top pick overall and start immediately, and he possesses the intangibles to be a franchise stalwart for years to come.
***
Strengths: Luck's intangibles are what set him apart from any other talented quarterback. As an athlete, he has all the traits of a franchise quarterback. He is tough, durable and willing to step into a throw with oncoming rushers breathing down his back. He has a deliberate set-up with no wasted motions and has really developed and showcased the ability to play from many different looks while at Stanford.
He developed under the tutelage of both Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw, two coaches who know how to develop quarterbacks. Luck has the size to take a hit, and the athletic ability to get outside and make plays happen with his feet. Once on the move, he makes his second and third reads with ease.
He has a very compact and quick release, and he is able to fire it out to the flats with ease off one-step drops in the short passing game. The most intriguing aspect of Luck's career was the amount of mistakes he made, a number which only continued to decrease throughout his career. He rarely forces a ball into tight coverage. He won't make any mistakes off the field, and rarely makes them on it. He is a strong, natural, competitive, athletic quarterback.
Weaknesses: One would be hard-pressed to find negatives to Luck's game. There are no glaring weaknesses in his play, and while some could argue he isn't the athlete that RG3 is, that is simply not his game. He displays the athleticism necessary to excel as a pocket passer. There are times when Luck second-guessed passes and simply didn't see a breaking corner coming from another zone, such as the play that almost got Stanford beat towards the end of a high-energy USC game, but for the most part Luck works to identify and improve on his weaknesses."
***
He developed under the tutelage of both Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw, two coaches who know how to develop quarterbacks. Luck has the size to take a hit, and the athletic ability to get outside and make plays happen with his feet. Once on the move, he makes his second and third reads with ease.
He has a very compact and quick release, and he is able to fire it out to the flats with ease off one-step drops in the short passing game. The most intriguing aspect of Luck's career was the amount of mistakes he made, a number which only continued to decrease throughout his career. He rarely forces a ball into tight coverage. He won't make any mistakes off the field, and rarely makes them on it. He is a strong, natural, competitive, athletic quarterback.
"At this point it has become cliche' to predict that barring a career-threatening injury, the Cardinal quarterback will be the first pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. There is a reason for it. Luck is simply that good.
Blessed with the prototypical size, a strong right arm and Pro Bowl caliber accuracy, Luck has the physical characteristics to step right in as an NFL passer.
His underrated mobility, poise in the pocket and uncanny ability to decipher defenses, however, are what cause him to stand apart in comparison to the "elite" quarterback prospects of recent years.
What gets scouts excited is the fact that Luck's best two characteristics -- accuracy and reading the defense -- are viewed by most as the two most critical (and often underrated) elements to successful quarterback play in today's NFL.
Highly regarded coming out of Texas, Luck could have signed virtually anywhere he wanted. Unlike many of the top prep prospects, he redshirted his initial season with the Cardinal. He started the season-opener a year later, however, completing 56.2 percent of his passes for 2,575 yards, 12 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
His interception total was the lowest among starting quarterbacks in the Pac-10. Only a broken right index finger suffered against Notre Dame (which kept him out of the Sun Bowl) kept Luck from totaling one of the 10 best seasons in Stanford history in just his first season at the helm.
With Heisman finalist Toby Gerhart leaving The Farm for the Minnesota Vikings, some anticipated that Luck would struggle through a sophomore slump. Instead, he proved a Heisman finalist, himself, completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 3,338 yards and a staggering 32-8 touchdown to interception ratio in leading No. 5 Stanford (12-1) to its greatest season since an unbeaten Cardinal team went 10-0 to finish No. 2 in the polls in 1940.
While the head coach who recruited him -- Jim Harbaugh -- left Stanford to coach the San Francisco 49ers, Stanford's offense largely remained the same pro-style attack under new head coach David Shaw, who had previously served as the team's offensive coordinator. That fact only makes scouts job of "projecting" Luck to the NFL that much easier.
***
Accuracy: Possesses extraordinary accuracy to all levels of the field. Consistently throws his receivers open, leading his receivers to where the defenders are least likely to be able to impact the reception or stop the receiver from gaining additional yardage. Zips the deep out low and outside. Excellent touch down the seam to fit the ball between the linebacker and safety over the top. Leads his backs on swing passes and receivers on slants/crossers so that they do not have to break stride. Rare accuracy extends to the deep ball, as well, as he throws a tight spiral with good trajectory that makes his passes easy to track over the shoulder. Trusts his accuracy too much, at times, showing a willingness to throw too often into coverage. In his two multiple INT games of his young career (Oregon 2010, Arizona State 2010) all four of his interceptions were thrown into double coverage.
Arm Strength: Doesn't boast a Matt Stafford-like howitzer, but has plenty of arm strength to make every NFL throw. Fires the deep out from the opposite hash without having to wind up. Confident in the pocket despite pressure around him, as he's shown the ability to make 50+ yard throws even with defenders pulling him down (Arizona State).
Setup/Release: Takes virtually all of his snaps from under center. Quick-footed and balanced in dropping back, scanning the field. Clearly is comfortable in the pocket, stepping up, sliding left or right and dipping his shoulder to avoid contact while setting up to throw. Rarely retreats or takes his way away from the secondary to look at the rush. Boasts a textbook throwing motion. Has an efficient over-the-top release, stepping into the throw and ending with a clean follow-through. The ball doesn't explode out of his hand as it does some passers with greater arm strength, but the fluid motion -- like a smooth golf swing -- generates plenty of torque.
Reading Defenses: Put simply, it is Luck's recognition of defenses so early in his college career that might be his most extraordinary accomplishment. Was given full freedom to call audibles at the line of scrimmage as a redshirt sophomore and takes advantage of his recognition to improve the offense's chance at a successful play, including often switching from passing plays to handoffs and bootlegs. Often will look one way and throw the other, leaving defenders with very little time to react. As mentioned previously, he does need to improve his decision-making, at times, as he will occasionally take unnecessary risks throwing the ball into double coverage.
On The Move: Perhaps the most underrated element of his game. Possesses very good straight-line speed for the quarterback position, as well as vision, enough mobility to evade defenders in the open field (not in tight quarters, however) and good strength. Doesn't take unnecessary hits and looks to slide or run out of bounds when he scrambles, but isn't afraid of lowering his shoulder to get the first down or score.
Intangibles: A winner. Has quarterbacked Stanford to a 20-5 record in his two seasons, including a 5-1 record against teams in the Top 25. Only loss was at Oregon, which came last in 2010 and was Stanford's only loss on the season. Highly intelligent. Was the valedictorian at Statford High. Majoring in Architectural Design at Stanford. Elected to return for his fourth year at Stanford in large part due to the fact that he wanted to finish his degree. Turned down being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft. Jerry Richardson, owner of the Carolina Panthers who had the top pick, confirmed that Luck would have been his team's choice... Father, Oliver Luck, is a former West Virginia and Houston Oiler quarterback who now serves as the Athletic Director at his alma mater..."
--Rob Rang
Blessed with the prototypical size, a strong right arm and Pro Bowl caliber accuracy, Luck has the physical characteristics to step right in as an NFL passer.
His underrated mobility, poise in the pocket and uncanny ability to decipher defenses, however, are what cause him to stand apart in comparison to the "elite" quarterback prospects of recent years.
What gets scouts excited is the fact that Luck's best two characteristics -- accuracy and reading the defense -- are viewed by most as the two most critical (and often underrated) elements to successful quarterback play in today's NFL.
