QB Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State ~ 6.4/220
"Weeden joined the Cowboys after a stint playing professional baseball in the minor leagues, and Oklahoma State fans have been pleased that he elected to play college football. Weeden has been the signal caller for one of the country's most efficient offenses. He is a poised, effective thrower who has great pocket presence and makes quick decisions with the ball that keep the chains moving. He rarely throws interceptions despite the high number of attempts in his scheme, and he could go as high as the second round.
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Strengths: Weeden has an NFL-quality frame that allows him to look over the offensive line and deliver his throws without a hitch. His quick release is his strongest asset, as he consistently gets the ball out with a compact throwing motion and strong delivery. The ball zips off his arm and he has the ability to fit it in any tight space with great velocity.
He is "all of the above" in terms of being a mature, poised leader. He is an accurate passer both short and long, and he has that gunslinger mentality to go for the deep ball and give his receivers a chance. He understands route progressions and throwing the ball to where his guy can make a play.
Weaknesses: Despite his baseball background, Weeden is only an average athlete and is very limited when scrambling. He has a tough time getting outside the pocket, and his accuracy and touch decrease immensely when he scrambles. He seems to grasp route concepts and looks for his second option, but he will hold the ball for extended periods of times and could be a product of his quick-read offensive scheme."
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He is "all of the above" in terms of being a mature, poised leader. He is an accurate passer both short and long, and he has that gunslinger mentality to go for the deep ball and give his receivers a chance. He understands route progressions and throwing the ball to where his guy can make a play.
"Weeden isn't the first former minor league baseball player returning to college to extend his athletic career, but scouts hope he has a better pro career than former Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke, who won a national championship with the Seminoles before having a nondescript six years with the Carolina Panthers as their fourth-round pick in 2001 (plus a few weeks with San Francisco in 2007).
The New York Yankees drafted Weeden in the second round of the 2002 draft, then he pitched for the Dodgers and Royal before a torn labrum and tenditis in his rotator cuff ended his baseball career. Instead of having surgery on his injuries, he decided to pursue football.
He redshirted the 2007 season and played sparingly in 2008 and 2009 (15-24, 248 yards, four touchdowns, interception in three games) before putting up first-team All-Big 12 numbers in 2010 (66.9 completion pct, 4,277 yards, 34 TD, 13 INT) with a ruptured throwing thumb.
Weeden will have the same problem Weinke did entering the 2001 draft--he turns 28 years old during his senior season. His injury history also will be noted by scouts. Quarterbacks can play into their mid-thirties or later, however, and Weeden insists his football throwing motion does not aggravate his baseball arm maladies.
He certainly has the arm strength and size teams look for at the position, so it won't be a surprise if a team uses a pick in the top half of the draft on his physical attributes if he checks out medically.
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Accuracy: Stick throws into tight windows over the middle, throwing to spot on slant or between zone defenders before receiver is open. Sails throws to either sideline, receivers make him look good with acrobatic catches. Back-foot throws are not accurate and finds himself lucky not to turn the ball over.
Arm Strength: Baseball pitcher background translates to NFL arm strength. Sprays the ball anywhere on the field, especially when given a pocket from which to deliver. Shows touch on fades and shorter throws and does not overthrow passes to wide-open receivers. Sometimes he trusts his arm too much, trying to stick passes late in the play or when he is off-balance.
Setup/Release: Unloads strong and quick when feet are set, flips out the quick slant but also steps into throws with a good pocket. Typically hums the ball with a tight spiral. Carries the ball a bit low, takes time to get it into throwing position. Will step up into pocket while looking downfield, reset his feet and deliver. Gets lazy with footwork at times, will flip balls into dangerous places. Pats the ball before throwing. Almost always works out of shotgun formation on passing plays. Leaves the pocket when there is no pressure, forcing himself to the sideline and eliminating options.
Reading Defenses: Surveys field, capable of moving from one side to the other if needed. Coverage knowledge adequate for his relative experience, but does not always see underneath defenders and stares down receivers, allowing the defense to close on the ball. Fails to see blitzers, opens himself up to backside pressure. Makes some bad decisions under duress, tries to make a play by throwing late over the middle instead of taking the sack or throwing the ball away.
On the Move: Adequate athleticism, but not a threat to run or make a lot of plays outside the pocket. Fails to square shoulders when throwing on the run, leading to incompletions or forcing receivers to make adjustments. A bit slow on bootlegs and coming out from under center for handoffs.
