However, isn't a real polished passer at this stage in the underneath passing game, has a tendency to often fall off throws, get overextended with his base and has a noticeable loop/wind up in his release. Isn't real comfortable quickly recognizing defenses, fails to quickly decipher pressure and will throw blind over the middle of the field. Needs to learn to put more touch on the football underneath as well. Hasn't learned how to throw the "changeup" yet, and consistently throws the fastball that will bounce of his receivers hands in the short passing game.
Is still limited in his ability to quickly go through his progressions and find his second/third options in the play. Will try to force the football into coverage, and will throw late and off balance down the field. Trust his arm a lot and gets really sloppy with his lower half in the face of pressure. Takes the majority of his snaps from the pistol or gun, and although he is a better athlete than his body type would indicate, he isn't real long and might struggle to quickly get under center.
Impression: A gunslinger who has a solid arm and knows how to get the football down the field on a rope and pick up yards by the chunk. Now, he is undersized, is sloppy with his throwing mechanics and footwork and doesn't have a great feel for the pass game at this stage. But because of his arm, should at least get a shot in an NFL training camp as a potential number three QB."
Positive: Terrific timing passer who has fallen under the radar the past two years. Patient and poised in the pocket, makes good decisions for the most part, and throws with an over-the-top delivery. Displays good sense and awareness, knows where his receivers are on the field, and steps up to avoid pressure. Zips the ball into targets, accurate, and effectively places passes where only his receivers can make the catch. Throws a catchable ball. Does a terrific job controlling the offense.
Negative: Throws with poor footwork, consistently falling out of passes rather than stepping in and releasing off his top foot. Stares down the primary target and is not averse to putting the ball up for grabs. High of the mark when he tries to get the ball through the tight spots. Not a threat running with the ball. Takes most of his snaps out of the shotgun.
Analysis: Chappell has been a very consistent and productive quarterback the two years he started for Indiana. He could be a serviceable backup passer at the next level if given a chance."
Strengths: Chappell is an experienced QB in a passing offense. He's a compact, and somewhat bulky QB with a big arm. He's a better athlete than advertised and is able to move around the pocket and scramble when needed. Has the arm to make all the throws and can put it on a wire. When given time to operate, throws a nice deep ball. Really improved his decision-making during his senior year and only had 9 picks (vs 24 TDs) on 484 attempts. Team leader and a bright player who was all-academic in the classroom.
Weaknesses: Chappell is a risk-taker who doesn't always work through his progressions. Will bird-dog his first read. Smart player who does his work off the field, but sometimes looks like he's a playground QB Mechanics are a real issue. He has a bit of a wind-up in his throw and he doesn't use his feet very well. Throws off-balance too often and loses accuracy as a result.
Projection: Draftable player who should be on a roster as a #3 QB somewhere next season. Look for Chappell to hear his name late in the proceedings."