Highly regarded coming out of Texas, Luck could have signed virtually anywhere he wanted. Unlike many of the top prep prospects, he redshirted his initial season with the Cardinal. He started the season-opener a year later, however, completing 56.2 percent of his passes for 2,575 yards, 12 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
His interception total was the lowest among starting quarterbacks in the Pac-10. Only a broken right index finger suffered against Notre Dame (which kept him out of the Sun Bowl) kept Luck from totaling one of the 10 best seasons in Stanford history in just his first season at the helm.
With Heisman finalist Toby Gerhart leaving The Farm for the Minnesota Vikings, some anticipated that Luck would struggle through a sophomore slump. Instead, he proved a Heisman finalist, himself, completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 3,338 yards and a staggering 32-8 touchdown to interception ratio in leading No. 5 Stanford (12-1) to its greatest season since an unbeaten Cardinal team went 10-0 to finish No. 2 in the polls in 1940.
While the head coach who recruited him -- Jim Harbaugh -- left Stanford to coach the San Francisco 49ers, Stanford's offense largely remained the same pro-style attack under new head coach David Shaw, who had previously served as the team's offensive coordinator. That fact only makes scouts job of "projecting" Luck to the NFL that much easier.
***
Accuracy: Possesses extraordinary accuracy to all levels of the field. Consistently throws his receivers open, leading his receivers to where the defenders are least likely to be able to impact the reception or stop the receiver from gaining additional yardage. Zips the deep out low and outside. Excellent touch down the seam to fit the ball between the linebacker and safety over the top. Leads his backs on swing passes and receivers on slants/crossers so that they do not have to break stride. Rare accuracy extends to the deep ball, as well, as he throws a tight spiral with good trajectory that makes his passes easy to track over the shoulder. Trusts his accuracy too much, at times, showing a willingness to throw too often into coverage. In his two multiple INT games of his young career (Oregon 2010, Arizona State 2010) all four of his interceptions were thrown into double coverage.
Arm Strength: Doesn't boast a Matt Stafford-like howitzer, but has plenty of arm strength to make every NFL throw. Fires the deep out from the opposite hash without having to wind up. Confident in the pocket despite pressure around him, as he's shown the ability to make 50+ yard throws even with defenders pulling him down (Arizona State).
Setup/Release: Takes virtually all of his snaps from under center. Quick-footed and balanced in dropping back, scanning the field. Clearly is comfortable in the pocket, stepping up, sliding left or right and dipping his shoulder to avoid contact while setting up to throw. Rarely retreats or takes his way away from the secondary to look at the rush. Boasts a textbook throwing motion. Has an efficient over-the-top release, stepping into the throw and ending with a clean follow-through. The ball doesn't explode out of his hand as it does some passers with greater arm strength, but the fluid motion -- like a smooth golf swing -- generates plenty of torque.
Reading Defenses: Put simply, it is Luck's recognition of defenses so early in his college career that might be his most extraordinary accomplishment. Was given full freedom to call audibles at the line of scrimmage as a redshirt sophomore and takes advantage of his recognition to improve the offense's chance at a successful play, including often switching from passing plays to handoffs and bootlegs. Often will look one way and throw the other, leaving defenders with very little time to react. As mentioned previously, he does need to improve his decision-making, at times, as he will occasionally take unnecessary risks throwing the ball into double coverage.
On The Move: Perhaps the most underrated element of his game. Possesses very good straight-line speed for the quarterback position, as well as vision, enough mobility to evade defenders in the open field (not in tight quarters, however) and good strength. Doesn't take unnecessary hits and looks to slide or run out of bounds when he scrambles, but isn't afraid of lowering his shoulder to get the first down or score.
Intangibles: A winner. Has quarterbacked Stanford to a 20-5 record in his two seasons, including a 5-1 record against teams in the Top 25. Only loss was at Oregon, which came last in 2010 and was Stanford's only loss on the season. Highly intelligent. Was the valedictorian at Statford High. Majoring in Architectural Design at Stanford. Elected to return for his fourth year at Stanford in large part due to the fact that he wanted to finish his degree. Turned down being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft. Jerry Richardson, owner of the Carolina Panthers who had the top pick, confirmed that Luck would have been his team's choice... Father, Oliver Luck, is a former West Virginia and Houston Oiler quarterback who now serves as the Athletic Director at his alma mater..."
--Rob Rang
"What I like...
- Exhibits natural bend at the knees and balance with his footwork in the pocket, and is consistently in an effective throwing position.
- Possesses an impressive feel in the pocket, subtly moves away from pressure, keeps his eye level down the field, and isn't afraid to take a shot after letting go of the football.
- Is a very good athlete for his size, can hurt you with his legs on the move, takes good care of the football, and knows when to take off.
- Is natural and coordinated on the move. Throws accurately off the boot-action game, generates good torque from the hips, and consistently squares his shoulders into his target.
- Exhibits "plus" arm strength when throwing on the move.
- Possesses quick, nimble footwork when asked to reset and align his body with a secondary target.
- Goes through his progressions very well, can work his way quickly across the field and back to his check down man if need be, and really does know where everyone is, throughout his progression.
- Displays a natural rhythm and timing of when the football needs to come out, and rarely is late, even when throwing to secondary targets.
- Is comfortable working from a variety of formations and getting his team in and out of plays and formations and creating favorable run/pass situations.
- Has done a lot with a little, doesn't have a real explosive receiving corps, and routinely is forced to fit balls into tight windows.
- Is comfortable from under center, sells the play-action game well, settles feet quickly, and can throw in rhythm in the 3-step game.
- Has a better arm than given credit for, can spin the football cleanly, and make all the throws needed with plenty of zip outside the numbers and down the seam.
- Is a competitor who has proven he can bounce back from adversity and take a team on his shoulders in crunch time.
- The moment never seems too big for him, always has a calm demeanor, and rarely gets frazzled.
- A bright kid who has worked hard to develop at his trade and will win games for you on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with his preparation.
What I don't like…
- Has locked onto receivers at times a bit more frequently this year, compared to years past.
- Tries to get too cute at times with his touch on bucket throws down the field. Passes will hang on him, giving defensive backs a chance to range and break on the football.
- Accuracy will get a bit inconsistent at times when asked to quickly step up in the pocket and throw on the move when being flushed due to pressure.
- Has thrown into coverage more often this year and tried to force more throws, likely due to his receivers' inability to consistently create separation.
- Trusts his ability to decipher defenses so much that he will throw blind back across the field at times to secondary options and not see defenders sitting underneath.
Impression: Doesn't have an elite arm, but is a "plus" in just about every other facet of the game. Is about as safe a franchise quarterback prospect you can find."
- Exhibits natural bend at the knees and balance with his footwork in the pocket, and is consistently in an effective throwing position.
- Possesses an impressive feel in the pocket, subtly moves away from pressure, keeps his eye level down the field, and isn't afraid to take a shot after letting go of the football.
- Is a very good athlete for his size, can hurt you with his legs on the move, takes good care of the football, and knows when to take off.
- Is natural and coordinated on the move. Throws accurately off the boot-action game, generates good torque from the hips, and consistently squares his shoulders into his target.
- Exhibits "plus" arm strength when throwing on the move.
- Possesses quick, nimble footwork when asked to reset and align his body with a secondary target.