Intangibles: Advanced age for a rookie, turned 28 years old during the 2011 season. Tough player who takes a hit and bounces back up, played most of the 2010 season with a ruptured tendon in his right (throwing) thumb. Already played in a professional situation as a minor league baseball player. Team leader on the practice and game fields."
--Chad Reuter
The New York Yankees drafted Weeden in the second round of the 2002 draft, then he pitched for the Dodgers and Royal before a torn labrum and tenditis in his rotator cuff ended his baseball career. Instead of having surgery on his injuries, he decided to pursue football.
He redshirted the 2007 season and played sparingly in 2008 and 2009 (15-24, 248 yards, four touchdowns, interception in three games) before putting up first-team All-Big 12 numbers in 2010 (66.9 completion pct, 4,277 yards, 34 TD, 13 INT) with a ruptured throwing thumb.
Weeden will have the same problem Weinke did entering the 2001 draft--he turns 28 years old during his senior season. His injury history also will be noted by scouts. Quarterbacks can play into their mid-thirties or later, however, and Weeden insists his football throwing motion does not aggravate his baseball arm maladies.
He certainly has the arm strength and size teams look for at the position, so it won't be a surprise if a team uses a pick in the top half of the draft on his physical attributes if he checks out medically.
***
Accuracy: Stick throws into tight windows over the middle, throwing to spot on slant or between zone defenders before receiver is open. Sails throws to either sideline, receivers make him look good with acrobatic catches. Back-foot throws are not accurate and finds himself lucky not to turn the ball over.
Arm Strength: Baseball pitcher background translates to NFL arm strength. Sprays the ball anywhere on the field, especially when given a pocket from which to deliver. Shows touch on fades and shorter throws and does not overthrow passes to wide-open receivers. Sometimes he trusts his arm too much, trying to stick passes late in the play or when he is off-balance.
Setup/Release: Unloads strong and quick when feet are set, flips out the quick slant but also steps into throws with a good pocket. Typically hums the ball with a tight spiral. Carries the ball a bit low, takes time to get it into throwing position. Will step up into pocket while looking downfield, reset his feet and deliver. Gets lazy with footwork at times, will flip balls into dangerous places. Pats the ball before throwing. Almost always works out of shotgun formation on passing plays. Leaves the pocket when there is no pressure, forcing himself to the sideline and eliminating options.
Reading Defenses: Surveys field, capable of moving from one side to the other if needed. Coverage knowledge adequate for his relative experience, but does not always see underneath defenders and stares down receivers, allowing the defense to close on the ball. Fails to see blitzers, opens himself up to backside pressure. Makes some bad decisions under duress, tries to make a play by throwing late over the middle instead of taking the sack or throwing the ball away.
On the Move: Adequate athleticism, but not a threat to run or make a lot of plays outside the pocket. Fails to square shoulders when throwing on the run, leading to incompletions or forcing receivers to make adjustments. A bit slow on bootlegs and coming out from under center for handoffs.
Intangibles: Advanced age for a rookie, turned 28 years old during the 2011 season. Tough player who takes a hit and bounces back up, played most of the 2010 season with a ruptured tendon in his right (throwing) thumb. Already played in a professional situation as a minor league baseball player. Team leader on the practice and game fields."
--Chad Reuter
"A strong, well put together quarterback with a live arm and the ability to make all the throws with ease. Is a former second round pick of the Yankees in 2002, but his baseball career ended in 2005 due to an arm injury. Enrolled at Oklahoma State in 2007 and took over as the starter in 2010.
Plays in a spread and takes nearly all of his snaps from the gun. Displays sneaky athleticism for his size and exhibits a natural feel inside the pocket. Keeps his eyes down the field when he feels an outside rush, can maintain balance when stepping up and absolutely throw darts all over the field.
However, gets too upright at times in his drop, causing him to struggles to quickly re-set his feet and really stride toward his target. Will fall off his fair share of throws when he feels pressure inside causing his accuracy and decision making to struggle because of it.
When he does have more time does a much better job bending at the knees and really transferring his weight well, generating good torque from his lower half. Can really spin the football on all levels of the field and exhibits good accuracy and ball placement both in the intermediate and vertical passing game.
Anticipates routes well down the field, snaps his head around quickly when working off play action from the gun and can fit the ball in tight areas on time with receivers. Also, displays “plus” touch vertically down the field, routinely drops the football into the outstretched arms of his target, and looks comfortable using the same throwing motion.
