2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
By Editorial Staff
6-7 238lbs Redshirt Junior
Stats:
2007 (w/Michigan) – 61-141, 43.3%, 892 yards, 7 TDs/5 INTs, -38 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
2009 (w/Arkansas) – 225-403, 55.8%, 3624 yards, 30 TDs/7 INTs, -29 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Pros:
Mallett has an elite arm, with the power to make every NFL throw. His nice, compact delivery allows him to make throws quickly and his release point is just above his helmet which at 6’7” should keep balls from getting knocked down at the line. He is a pure pocket passer that looks comfortable in the pocket, even moves well inside the pocket to find room to step into throws. Has a nice play action fake with his back completely to the defense and quickly turns his body around to make the read and get the pass off. Has a ton of upside as a passer whose best games are still ahead of him.
Cons:
Not very accurate to begin with, he becomes even less accurate when on the move. Has trouble setting his feet on roll outs and relies far to often on his arm strength to complete passes. Needs to improve his decision making as he likes to force throws into coverage which is much easier to get away with in college. Takes most of his snaps from shotgun and will need to work on his footwork. Would also like to see him add some weight to his core and legs to better withstand the beatings he will take in the pocket in the NFL. Had his worst games against his most NFL-like competition (Alabama, Florida, LSU). Potential for some injury/character issues.
Thoughts:
Mallett has all the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks, if not one of the top overall picks in next years draft. The biggest issues he needs to clean up this year are his accuracy and decision making. His completion percentage has improved each year and his receiving weapons are expected to be much improved this season, so all expectations are pointing up. Arkansas should be one of the more fun offenses to watch this season because of Mallett. Avoids Florida this year, but gets Alabama and LSU at home and needs to have great games against them.
Projected Round:
Unless Mallet either decides to stay in school for his senior year or takes a Jevan Snead-like nose dive this season, he should be one of the top 3 QBs available and a top 10 pick.