- Goes through his progressions very well, can work his way quickly across the field and back to his check down man if need be, and really does know where everyone is, throughout his progression.
- Displays a natural rhythm and timing of when the football needs to come out, and rarely is late, even when throwing to secondary targets.
- Is comfortable working from a variety of formations and getting his team in and out of plays and formations and creating favorable run/pass situations.
- Has done a lot with a little, doesn't have a real explosive receiving corps, and routinely is forced to fit balls into tight windows.
- Is comfortable from under center, sells the play-action game well, settles feet quickly, and can throw in rhythm in the 3-step game.
- Has a better arm than given credit for, can spin the football cleanly, and make all the throws needed with plenty of zip outside the numbers and down the seam.
- Is a competitor who has proven he can bounce back from adversity and take a team on his shoulders in crunch time.
- The moment never seems too big for him, always has a calm demeanor, and rarely gets frazzled.
- A bright kid who has worked hard to develop at his trade and will win games for you on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with his preparation.
What I don't like…
- Has locked onto receivers at times a bit more frequently this year, compared to years past.
- Tries to get too cute at times with his touch on bucket throws down the field. Passes will hang on him, giving defensive backs a chance to range and break on the football.
- Accuracy will get a bit inconsistent at times when asked to quickly step up in the pocket and throw on the move when being flushed due to pressure.
- Has thrown into coverage more often this year and tried to force more throws, likely due to his receivers' inability to consistently create separation.
- Trusts his ability to decipher defenses so much that he will throw blind back across the field at times to secondary options and not see defenders sitting underneath.
Impression: Doesn't have an elite arm, but is a "plus" in just about every other facet of the game. Is about as safe a franchise quarterback prospect you can find."
"Arm Strength: Has a strong arm and is capable of making every throw needed with ease. He has good zip on his passes to the sidelines and a good stride into his throws. Gets more than enough zip on the ball while on the move. He won’t be confused with Jay Cutler but has similar arm strength to Peyton Manning.
Accuracy: Has superior accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Flashes the ability to be an accurate deep passer in the NFL. Leads his receivers and is capable of threading the needle when necessary. His mechanics are flawless and will be emulated by future quarterbacks. His ability to throw the ball to spots will make his receivers in the NFL game that much more dangerous. He’s an ideal West Coast quarterback that allows his receivers to run after the catch.
Athleticism: Luck won’t be confused with Michael Vick but has surprising athleticism. He has the quickness, agility, and speed to avoid the rush and steps up into open areas with ease. Luck could be compared to Aaron Rodgers in terms of running ability and is a threat to take off if he doesn’t see an open receiver.
Intangibles: Luck is a standout in the leadership department. He is tough and highly competitive, capable of motivating others by his play. Off the field, Luck is a scholar who will have no problem mastering an NFL playbook. Luck came out of a pro-style offense at Stanford and should be capable of making that transition quickly.
Bottom Line: Luck is the best quarterback prospect to come out since Peyton Manning and possibly John Elway. He has all the qualities to be a future Pro Bowler and possible Hall of Famer. He is the surefire first pick in the draft that will make the team that drafts him very happy for the next 15 years.
Draft Projection: Luck will be the first overall pick and barring an Eli Manning we will see him in a Colts uniform in 2012."
Accuracy: Has superior accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Flashes the ability to be an accurate deep passer in the NFL. Leads his receivers and is capable of threading the needle when necessary. His mechanics are flawless and will be emulated by future quarterbacks. His ability to throw the ball to spots will make his receivers in the NFL game that much more dangerous. He’s an ideal West Coast quarterback that allows his receivers to run after the catch.
Athleticism: Luck won’t be confused with Michael Vick but has surprising athleticism. He has the quickness, agility, and speed to avoid the rush and steps up into open areas with ease. Luck could be compared to Aaron Rodgers in terms of running ability and is a threat to take off if he doesn’t see an open receiver.
Intangibles: Luck is a standout in the leadership department. He is tough and highly competitive, capable of motivating others by his play. Off the field, Luck is a scholar who will have no problem mastering an NFL playbook. Luck came out of a pro-style offense at Stanford and should be capable of making that transition quickly.
Bottom Line: Luck is the best quarterback prospect to come out since Peyton Manning and possibly John Elway. He has all the qualities to be a future Pro Bowler and possible Hall of Famer. He is the surefire first pick in the draft that will make the team that drafts him very happy for the next 15 years.
Draft Projection: Luck will be the first overall pick and barring an Eli Manning we will see him in a Colts uniform in 2012."
"An extremely humble, high-character, highly intelligent precision passer with surprising athletic ability, quickness and agility for his size. Shows very good timing, anticipation and awareness combined with terrific escapability in the pocket.
Responds under pressure and was charted at 57 percent on third-down attempts in three games vs. tough competition. Has a knack for making big plays and rising to the occasion on a big stage.
Is well-versed running an NFL-style offense with an advanced football IQ, a robust learning capacity and can quickly assimilate a game plan, dissect defenses and take command of a game.
Highly competitive and extremely tough with a vulnerable leadership style that will unite a locker room.
A top-10 cinch, Luck could have been the first player drafted each of the past two years had he been eligible and interested in departing early.
A perennial Pro Bowl talent who is as NFL-ready as any quarterback to emerge from college in decades."
Responds under pressure and was charted at 57 percent on third-down attempts in three games vs. tough competition. Has a knack for making big plays and rising to the occasion on a big stage.
Is well-versed running an NFL-style offense with an advanced football IQ, a robust learning capacity and can quickly assimilate a game plan, dissect defenses and take command of a game.
Highly competitive and extremely tough with a vulnerable leadership style that will unite a locker room.
A top-10 cinch, Luck could have been the first player drafted each of the past two years had he been eligible and interested in departing early.
A perennial Pro Bowl talent who is as NFL-ready as any quarterback to emerge from college in decades."
"First Word: Without question, Stanford junior quarterback Andrew Luck is the highly regard NFL Draft prospect in years. He's not only the talk of draftniks, but NFL personnel men. John Elway, Broncos executive vice president of football operations, raved about Luck earlier this year.
"I'll tell you this, I think Andrew Luck is the best football player in the draft, without a doubt," Elway said about Luck. "If that were to happen, then you're going have to have some very serious conversations of exactly which direction you want to go, whether it's with Tim (Tebow) or take a guy like Andrew Luck. To me, barring injury, he's going to be very successful in the NFL."
What will make Luck successful in the NFL is his combination of natural ability, size and football intelligence. While none of the traits he possesses are rare, few quarterbacks of his age have Luck's combination of skills.
Bold Statement: If his offensive line in the NFL doesn't get him killed, Andrew Luck will be a Hall of Fame player.
Games Viewed: (All 2010) Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, Washington, Arizona, California, Virginia Tech
Notes:
• Although Luck may not have elite arm strength like, say, Matthew Stafford, he has a really good arm. Still, he's disciplined in his passing. Luck shows good touch and timing on screens, swings and underneath routes where he ha to take some zip off.
• Maintains his accuracy when asked to drop quick and fit the ball into a tight window. This is especially noticeable on Luck's deep ball. He routinely puts the ball on the outside shoulder away from the defender.
• Accuracy drops when Lucks gets out on the run, especially to his right. His ball will float or flutter when he doesn't get his feet set.
• Knows how to set up and then pick apart coverages – see the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech last season. Unlike most college quarterbacks, Luck can quickly read a defense and go through his progressions.