Will drop his arm angle down a bit underneath and in the short passing game is where he gets lazy with his plant foot and his ball placement will struggle because of it.
Is a smart kid who does a nice job recognizing defenses with his pre snap read and as the year went on did a better job looking off safeties and working through his progressions across the field. Gets a bit unbalanced with his footwork when working his way across the field because he gets upright at times, but should improve with more experience.
Will throw blind when going back across the field and get himself into some trouble with interceptions because of it. Is a good enough athlete to throw on the move, isn’t going to be dynamic by any sense in the open field, but can create time for himself when flushed from the pocket and scamper for additional yards.
An older prospect who will turn 28 years old in October.
Impression: His age will likely keep him from going as early in the draft as his talents deserve. But there isn’t a throw this guy can’t make, and he has the skill set and mental make-up to mature into a potential starter with some time."
Plays in a spread and takes nearly all of his snaps from the gun. Displays sneaky athleticism for his size and exhibits a natural feel inside the pocket. Keeps his eyes down the field when he feels an outside rush, can maintain balance when stepping up and absolutely throw darts all over the field.
However, gets too upright at times in his drop, causing him to struggles to quickly re-set his feet and really stride toward his target. Will fall off his fair share of throws when he feels pressure inside causing his accuracy and decision making to struggle because of it.
When he does have more time does a much better job bending at the knees and really transferring his weight well, generating good torque from his lower half. Can really spin the football on all levels of the field and exhibits good accuracy and ball placement both in the intermediate and vertical passing game.
Anticipates routes well down the field, snaps his head around quickly when working off play action from the gun and can fit the ball in tight areas on time with receivers. Also, displays “plus” touch vertically down the field, routinely drops the football into the outstretched arms of his target, and looks comfortable using the same throwing motion.
Will drop his arm angle down a bit underneath and in the short passing game is where he gets lazy with his plant foot and his ball placement will struggle because of it.
Is a smart kid who does a nice job recognizing defenses with his pre snap read and as the year went on did a better job looking off safeties and working through his progressions across the field. Gets a bit unbalanced with his footwork when working his way across the field because he gets upright at times, but should improve with more experience.
Will throw blind when going back across the field and get himself into some trouble with interceptions because of it. Is a good enough athlete to throw on the move, isn’t going to be dynamic by any sense in the open field, but can create time for himself when flushed from the pocket and scamper for additional yards.
An older prospect who will turn 28 years old in October.
Impression: His age will likely keep him from going as early in the draft as his talents deserve. But there isn’t a throw this guy can’t make, and he has the skill set and mental make-up to mature into a potential starter with some time."
"Arm Strength: The former minor league baseball player throws a ball that jumps out of his hand. He can make any throw that is required in the NFL with ease and has enough arm strength to fit the ball into tight spots. Weeden throws one of the best deep balls in this draft.
Accuracy: Weeden’s accuracy is on point with the best in this draft. He has outstanding short-area accuracy and deep touch. He often throws receivers open. He appears to have outstanding confidence in his arm strength and ball placement as he challenges defenders in tight windows. Weeden’s accuracy dramatically decreases when he gets pressure in his face.
Athleticism: Weeden can move in the pocket to escape the rush and does a nice job of keeping his eyes down the field. He is not a threat to run but senses pressure in the pocket and slides to open areas. Weeden will have to work on his footwork as it leaves a bit to be desired and is usually the culprit of an errant throw.
Intangibles: Being 28 is good and bad for an NFL prospect. Weeden spent much of his teenage years playing professional baseball. He clearly is schooled in the leadership department and has that “it” factor that scouts look for. He is a game manager and studies as hard as anyone at his craft.
Bottom Line: An elite level prospect that will be plagued by his age. He only has two years as a starting collegiate quarterback and played in a wide-open, spread style offense at Oklahoma St. Weeden’s upside is not great as he will be 29 years old when he takes an NFL field. If not for his age, we would be talking about him with the likes of first-round QB’s.
Draft Projection: The reality is that Weeden will be 29 years old as an NFL rookie. If not for that he would be the third best QB prospect in this draft and most likely taken in round one. He will probably go in round three of April’s draft."
Accuracy: Weeden’s accuracy is on point with the best in this draft. He has outstanding short-area accuracy and deep touch. He often throws receivers open. He appears to have outstanding confidence in his arm strength and ball placement as he challenges defenders in tight windows. Weeden’s accuracy dramatically decreases when he gets pressure in his face.
