2011 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama

By Ed Valentine@Valentine_Ed Updated Apr 11, 2011, 11:00am EDT

<strong>Greg McElroy</strong>. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) — **Greg McElroy**. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile highlights a player whose name caught my eye when I saw recently that he was going to work out for the New York Giants. Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy is one of those late-round quarterback types Giants' General Manager Jerry Reese seems to make a habit of drafting and trying to develop.

I don't know if Reese would actually go that route again this year. With Sage Rosenfels and Jim Sorgi as veteran backups, and Ryan Perrilloux also on the roster, it does not seem likely. But the Giants are evidently curious enough to see how well McElroy has recovered from a broken hand to bring him in for a workout.

McElroy is not a high-ceiling guy. More likely one of those players who could make a career out of carrying a clipboard and wearing a baseball cap. Scouting reports after the jump.

Greg McElroy
QB, Alabama
6-foot-2, 220 pounds
Projection: Late rounds

Scouting Reports

From Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
- Adequate height and bulk with a sturdy frame
- Extremely smart with an amazing football IQ
- Makes good decisions / takes care of the ball
- Pretty accurate with nice touch and timing
- Is calm, cool and collected under pressure
- Tough, competitive, hard working and a leader
- Winner who has been successful at every level

Weaknesses:
- Does not have the arm strength you'd prefer
- Isn't overly athletic and mobility is lacking
- Is not a threat to make plays with his feet
- Needs to tweak mechanics / throwing motion
- Can be inconsistent with footwork at times
- Was never asked to carry a team in college
- Overall upside might be limited in the pros

Overview:
Compensates for less than stellar physical tools with elite intangibles --- More of a game manager who wasn't asked to do a lot in Alabama's conservative, run-orientated offense and is a much better college player than pro prospect --- Profiles as a backup at the next level but is the type of person you just hate to bet against.

From NFL.com:

Strengths:
McElroy has rare intangibles. Team-first player who works tirelessly at practice and in the film room to master an offense. Can scan the field and run through his progressions. Will throw receivers open. Shows good accuracy in the short to intermediate passing game. Quick release. Good pocket mobility and drop discipline.

Weaknesses:
Does not possess the physical measurables of an NFL starting quarterback. Sub-average size coupled with less-than-adequate arm strength. Will not be able to fit the ball into tight spots down the field at the next level. Deep ball floats on him. Below average speed and not a threat to pick up yards with his legs.

Overview:
McElroy could quickly emerge as a quality backup NFL quarterback but does not possess the physical attributes of a starter. Fully grasps the mental side of the game and has succeeded in multiple pressure-packed situations but simply does not have the arm strength to force and NFL defense to defend the entire field. Comfortable making NFL-type reads, accurate when hitting short to intermediate targets, and capable of moving around in the pocket. However, we don't expect him to be able to hit the deep out or zip the ball into tight coverage at the next level, so McElroy carries a late Day 3 grade.

Complete List Of Prospect Profiles

Quarterback