• Displays pro-ready poise in the pocket to step up around pressure and deliver a good throw. Has good vision to see or sense backside pressure.
• Has been the beneficiary of playing behind a really good offensive line, so he's kind of unproven in the face of constant pressure.
• Needs to learn how to protect his body better when he pulls the ball down and runs with it. Has a tendency to keep upright and take on defenders."
"I'll tell you this, I think Andrew Luck is the best football player in the draft, without a doubt," Elway said about Luck. "If that were to happen, then you're going have to have some very serious conversations of exactly which direction you want to go, whether it's with Tim (Tebow) or take a guy like Andrew Luck. To me, barring injury, he's going to be very successful in the NFL."
What will make Luck successful in the NFL is his combination of natural ability, size and football intelligence. While none of the traits he possesses are rare, few quarterbacks of his age have Luck's combination of skills.
Bold Statement: If his offensive line in the NFL doesn't get him killed, Andrew Luck will be a Hall of Fame player.
Games Viewed: (All 2010) Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, Washington, Arizona, California, Virginia Tech
Notes:
• Although Luck may not have elite arm strength like, say, Matthew Stafford, he has a really good arm. Still, he's disciplined in his passing. Luck shows good touch and timing on screens, swings and underneath routes where he ha to take some zip off.
• Maintains his accuracy when asked to drop quick and fit the ball into a tight window. This is especially noticeable on Luck's deep ball. He routinely puts the ball on the outside shoulder away from the defender.
• Accuracy drops when Lucks gets out on the run, especially to his right. His ball will float or flutter when he doesn't get his feet set.
• Knows how to set up and then pick apart coverages – see the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech last season. Unlike most college quarterbacks, Luck can quickly read a defense and go through his progressions.
• Displays pro-ready poise in the pocket to step up around pressure and deliver a good throw. Has good vision to see or sense backside pressure.
• Has been the beneficiary of playing behind a really good offensive line, so he's kind of unproven in the face of constant pressure.
• Needs to learn how to protect his body better when he pulls the ball down and runs with it. Has a tendency to keep upright and take on defenders."
"Arguably the best NFL QB prospect to come along since John Elway, ironically another former Cardinal, back in 1983 was the consensus #1 pick at the 2011 draft before opting to return to school for his junior season;
Prototype pro-style quarterback with all the tools including excellent and the arm strength to make all the throws; has excellent field awareness and a quick release; can check down and find open receiver; also a very accurate passer with nice touch who consistently hits the receiver in stride; completed 71% of his pass attempts in 2010 for over 3,330 yards and 32 TDs against just 8 interceptions as he led the Cardinal to an 11-win season;
Lacks sprinter speed, but is still a very good athlete who can make plays with his feet; can run out of trouble in the pocket and is a dangerous runner in the open field; in fact, had a 52-yard TD run last season when he ran for over 500 yards; character player who has all the intangibles; son of former pro QB Oliver Luck; solid student majoring in architectural design."
Prototype pro-style quarterback with all the tools including excellent and the arm strength to make all the throws; has excellent field awareness and a quick release; can check down and find open receiver; also a very accurate passer with nice touch who consistently hits the receiver in stride; completed 71% of his pass attempts in 2010 for over 3,330 yards and 32 TDs against just 8 interceptions as he led the Cardinal to an 11-win season;
Lacks sprinter speed, but is still a very good athlete who can make plays with his feet; can run out of trouble in the pocket and is a dangerous runner in the open field; in fact, had a 52-yard TD run last season when he ran for over 500 yards; character player who has all the intangibles; son of former pro QB Oliver Luck; solid student majoring in architectural design."
"Positives -- Can make every throw at the next level... Shows good zip on deep outs and corner routes... Extremely efficient, averaged between 8.5 and 9.0 yards per attempt every season at Stanford... No wasted motion, effortless release... Very good at selling the play action... Almost flawless footwork, does a great job in his drop steps...
Tremendous accuracy; has completed 70 percent of his throws each of the past two years... Incredibly cerebral, understands what the defense is giving him and is constantly making adjustments at the line... Puts his team in the correct play almost seamlessly at the line of scrimmage... Great decision maker, does a good job reading the defense...
Very smart kid, top student, a leader on and off the field... Good scrambler; was second on the team in rushing in each of his first two years but has learned to run less as a junior to preserve his health... Above average athlete for the quarterback position, very quick feet... Prototypical height and frame for the position...
Plays in a pro-style offense, was coached by former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh for first two years at Stanford... Father Oliver Luck was an NFL quarterback for the Houston Oilers... The complete package, and the best quarterback prospect since John Elway in 1983.
Negatives -- Suffered a broken index finger in 2009 which caused him to miss the Sun Bowl... Might be receiving too much hype, has already been hailed as a future hall-of-famer by many people around the NFL...
Good at resetting his feet after scrambling but isn't all that accurate when he's throwing while on the run... Has some problems with his trajectory on his deep throws, will put too much loft on the ball... Struggled a bit towards the end of 2011, threw six interceptions in his final five games (prior to bowl game)."
Tremendous accuracy; has completed 70 percent of his throws each of the past two years... Incredibly cerebral, understands what the defense is giving him and is constantly making adjustments at the line... Puts his team in the correct play almost seamlessly at the line of scrimmage... Great decision maker, does a good job reading the defense...
Very smart kid, top student, a leader on and off the field... Good scrambler; was second on the team in rushing in each of his first two years but has learned to run less as a junior to preserve his health... Above average athlete for the quarterback position, very quick feet... Prototypical height and frame for the position...
Plays in a pro-style offense, was coached by former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh for first two years at Stanford... Father Oliver Luck was an NFL quarterback for the Houston Oilers... The complete package, and the best quarterback prospect since John Elway in 1983.
Negatives -- Suffered a broken index finger in 2009 which caused him to miss the Sun Bowl... Might be receiving too much hype, has already been hailed as a future hall-of-famer by many people around the NFL...
Good at resetting his feet after scrambling but isn't all that accurate when he's throwing while on the run... Has some problems with his trajectory on his deep throws, will put too much loft on the ball... Struggled a bit towards the end of 2011, threw six interceptions in his final five games (prior to bowl game)."
"With good size, arm strength, decision-making, leadership abilities, and just about everything else you could want in a quarterback, Luck could have been the top pick in last year's draft. Instead, he opted to return to school and take another run at a title. Luck runs a pro-style offense with the Stanford Cardinals.
He checks the defense quite often and is given a ton of control to call his own plays at the line if need be. He stays in the pocket and trusts his eyes to find the open man. Sometimes he can be a little too confident when making his throws, but all in all, Luck tends to make the right decisions with the ball.
Not especially mobile, but he has displayed great pocket presence. When forced to throw on the move, he needs to do a better job remaining technically sound. That said, he is always very accurate with his throws.
Tight throwing motion, delivers the ball cleanly and accurately. Great touch on passes and can make every throw in the playbook. Deep ball needs some work with accuracy at times. His game has been nitpicked by scouts (to the point of over-analysis), but he still remains the clear-cut top choice in April."
He checks the defense quite often and is given a ton of control to call his own plays at the line if need be. He stays in the pocket and trusts his eyes to find the open man. Sometimes he can be a little too confident when making his throws, but all in all, Luck tends to make the right decisions with the ball.