Athleticism: Weeden can move in the pocket to escape the rush and does a nice job of keeping his eyes down the field. He is not a threat to run but senses pressure in the pocket and slides to open areas. Weeden will have to work on his footwork as it leaves a bit to be desired and is usually the culprit of an errant throw.
Intangibles: Being 28 is good and bad for an NFL prospect. Weeden spent much of his teenage years playing professional baseball. He clearly is schooled in the leadership department and has that “it” factor that scouts look for. He is a game manager and studies as hard as anyone at his craft.
Bottom Line: An elite level prospect that will be plagued by his age. He only has two years as a starting collegiate quarterback and played in a wide-open, spread style offense at Oklahoma St. Weeden’s upside is not great as he will be 29 years old when he takes an NFL field. If not for his age, we would be talking about him with the likes of first-round QB’s.
Draft Projection: The reality is that Weeden will be 29 years old as an NFL rookie. If not for that he would be the third best QB prospect in this draft and most likely taken in round one. He will probably go in round three of April’s draft."
"An overaged former baseball pitcher, Weedon piled up big numbers in his first year paired with offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen (since departed) and WR Justin Blackmon.
Is one of the best pure passers in the senior class, with a compact delivery, very good arm strength and good accuracy.
However, he has operated primarily out of the shotgun with simple, half-field reads, can be flustered by pressure, and still must continue developing.
Was forced to earn his stripes at OSU and has steadily improved in an offense that has not translated well to the pro game."
Is one of the best pure passers in the senior class, with a compact delivery, very good arm strength and good accuracy.
However, he has operated primarily out of the shotgun with simple, half-field reads, can be flustered by pressure, and still must continue developing.
Was forced to earn his stripes at OSU and has steadily improved in an offense that has not translated well to the pro game."
"First word: Among the quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft, Brandon Weeden is one of the better rhythm throwers. He's a timing-based quarterback who will need to be in the right system to succeed. The trouble could be finding that system. Weeden is a 28-year-old former minor league baseball player. Unless he really becomes a sensation, it's hard to see a team taking him in the first two rounds of the draft.
Notes:
Possesses a moderately strong arm to deliver deep passes. Tends to place his passes near the sideline too high. It's a correctable issue, but an odd one.
Due to his advanced age, Weeden's potential is likely maxed out.
When he gets in rhythm, Weeden can be hard to slow down. It seems the more completions in a row he gets, the more confident he becomes.
Seems to read the defense fairly well. Because he plays in a shot gun, Weeden has to take his eye off the defense to make sure he catches the ball.
Has a throwing motion that will need some refinement. Will hold the ball below his chest, elongating his delivery.
Has a tendency to tap the ball before throwing it. This sort of tell could be a killer at the next level as it will allow defensive linemen a chance to time a bat down.
Good enough size for the position, though he doesn't have the strongest build.
Shows enough athleticism to leave the pocket and avoid the rush."
Notes:
Possesses a moderately strong arm to deliver deep passes. Tends to place his passes near the sideline too high. It's a correctable issue, but an odd one.
Due to his advanced age, Weeden's potential is likely maxed out.
When he gets in rhythm, Weeden can be hard to slow down. It seems the more completions in a row he gets, the more confident he becomes.
Seems to read the defense fairly well. Because he plays in a shot gun, Weeden has to take his eye off the defense to make sure he catches the ball.
Has a throwing motion that will need some refinement. Will hold the ball below his chest, elongating his delivery.
Has a tendency to tap the ball before throwing it. This sort of tell could be a killer at the next level as it will allow defensive linemen a chance to time a bat down.
Good enough size for the position, though he doesn't have the strongest build.
Shows enough athleticism to leave the pocket and avoid the rush."
"Spent 5 years playing minor league baseball, but made up for lost time last fall when he threw for almost 4,300 yards and 34 scores; older player will turn 29 during his first season in the NFL, but has some tools;
Has decent size for a pro pocket passer and the arm strength to make all the throws; accurate passer completed 67% of his throws last season; also has nice touch going downfield;
Very poised in the pocket and is comfortable reading defenses and go through progressions, but footwork needs some refinement; not very athletic or mobile, but seldom gets sacked; has a quick release and can slide away from pressure;
Has great intangibles; mature player who is already married with children; shoulder injury ended his baseball career and will have to be checked out."
Has decent size for a pro pocket passer and the arm strength to make all the throws; accurate passer completed 67% of his throws last season; also has nice touch going downfield;
Very poised in the pocket and is comfortable reading defenses and go through progressions, but footwork needs some refinement; not very athletic or mobile, but seldom gets sacked; has a quick release and can slide away from pressure;
Has great intangibles; mature player who is already married with children; shoulder injury ended his baseball career and will have to be checked out."
