Cody Kessler May Be The Sleeper Of 2016 NFL Draft

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) catches a ball before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the natural thing for scouts and coaches when they look at a quarterback prospect to go straight to his physical traits, namely his size. So before doing that, stop for a second and review these numbers.

2013: 2,968 yards passing, 20 TDs, 7 INTs, 65.4% completions
2014: 3,826 yards passing, 39 TDs, 5 INTs, 69.7% completions

Next, understand that these stats come from a pro-style offense at USC in the powerhouse Pac-12 conference. Here is his latest scouting report from CBS Sports.

"“Put up big numbers in coach Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense, which calls for a variety of downfield throws, including NFL staples like quick slants, deep posts and outs and wheel routes. Very accurate arm, especially as a senior, with good ball placement extended to touch passes.Shows great anticipation, firing passes before receivers break into their routes, along with good pocket awareness. Displays confidence to step up and deliver in the face of the pass rush while keeping his eyes downfield. Functional mobility in the pocket.”"

After hearing all of that, is learning that Cody Kessler is 6’1″ in height and 210 lbs really that much of a buzz-kill? Already some are concerned that he’s just another Mark Sanchez, a kid with ability but can’t overcome his size limitations to truly succeed. One must remember that Sanchez went to two-straight AFC championships and helped Philadelphia go 10-6 last season. On top of that he had his college success under Pete Carroll for some great Trojan teams.

Kessler is doing what he’s done despite having four different head coaches in a two-year span from Lane Kiffin to Ed Orgeron to Clay Helton and now Steve Sarkisian. It’s no wonder he hasn’t gotten more attention for his accomplishments. People are too focused on the carnival USC has become since Carroll left.

There have been plenty of quarterbacks in NFL history who haven’t fit that desired 6’5″, 230 lbs mold of a Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger. That doesn’t mean their lack of height has stopped them.

Drew Brees = 6’0″
Russell Wilson = 5’11”
Michael Vick = 6’0″
Steve Young = 6’0″
Fran Tarkenton = 6’0″

They are living proof that there is always a way around the height issue. Kessler has the tools to run a pro offense against pro talent and excel. That is why he could become the steal of the 2016 NFL draft.

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL Draft