Not especially mobile, but he has displayed great pocket presence. When forced to throw on the move, he needs to do a better job remaining technically sound. That said, he is always very accurate with his throws.
Tight throwing motion, delivers the ball cleanly and accurately. Great touch on passes and can make every throw in the playbook. Deep ball needs some work with accuracy at times. His game has been nitpicked by scouts (to the point of over-analysis), but he still remains the clear-cut top choice in April."
"Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is nothing short of the ideal quarterback prospect. I see no downside in his game whatsoever. I can personally guarantee he will be a franchise quarterback with whatever team he ends up with.
Luck’s had outstanding numbers at Stanford. This season he got 3051 passing yards, completing 70.2% of his passes while getting 28 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. He was also sacked a shocking 5 times all season, fewest of any quarterback in the FBS, which not only attributes to the talent of his offensive line, but also his quick delivery and ability to avoid pressure.
Luck has solid physical tools. He has good height, good bulk, and good speed. He has solid throw power as well, putting plenty of zip on a majority of his passes, and showing the arm strength to throw a nice deep ball. He also has been perfectly durable while at Stanford, missing no games due to injury.
Luck showcases a solid delivery. Luck uses solid fundamentals in his delivery, getting the ball out of his arms reasonably quick and staying consistent with his delivery. Luck is also very consistent with his footwork in all of his passes, helping him be very accurate.
Luck is very accurate. He never misses on any of his throws, he uses ideal footwork in all of his throws, and he knows where to put the ball. He is also good at throwing on the run, which he rarely does, because he is so comfortable in a pocket environment.
Luck is an ideal decision maker. He is very smart, showcasing the presence of mind to always look off defenders in coverage, he never forces any throws, he is remarkably comfortable under pressure and in the pocket, he knows when to run with the football, and he makes great reads under pressure.
Luck has ideal intangibles. He works really hard, he is a great leader, and he is one of the toughest players it has ever been my pleasure to scout (that hit in the video was the greatest hit by an offensive player I have ever seen). He also has excellent character, with a high GPA at one of the best universities in the country, and he spends a lot of time studying the game.
Andrew Luck’s mobility might be the most underrated aspect of any quarterback’s game in the FBS. Luck got 438 rushing yards this season at Stanford (remember, in college football, a sack counts against a quarterback’s rushing yard tally, while in the NFL, it doesn’t. If sacks aren’t counted, the number is around 510), good for 23rd in the FBS among quarterbacks. Seems pretty impressive. But look at the guys in front of him; Darron Thomas, Ricky Dobbs, Cam Newton, Taylor Martinez, Nathan Scheelhaase Joshua Nesbitt, Denard Robinson, Colin Kaepernick… these guys all played in option dominant system offenses! Andrew Luck got all those rushing yards in a pro-style offense. Luck’s 438 rushing yards in 12 games would be second of all quarterbacks in the NFL, after they had played 16 games, and Luck even played in a league in which sacks hurt his rushing yard tally. If the sacks are discounted, Luck has about 510 rushing yards, which he got in 12 games. It took Mike Vick a whole 16 game season to get 676 rushing yards. Luck actually got a quarter of rushing yard more than Vick for his team per game all season. That’s unbelievable. Andrew Luck got an 8.6 yards per carry in a league where sacks are counted against a quarterback’s rushing yard tally in an offense in which he is never designated to run and has to pass a lot. That’s insanity. Also, that 8.6 yards per carry is the highest yards per carry of anyone in the FBS, including running backs, with 51 carries or more. Second place among quarterbacks? Colin Kaepernick with a 7.2. And he hardly passed enough to get sacked. Also, Luck somehow pulled off getting sacked only 5 times in his 349 pass attempts? 1 sack per 70 passes? That’s sounds made up. Of course, a lot of that is offensive line, but he is excellent at evading pressure and getting the ball out of his hands.
So I have used statistics to prove Andrew Luck was one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the NCAA. So what made him so good? A combination of underrated athleticism, excellent decision making when choosing to roll out, ideal vision with the ball in his hands, a knack for getting the ball out of his hands right before the pocket collapses, a quick delivery, and enough toughness to power through defenders.
I guess the small bit of downside is the fact that Luck rarely has to deal with much pressure. Though Luck played a part in being sacked only 5 times, the Stanford offensive line is still probably the second best in the FBS (behind Wisconsin). Though he makes good decisions under pressure, he still doesn’t have to deal with pressure as much as the average FBS quarterback. But Carolina allowed 47 sacks this season, second most in the NFL. He’ll have to adjust to that offensive line, which may be a slight issue at first, but he’ll be fine after a while.
Overall, there is a lot to love about Andrew Luck, who was quietly one the most mobile quarterbacks in the FBS this year. He has a bright future in the NFL, and he should have success with any team he ends up with.
NFL Comparison: Aaron Rodgers. I realize it’s not a common comparison, and Rodgers has a tendency to hold on the the ball too long and take a sack more than Luck, but Rodgers’ underrated mobility (second among all quarterbacks in rushing yards since 2008) along with his impressive intangibles and accuracy can’t help but make me think of Luck.
Grade: 100
Projection: 100"
Luck’s had outstanding numbers at Stanford. This season he got 3051 passing yards, completing 70.2% of his passes while getting 28 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. He was also sacked a shocking 5 times all season, fewest of any quarterback in the FBS, which not only attributes to the talent of his offensive line, but also his quick delivery and ability to avoid pressure.
Luck has solid physical tools. He has good height, good bulk, and good speed. He has solid throw power as well, putting plenty of zip on a majority of his passes, and showing the arm strength to throw a nice deep ball. He also has been perfectly durable while at Stanford, missing no games due to injury.
Luck showcases a solid delivery. Luck uses solid fundamentals in his delivery, getting the ball out of his arms reasonably quick and staying consistent with his delivery. Luck is also very consistent with his footwork in all of his passes, helping him be very accurate.
Luck is very accurate. He never misses on any of his throws, he uses ideal footwork in all of his throws, and he knows where to put the ball. He is also good at throwing on the run, which he rarely does, because he is so comfortable in a pocket environment.
Luck is an ideal decision maker. He is very smart, showcasing the presence of mind to always look off defenders in coverage, he never forces any throws, he is remarkably comfortable under pressure and in the pocket, he knows when to run with the football, and he makes great reads under pressure.
Luck has ideal intangibles. He works really hard, he is a great leader, and he is one of the toughest players it has ever been my pleasure to scout (that hit in the video was the greatest hit by an offensive player I have ever seen). He also has excellent character, with a high GPA at one of the best universities in the country, and he spends a lot of time studying the game.
