2015 NFL Draft: Cody Fajardo Scouting Report

Dec 20, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack quarterback Cody Fajardo (17) throws a pass against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first quarter of the New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NFL draft could feature a large number of quarterbacks taken in the mid to late rounds. Will Cody Fajardo of Nevada avoid that?

Strengths

Fajardo is another one of those slightly shorter quarterbacks (6’1”) who make up their lack of inches with an ability to drive defense cuckoo with their legs. He not only has good straightline speed for a quarterback, but oftentimes he demonstrates the quickness and agility to shrug off pass rushers in order to keep plays alive. Very adept at running the read-option.

One of the overlooked aspects, I think, of his game is that Fajardo actually shows an acute ability to use his eyes to manipulate defenses. When protected he goes through his progressions to find the open man and also keeps his vision looking downfield even when the pass rush has flushed him from the pocket.

Taking from that strength, Fajardo also shows he doesn’t fear taking the hit in order to deliver the ball. There is an element of cool in his game, which is why he has proven quite adept at executing screen passes and also dumping the ball to his outlet quickly when it looks like the rush might get him.

Weaknesses

One of the first things that popped off the screen is Cody Fajardo may have a strong arm but it takes a rather awkward windup to get the velocity he wants. His throwing motion can be somewhat elongated and not very quick at time. This can often result in the ball coming out of his hand high, forcing his receivers to go up and get it, which in turn opens them up to a big hit.

That delivery also has an impact on his overall accuracy. Fajardo can deliver strikes at times, but his inconsistent mechanics and ball spin have lead to some issues with ball placement. Sometimes it’s too high. Sometimes it’s too low. Sometimes it’s behind the receiver. These are all things he won’t be able to get away with too often at the pro level.

Lastly, unlike his predecessor Colin Kaepernick, Fajardo doesn’t have much pure arm strength. He can go deep but oftentimes the ball hangs too much up in the air, which would allow seasoned safeties and corners to feast on him for interceptions. If he could add some more muscle to his frame that might improve, along with his mechanics but at this stage he’s strictly a dink-and-dunk quarterback who will take the occasional shot.

Draft Stock

Cody Fajardo should feel fortunate there are players like Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton making names in the league. Ten years ago there is no way he gets drafted. He’s short, thin and inconsistent in key areas. That being said, these new offenses sweeping the league will make him an intriguing mid to late round option because he has speed and has at least enough arm strength to make defenses honest.

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