Report: Cardinals to work out QBs Dak Prescott, Jeff Driskel
Mar 22, 2016, 5:16 PM | Updated: 9:54 pm
FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2015, file photo, Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) looks to pass against North Carolina State during the Belk Bowl NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
(AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
Many believe the Arizona Cardinals will look to add a quarterback in next month’s NFL Draft.
With Carson Palmer set to turn 37 years old during the 2016 season and his backup, Drew Stanton, already in his early 30s, the only “young” option on the roster is Matt Barkley.
While the Cardinals have given no indication they are down on Barkley, he has also not proven himself to be the team’s quarterback of the future.
Hence, the draft option.
With the 29th pick in the first round and now no second-round pick due to the trade that landed them Chandler Jones, the Cardinals will be in the position to maybe reach for a passer early or wait it out and hope to find one late.
They apparently want a closer look at one prospect who figures to be in the latter group.
Mississippi St QB Dak Prescott worked out with the #Cowboys yesterday, source said. He's got an #AZCardinals workout tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 22, 2016
The 6-foot-2, 226-pound Prescott is projected to be selected in the third or fourth round. Last season he completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 3,793 yards and 29 touchdowns with five interceptions. He also ran for 10 touchdowns and had 94 rushes of at least 10 yards over his last three college seasons.
According to NFL.com, some of Prescott’s strengths are his ability to withstand a pounding as well as his natural arm strength.
Stands tall and delivers a tight spiral with over-the-top delivery. Very little windup and gets ball out with the flick of a wrist. When pocket is clean, can deliver accurate strikes around the field.
However, the site also notes his weaknesses are that he was beat up due to poor protection in 2015 and that seemed to take a toll on his overall game.
Sacks and usage in run game might be taking a toll. Increase in short pass attempts from 86 to 208 this year reason for higher completion numbers. Accuracy on intermediate and deep throws dropped sharply. Pocket poise has been compromised. Hyper aware of pressure around him and lacks awareness to slide and find temporary shelter to make throw. Concern over pressure too often trumps ability to get through progressions.
Prescott is not the only quarterback who will be visiting with the Cardinals, however.
Jeff Driskel set to workout for the Arizona Cardinals later this week https://t.co/vJfZVKFZd3
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 22, 2016
The 6-foot-4, 231-pound Driskel threw for 4,033 yards and 27 touchdowns with eight interceptions last season. He completed 62.4 percent of his passes for Louisiana Tech.
Prior to transferring to Louisiana Tech, Driskel played quarterback for the Florida Gators. NFL.com notes his prototypical build and athleticism as strengths, along with good arm strength and the ability to get rid of the ball quickly.
Fundamentally sound with good footwork to balance himself before driving the ball with good weight transfer and hip rotation. Dangerous runner outside the pocket and can escape with suddenness. Good open-field speed and ability to operate in zone-read packages.
Among his weaknesses are him struggling to lead receivers with throws and struggles with accuracy when throwing the ball down the field.
Anxious when pocket gets turbulent and will occasionally feel pressure that isn’t there.
Driskel is viewed as a late-round prospect at best, and an undrafted rookie free agent at worst.