Andrew Luck’s mobility might be the most underrated aspect of any quarterback’s game in the FBS. Luck got 438 rushing yards this season at Stanford (remember, in college football, a sack counts against a quarterback’s rushing yard tally, while in the NFL, it doesn’t. If sacks aren’t counted, the number is around 510), good for 23rd in the FBS among quarterbacks. Seems pretty impressive. But look at the guys in front of him; Darron Thomas, Ricky Dobbs, Cam Newton, Taylor Martinez, Nathan Scheelhaase Joshua Nesbitt, Denard Robinson, Colin Kaepernick… these guys all played in option dominant system offenses! Andrew Luck got all those rushing yards in a pro-style offense. Luck’s 438 rushing yards in 12 games would be second of all quarterbacks in the NFL, after they had played 16 games, and Luck even played in a league in which sacks hurt his rushing yard tally. If the sacks are discounted, Luck has about 510 rushing yards, which he got in 12 games. It took Mike Vick a whole 16 game season to get 676 rushing yards. Luck actually got a quarter of rushing yard more than Vick for his team per game all season. That’s unbelievable. Andrew Luck got an 8.6 yards per carry in a league where sacks are counted against a quarterback’s rushing yard tally in an offense in which he is never designated to run and has to pass a lot. That’s insanity. Also, that 8.6 yards per carry is the highest yards per carry of anyone in the FBS, including running backs, with 51 carries or more. Second place among quarterbacks? Colin Kaepernick with a 7.2. And he hardly passed enough to get sacked. Also, Luck somehow pulled off getting sacked only 5 times in his 349 pass attempts? 1 sack per 70 passes? That’s sounds made up. Of course, a lot of that is offensive line, but he is excellent at evading pressure and getting the ball out of his hands.
So I have used statistics to prove Andrew Luck was one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the NCAA. So what made him so good? A combination of underrated athleticism, excellent decision making when choosing to roll out, ideal vision with the ball in his hands, a knack for getting the ball out of his hands right before the pocket collapses, a quick delivery, and enough toughness to power through defenders.
I guess the small bit of downside is the fact that Luck rarely has to deal with much pressure. Though Luck played a part in being sacked only 5 times, the Stanford offensive line is still probably the second best in the FBS (behind Wisconsin). Though he makes good decisions under pressure, he still doesn’t have to deal with pressure as much as the average FBS quarterback. But Carolina allowed 47 sacks this season, second most in the NFL. He’ll have to adjust to that offensive line, which may be a slight issue at first, but he’ll be fine after a while.
Overall, there is a lot to love about Andrew Luck, who was quietly one the most mobile quarterbacks in the FBS this year. He has a bright future in the NFL, and he should have success with any team he ends up with.
NFL Comparison: Aaron Rodgers. I realize it’s not a common comparison, and Rodgers has a tendency to hold on the the ball too long and take a sack more than Luck, but Rodgers’ underrated mobility (second among all quarterbacks in rushing yards since 2008) along with his impressive intangibles and accuracy can’t help but make me think of Luck.
Grade: 100
Projection: 100"
"It seems that the state of Texas does nothing but produce quality NFL talent. The buck didn’t stop here with Andrew Luck, who came out of Stratford High School, and was the valedictorian of his senior class. Luck was the #47 overall recruit in the nation according to Scout.com, and the #4 quarterback overall. Stanford nabbed him for their 2008 recruiting class, and hasn’t looked back since.
Luck ended up redshirting in 2008 as he watched incumbent Tavita Pritchard disappoint for one last season. He took the reigns of the Cardinal over in 2009, and lead Stanford over a few upsets, most notably against #9 USC.
In 2010, Luck set the Stanford record for most touchdowns in a season with 32. He declined to enter the 2011 NFL Draft in hopes of bringing a championship to Stanford in 2011, as well as finishing his degree in architectural design. He’s already regarded as the top prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft.
Strengths
Perhaps the most NFL ready quarterback prospect of the last ten seasons, Andrew Luck brings a lot to the table. To start, Luck’s intangibles are fantastic. He is an excellent student, and is extremely intelligent, hence the architectural design major. His football IQ is great, and he has fantastic pocket awareness.
Luck is very tough, and resilient. He plays for a full four quarters, and doesn’t go down easily. He’s a threat to run if the pocket collapses and will make plays with his feet. Luck has good arm strength, and has benefited from playing in a pro-style offense at Stanford under Coach Jim Harbaugh (who left for San Francisco in 2011).
His short-intermediate accuracy is very solid, and he puts great touch on his passes, understanding when he needs to zip the ball in a tight spot, or when to lead his defender in the back of the end zone.
Luck has a very quick throwing motion, which some have compared to Dan Marino, and he has very solid footwork, playing light footed, and standing tall in the pocket.
Weaknesses
There aren’t a ton of weaknesses regarding Andrew Luck. He’s still a young quarterback, as 2010 was just his redshirt sophomore season. He’ll need to refine his mechanics a bit, as he has an awkward wind up, sometimes dropping the ball lower than it needs to be on his body. Luck’s deep ball accuracy could use some work as he will struggle, at times, trying to lead a defender down the field. Sometimes his arm strength gets the best of him and he’ll put too much on a pass, overthrowing the defender.
I’d like to see Luck work on going through his reads a bit faster, as well as looking off defenders. Sometimes he’ll get caught staring at a receiver, and will fail to hit his second or third read. Sometimes Luck is a bit too eager to run out of the pocket, and doesn’t always avoid getting hit, which will be something that NFL coaches would like to see him fix.
Overall
Andrew Luck is a once in a decade prospect, not only as a quarterback, but for any position. His intangibles and physical tools combine to form a player in which has unlimited potential in the NFL. His “weaknesses” are very fixable, and many of them are things he’ll battle through as a young quarterback learning.
As of now, there is no reason for Andrew Luck not to be considered the top player in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has loads of potential, seems to be pro-ready, and has all of the intangibles that NFL coaches drool over. Some consider Luck to be the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning came out of Tennessee in 1998. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but I undoubtedly believe that Luck is as good as it gets.
NFL Player Comparison: Tom Brady"
Luck ended up redshirting in 2008 as he watched incumbent Tavita Pritchard disappoint for one last season. He took the reigns of the Cardinal over in 2009, and lead Stanford over a few upsets, most notably against #9 USC.
In 2010, Luck set the Stanford record for most touchdowns in a season with 32. He declined to enter the 2011 NFL Draft in hopes of bringing a championship to Stanford in 2011, as well as finishing his degree in architectural design. He’s already regarded as the top prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft.
Strengths
Perhaps the most NFL ready quarterback prospect of the last ten seasons, Andrew Luck brings a lot to the table. To start, Luck’s intangibles are fantastic. He is an excellent student, and is extremely intelligent, hence the architectural design major. His football IQ is great, and he has fantastic pocket awareness.
Luck is very tough, and resilient. He plays for a full four quarters, and doesn’t go down easily. He’s a threat to run if the pocket collapses and will make plays with his feet. Luck has good arm strength, and has benefited from playing in a pro-style offense at Stanford under Coach Jim Harbaugh (who left for San Francisco in 2011).
His short-intermediate accuracy is very solid, and he puts great touch on his passes, understanding when he needs to zip the ball in a tight spot, or when to lead his defender in the back of the end zone.
Luck has a very quick throwing motion, which some have compared to Dan Marino, and he has very solid footwork, playing light footed, and standing tall in the pocket.
Weaknesses
There aren’t a ton of weaknesses regarding Andrew Luck. He’s still a young quarterback, as 2010 was just his redshirt sophomore season. He’ll need to refine his mechanics a bit, as he has an awkward wind up, sometimes dropping the ball lower than it needs to be on his body. Luck’s deep ball accuracy could use some work as he will struggle, at times, trying to lead a defender down the field. Sometimes his arm strength gets the best of him and he’ll put too much on a pass, overthrowing the defender.
I’d like to see Luck work on going through his reads a bit faster, as well as looking off defenders. Sometimes he’ll get caught staring at a receiver, and will fail to hit his second or third read. Sometimes Luck is a bit too eager to run out of the pocket, and doesn’t always avoid getting hit, which will be something that NFL coaches would like to see him fix.