"Positives -- Has a good arm, is not elite, but strong enough to make all the throws he'll need... Put up huge numbers at Oklahoma State, throwing for over 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons in the Big 12... Completed over 72 percent of his passes as a senior... Great size, looks like an NFL quarterback...
Good intangibles, is a leader on and off the field, teammates react well to him... Although not a threat to run, is good at moving in the pocket and avoiding pressure...
Throws a nice deep ball, gets good trajectory on his throws and is accurate down the field... Does a good job with pre-snap reads, will make adjustments at the line and put his team into the correct play... Keeps his eyes downfield and will step into pressure to deliver throws.
Negatives -- Misses some easy throws, often sails the ball over receiver's heads but is the beneficiary of having a very good set of receivers who will bail him out at times...
Has a little bit of an elongated throwing motion, needs some coaching... Trusts his arm too much, will make throws that he shouldn't, tries to fit the ball into tight windows and is prone to some bad interceptions... Footwork breaks down at times, throws off balance too often... Turnover prone...
28-years-old, spent five years playing Minor League Baseball as a pitcher, will turn 29 as a rookie... There are currently 15 NFL starters who are younger than Weeden... Not much of an athlete, is not a threat to take off and run with the football... Oklahoma State quarterbacks have not panned out in the NFL in recent years...
Stats may be inflated a bit due to the spread system that Oklahoma State plays... Is not asked to go through a natural progression, may be a bit of the product of the system... Locks onto receivers, most of his routes are timing routes and he'll stare down his target rather than baiting corners with his eyes."
Good intangibles, is a leader on and off the field, teammates react well to him... Although not a threat to run, is good at moving in the pocket and avoiding pressure...
Throws a nice deep ball, gets good trajectory on his throws and is accurate down the field... Does a good job with pre-snap reads, will make adjustments at the line and put his team into the correct play... Keeps his eyes downfield and will step into pressure to deliver throws.
Negatives -- Misses some easy throws, often sails the ball over receiver's heads but is the beneficiary of having a very good set of receivers who will bail him out at times...
Has a little bit of an elongated throwing motion, needs some coaching... Trusts his arm too much, will make throws that he shouldn't, tries to fit the ball into tight windows and is prone to some bad interceptions... Footwork breaks down at times, throws off balance too often... Turnover prone...
28-years-old, spent five years playing Minor League Baseball as a pitcher, will turn 29 as a rookie... There are currently 15 NFL starters who are younger than Weeden... Not much of an athlete, is not a threat to take off and run with the football... Oklahoma State quarterbacks have not panned out in the NFL in recent years...
Stats may be inflated a bit due to the spread system that Oklahoma State plays... Is not asked to go through a natural progression, may be a bit of the product of the system... Locks onto receivers, most of his routes are timing routes and he'll stare down his target rather than baiting corners with his eyes."
"Brandon Weeden is 28 years old (a fact that more than likely will push him down draft boards), but that's not to say he has no future in the NFL. Weeden has a shot just like everyone else to have a career in the NFL. As the leader of Oklahoma State's dynamic offense, he'll need to transition from a spread offense to a pro-style offense.
Weeden can make all the big throws, but sometimes need a lot of space to set his feet, wind up and make his throw. He displays a solid pocket awareness in being able to slide laterally and deliver the pass.
Accuracy is not an issue. Shows nice touch on short and intermediate routes. Weeden does well to keep his eyes moving through progressions and not locking onto where he wants to throw the ball.
Like many other college QBs, he will have to learn to deal with pressure up the middle by staying patient with his feet and make good throws with a shorter delivery. His feet need to follow his eyes, which can lead to bad throws. Weeden's mobility is limited and is average at throwing the ball when on the move."
Weeden can make all the big throws, but sometimes need a lot of space to set his feet, wind up and make his throw. He displays a solid pocket awareness in being able to slide laterally and deliver the pass.
Accuracy is not an issue. Shows nice touch on short and intermediate routes. Weeden does well to keep his eyes moving through progressions and not locking onto where he wants to throw the ball.
Like many other college QBs, he will have to learn to deal with pressure up the middle by staying patient with his feet and make good throws with a shorter delivery. His feet need to follow his eyes, which can lead to bad throws. Weeden's mobility is limited and is average at throwing the ball when on the move."
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