New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese has tried, and failed, a couple of times now to draft a quarterback the franchise could develop into a trustworthy backup for Eli Manning. Sorry, Rhett Bomar fans, but I had to tell it like it is here.
In 2008, the Giants drafted Andre Woodson of Kentucky in the sixth round. He didn't make it, got release after a year and is now out of football. They tried with Bomar a year later. That looked like it might work out, but ultimately did not.
With three picks in the sixth round later this month don't put it past the Giants GM to try again. With that in mind, let's use today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile to talk about a late-round quarterback who could be that developmental type guy the Giants have been looking for.
Delaware's Pat Devlin seems to have everything except big-time arm strength. Oh, and he has that Division II thing working against him. Still, the Giants did attend Delaware's Pro Day.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Pat Devlin
QB, Delaware
6-foot-3, 225 pounds
Projection: 4th-6th round
Scouting Reports
From NFL.com:
Strengths:
Devlin looks the part of an NFL quarterback with his great height and build. Has a quick, over-the-top delivery without wasted movement. Has enough arm strength to make all the NFL throws. Shows excellent accuracy on go routes and fades. Flashes the ability to make sound adjustments, work through his progressions, and hit his third or fourth option.
Weaknesses:
Despite excellent completion percentage, he doesn't consistently display pinpoint accuracy. Ball can get away from him at times, especially when his footwork and drop discipline are lacking. Appears rattled by pressure up the middle in his face. Will gamble at times. Needs more consistency understanding complex zone coverage schemes.
Overview:
Devlin has a chance to turn into a starting NFL quarterback and should be a capable backup early on. Teams may want to investigate his transfer from Penn State to FCS Delaware. Blessed with the size for the position. Has enough arm strength for the next level but not quite enough zip to put the ball into tight spots. Accuracy is not on par with his outstanding competition percentage at this stage. Shows glimpses of a poised signal-caller who can scan the field and make good decisions with the football but isn't consistent enough yet. Probable mid-round selection.
From National Football Post:
Possesses a quick release, always seems cocked and ready to let go of the throw and displays a high release point. Takes a majority of his snaps from the gun and will need to learn to drop from under center, but he's a good enough athlete to move around in the pocket, buy time for himself and it shouldn't be much of a problem. Is a really bright kid off the field and it really shows up in the way he handles himself as a quarterback. Does a nice job getting his team in and out of personnel sets quickly, looks comfortable making pre-snap reads and getting the football out of his hands on time. Works his eyes as well as any quarterback in the nation and it might be the most impressive attribute of his game. Does a great job going through his progressions quickly, working his way across the entire field and finding his secondary options.
Displays good ball placement in the short/intermediate pass game. Consistently is able to throw receivers open underneath allowing them to create after the catch. However, lacks a great arm and I do question his ability as of now to make all the throws.
Impression: A small-school signal caller who lacks a great arm and as of now it's not good enough to make all the throws. But, he does a great job working his eyes and going through his progressions and is accurate with the football. Is a guy who in the right system and environment I could see end up developing with some time if he continues to strength his wrist/arm.
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