Overall
Andrew Luck is a once in a decade prospect, not only as a quarterback, but for any position. His intangibles and physical tools combine to form a player in which has unlimited potential in the NFL. His “weaknesses” are very fixable, and many of them are things he’ll battle through as a young quarterback learning.
As of now, there is no reason for Andrew Luck not to be considered the top player in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has loads of potential, seems to be pro-ready, and has all of the intangibles that NFL coaches drool over. Some consider Luck to be the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning came out of Tennessee in 1998. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but I undoubtedly believe that Luck is as good as it gets.
NFL Player Comparison: Tom Brady"
"Accuracy:Very good accuracy in the 5-15yd and 15-25yd ranges. Throws the ball to an area that the receiver will be in the best position to make the catch. Does a good job putting enough touch on the ball, so the ball is never thrown too hard or too soft. Can over throw receivers past the 30 yard range, especially to his right. Will look effortless as times throwing routes under 25 yards. Has great short accuracy but will let a few float deep. Would prefer to see him completing a higher percentage of throws past 25 yards.
Arm Strength: Has shown the ability to push the ball down field. Luck has consistently connected on deep passes over 50 yards. There are no concerns about his ability to throw deep routes. Luck can spread the ball outside the hashes and deep up the seam. Stanford does run a pro system that does not ask Luck to throw deep often, preferring more of a West Coast attack. However, in workouts and few game opportunities, Luck has looked sharp throwing deep. Throws come out with a very tight spiral and do not flutter as they gain height or depth.
Athleticism/Mobility: Luck is a surprising runner with good open field moves and the intelligence you hope your quarterback will have when moving outside the pocket. Some might see Luck as a weak runner, but this is not so. Luck has in the past taken on linebackers and defensive backs around the goal line (USC ’09) and is not afraid of contact. However, he will slide or duck out of bounds when needed.
Decision Making: Generally makes the decisions you would want him to make. Luck will improvise when the opportunity is there. Does a good job making line calls and audibles. Is a very smart player, on par with Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan as college players. His decision making skills are everything you would want in a franchise quarterback. The biggest knock on Luck will be his lack of game experience. He has been a two-year starter at Stanford, but does not have 30+ starts. He will make mistakes and try to force plays. This is a sign of his immaturity in the position and not a flaw in his mechanics or intelligence.
Field Vision: Keeps his head up and eyes down field. Doesn’t get caught looking at defenders. Excels at finding secondary receivers. Finds his men in zone coverage well. Finds openings in the defensive line and will run if the opportunity is there.
Mechanics: Quickly gets his head around on play action. Locates his receivers down field after taking his eyes off of them. Can turn his back to the receivers without losing them when flipping. Luck’s three step drop is very quick and efficient. He finds his primary receiver fast. Luck’s ability to execute and capitalize on play action is very impressive for a young player.
Will drop his arm at times when throwing deep. Lets his elbow get a little low during his wind up. Has a very good follow through. Swings his hips and midsection in to his throw. Has a very nice wrist flick at the end of his throw, making it look effortlessly. Squares up his shoulders to complete throws to the flats. Would like to see more lower body follow through on short passes to the flats.
Good footwork in and out of his drops. His steps show good depth and balance. First, second and third drop step are all equally spaced and on time. Has experience both under center and in the shotgun. You will see him throw off his back foot at times after play action. Throws well on the run going to his left and right. Very good at checking down his progressions when on the move.
Pocket Awareness/Poise: A tough player in the pocket. Luck is not afraid to be hit. Steps up and away from pressure very well. Is light on his feet. Takes very few sacks and will leave Stanford having been put on the ground little more than 10 times total.
Final Word: Andrew Luck is only a red-shirt sophomore, but he already looks like one of the more polished players in the 2011 Draft class and should cement his spot as the #1 overall player should be declare for the Draft. Doubters will point to a tough game against UCLA in 2010, but Luck rebounded well from that game to throw four touchdowns against Wake Forest.
Lucking at Luck in comparison to other quarterbacks in this class, he stands above them head and shoulders. He does not have the best arm strength in the class, nor is he the most mobile, but Luck is an efficient passer and great leader."
Arm Strength: Has shown the ability to push the ball down field. Luck has consistently connected on deep passes over 50 yards. There are no concerns about his ability to throw deep routes. Luck can spread the ball outside the hashes and deep up the seam. Stanford does run a pro system that does not ask Luck to throw deep often, preferring more of a West Coast attack. However, in workouts and few game opportunities, Luck has looked sharp throwing deep. Throws come out with a very tight spiral and do not flutter as they gain height or depth.
Athleticism/Mobility: Luck is a surprising runner with good open field moves and the intelligence you hope your quarterback will have when moving outside the pocket. Some might see Luck as a weak runner, but this is not so. Luck has in the past taken on linebackers and defensive backs around the goal line (USC ’09) and is not afraid of contact. However, he will slide or duck out of bounds when needed.
Decision Making: Generally makes the decisions you would want him to make. Luck will improvise when the opportunity is there. Does a good job making line calls and audibles. Is a very smart player, on par with Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan as college players. His decision making skills are everything you would want in a franchise quarterback. The biggest knock on Luck will be his lack of game experience. He has been a two-year starter at Stanford, but does not have 30+ starts. He will make mistakes and try to force plays. This is a sign of his immaturity in the position and not a flaw in his mechanics or intelligence.
Field Vision: Keeps his head up and eyes down field. Doesn’t get caught looking at defenders. Excels at finding secondary receivers. Finds his men in zone coverage well. Finds openings in the defensive line and will run if the opportunity is there.
Mechanics: Quickly gets his head around on play action. Locates his receivers down field after taking his eyes off of them. Can turn his back to the receivers without losing them when flipping. Luck’s three step drop is very quick and efficient. He finds his primary receiver fast. Luck’s ability to execute and capitalize on play action is very impressive for a young player.
Will drop his arm at times when throwing deep. Lets his elbow get a little low during his wind up. Has a very good follow through. Swings his hips and midsection in to his throw. Has a very nice wrist flick at the end of his throw, making it look effortlessly. Squares up his shoulders to complete throws to the flats. Would like to see more lower body follow through on short passes to the flats.
Good footwork in and out of his drops. His steps show good depth and balance. First, second and third drop step are all equally spaced and on time. Has experience both under center and in the shotgun. You will see him throw off his back foot at times after play action. Throws well on the run going to his left and right. Very good at checking down his progressions when on the move.
Pocket Awareness/Poise: A tough player in the pocket. Luck is not afraid to be hit. Steps up and away from pressure very well. Is light on his feet. Takes very few sacks and will leave Stanford having been put on the ground little more than 10 times total.
Final Word: Andrew Luck is only a red-shirt sophomore, but he already looks like one of the more polished players in the 2011 Draft class and should cement his spot as the #1 overall player should be declare for the Draft. Doubters will point to a tough game against UCLA in 2010, but Luck rebounded well from that game to throw four touchdowns against Wake Forest.
Lucking at Luck in comparison to other quarterbacks in this class, he stands above them head and shoulders. He does not have the best arm strength in the class, nor is he the most mobile, but Luck is an efficient passer and great leader."
"Skinny: As a red-shirt sophomore, Luck is part of the class of 2013. However, many believe he could declare for the 2011 NFL Draft should he turn in the breakout season expected of him. His numbers (2,575 yards, 13 touchdown passes) weren’t exactly eye-popping as a freshman, nor was he setting records as other signal callers have in recent seasons. Nevertheless, there is no denying the NFL talent that the Stanford quarterback is blessed with. He looks like a pro quarterback already with his 6’4” and 234-pound frame. Luck has the release of gunslinger…once he’s ready to pull the trigger the ball is on its way to the target in an instant. He also brings a Major League fastball—the Cardinal can make throws that most collegiate quarterbacks can only dream of. His physical ability isn’t the only reason he’s elevated himself to our number one overall pre-season pro prospect. The son of an NFL quarterback, Luck is bright and possesses great instincts for someone with just one season of college experience. He’s a hard-working leader and the fact that he’s playing for former pro-quarterback Jim Harbaugh in Stanford’s pro-style offense doesn’t hurt Luck’s chances at the next level. With just 12 games of college experience Luck doesn’t enter the 2010 college season as a finished product. There are kinks in his throwing motion that need to be corrected and he needs improve his accuracy (56.2 completion percentage as red-shirt freshman) as well as his ability to read opposing defenses. No one doubts that he will be one of the first players selected in the NFL Draft when he is ready to make the jump. The only question is: how high will he go? - Scouting Quarterbacks: Class of 2013
SCOUT'S TAKE
Pros: What stands out immediately about Luck is that he has one of the quickest throwing motions since Dan Marino. When Luck lets it fly his passes are laser fast and accurate—truly beautiful. Aside from that, Luck has quintessential NFL measurables; he is 6’4” and 230-plus pounds, very intelligent and instinctual. The red-shirt sophomore has wonderful footwork in his drop backs and when throwing the football. Luck has light and graceful feet that give him unexpected mobility, allowing him to almost glide through the pocket to avoid would-be sackers (he was sacked only six times in 2009). At Stanford, he is currently playing in a pro-style offense and getting pro-style coaching under Head Coach and former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh. That gives him a leg up on prospects that play in spread offenses with everything called from the sideline. Luck also has “it”, the ability to play well in big games and in big moments, which is a must for NFL quarterbacks. In other words, Luck does not just feast on weak Pac-10 opponents; he saves his best for the likes of USC and Oregon. Luck has a very strong arm, he is not all release; he can easily drive the ball down the field and has little trouble fitting the ball into tight windows. Not only did the Stanford signal caller put up some impressive numbers (13 touchdown passes, four interceptions), including leading the Pac-10 in passing efficiency (143.47), he won games (eight) and directed the Cardinal to their first winning season since 2001. The Texas boy also has the intangibles. The high school valedictorian is one of the brightest student athletes in the nation and despite his youth, Luck displayed leadership skills from day one, which he backs up with work ethic and toughness.
Cons: The biggest issue with Luck is his awkward throwing motion. He has a windup that causes him to drop the ball below his waist before he throws it which, unlike Tim Tebow’s, doesn’t appear to add momentum to Luck’s passes. In many ways the windup is separate from his actual throwing motion; Luck simply has to learn to cock the ball and throw. He was injured towards the end of the Cardinal’s season and will have to prove he is healthy—surgery on an injured finger in his throwing hand forced the quarterback to sit out the Sun Bowl. Luck also has to do a better job of going through his progressions before running or locking onto a single receiver. While the Stanford man had incredible moments during his red-shirt freshman year, he still needs to be more consistent. Luck’s release point is a bit to the side even under the best of circumstances.
Our View: An incredible quarterback prospect, Luck has noticeable but easily correctable flaws. The Cardinal comes from an impressive pedigree—his father Oliver was an NFL quarterback with the Houston Oilers from 1983 to 1986. Luck’s positives outweigh his negatives to the point where NFL types are already drooling over his potential despite the fact he has three years of eligibility remaining heading into the 2010 campaign. He has everything necessary to develop into an elite NFL quarterback. Given that Luck’s flaws can be corrected with playing experience and coaching, he’ll be under the gun to show marked improvement during his sophomore year. His progress will go a long way in deciding whether he declares for the 2011 NFL Draft or remains in school for his junior season. With Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart moving on to the league where they play for pay, Luck must also prove he can handle being the focal point of the Cardinal offense. He has the ability to challenge Washington senior quarterback Jake Locker for Pac-10 Player of the Year honors as well as the honor of being the top overall pick in the NFL Draft next April."
SCOUT'S TAKE
Pros: What stands out immediately about Luck is that he has one of the quickest throwing motions since Dan Marino. When Luck lets it fly his passes are laser fast and accurate—truly beautiful. Aside from that, Luck has quintessential NFL measurables; he is 6’4” and 230-plus pounds, very intelligent and instinctual. The red-shirt sophomore has wonderful footwork in his drop backs and when throwing the football. Luck has light and graceful feet that give him unexpected mobility, allowing him to almost glide through the pocket to avoid would-be sackers (he was sacked only six times in 2009). At Stanford, he is currently playing in a pro-style offense and getting pro-style coaching under Head Coach and former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh. That gives him a leg up on prospects that play in spread offenses with everything called from the sideline. Luck also has “it”, the ability to play well in big games and in big moments, which is a must for NFL quarterbacks. In other words, Luck does not just feast on weak Pac-10 opponents; he saves his best for the likes of USC and Oregon. Luck has a very strong arm, he is not all release; he can easily drive the ball down the field and has little trouble fitting the ball into tight windows. Not only did the Stanford signal caller put up some impressive numbers (13 touchdown passes, four interceptions), including leading the Pac-10 in passing efficiency (143.47), he won games (eight) and directed the Cardinal to their first winning season since 2001. The Texas boy also has the intangibles. The high school valedictorian is one of the brightest student athletes in the nation and despite his youth, Luck displayed leadership skills from day one, which he backs up with work ethic and toughness.
Cons: The biggest issue with Luck is his awkward throwing motion. He has a windup that causes him to drop the ball below his waist before he throws it which, unlike Tim Tebow’s, doesn’t appear to add momentum to Luck’s passes. In many ways the windup is separate from his actual throwing motion; Luck simply has to learn to cock the ball and throw. He was injured towards the end of the Cardinal’s season and will have to prove he is healthy—surgery on an injured finger in his throwing hand forced the quarterback to sit out the Sun Bowl. Luck also has to do a better job of going through his progressions before running or locking onto a single receiver. While the Stanford man had incredible moments during his red-shirt freshman year, he still needs to be more consistent. Luck’s release point is a bit to the side even under the best of circumstances.
Our View: An incredible quarterback prospect, Luck has noticeable but easily correctable flaws. The Cardinal comes from an impressive pedigree—his father Oliver was an NFL quarterback with the Houston Oilers from 1983 to 1986. Luck’s positives outweigh his negatives to the point where NFL types are already drooling over his potential despite the fact he has three years of eligibility remaining heading into the 2010 campaign. He has everything necessary to develop into an elite NFL quarterback. Given that Luck’s flaws can be corrected with playing experience and coaching, he’ll be under the gun to show marked improvement during his sophomore year. His progress will go a long way in deciding whether he declares for the 2011 NFL Draft or remains in school for his junior season. With Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart moving on to the league where they play for pay, Luck must also prove he can handle being the focal point of the Cardinal offense. He has the ability to challenge Washington senior quarterback Jake Locker for Pac-10 Player of the Year honors as well as the honor of being the top overall pick in the NFL Draft next April."
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