Vernon Adams Jr., QB, Oregon: 2016 NFL Scouting Report

In 2014, Heisman winning quarterback Marcus Mariota had a stellar season that saw him lead the Oregon Ducks to a 13-2 record and a spot at the National Championship game before being selected #2 overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft. For any quarterback tasked with filling those shoes in the 2015, where expectations would be high, was going to be difficult. However, this mantle fell on Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams Jr.. Behind Adams, the Ducks would go 3-3 over their first six games, including a devastating loss to the Utah Utes 62-20. Nevertheless, after missing two games due to injury, Vernon Adams and the Ducks stormed back to win each of their remaining games including impressive victories over Arizona St., Stanford, and USC. Against Arizona St. Adams threw for 315 yards and four touchdowns and against USC he went 20-25 for 407 yards and six touchdowns. Impressive performances put him on the map and stormed Oregon back from a poor start. Despite a disappointing triple-overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo bowl, Adams completed a tremendous season. However, one question arises… Can he be a starting quarterback in the NFL and will his talents translate?

Measurables

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 197 lbs

Year: Senior

Strengths

While not overly athletic, Adams shows good feet quickness to escape the pocket when collapsing and has the speed and confidence to break for a run if passing options aren’t available. Is a good decision-maker who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. Doesn’t have the strongest arm, but is capable of making throws at all levels. Does a good job of extending plays. High production at Oregon, especially considering he transferred from FCS school Eastern Washington and this was his first season in this type of scheme. Did a tremendous job at the East-West Shrine Game, being seen as the top performer after going 6-9 for 191 yards and three touchdowns. Definitely shows a competitive spirit. Adams had a great game against Oregon State, going 28-38 for 366 yards and three touchdowns. Below is an example of his ability to extend a play as pressure begins to seep throw, makes his reads, and rather than dump it off to the RB, see’s an opening in the middle of the field for a nice completion.

The video below shows highlights of his performance against Oregon State, where he went 28-38 for 366 yards and three touchdowns. While the stats show impressive production, and indeed he had some nice plays, there were also some missed throws that should’ve been easy targets.

Weaknesses

Will be widely considered undersized for the position, lacking the height and weight of most quarterbacks at this level. Small quarterbacks need some distinguishing feature to help scouts overlook their size (i.e. Russell Wilsons athleticism, Drew Bree’s arm strength/accuracy), but Adams doesn’t seem to possess anything comparable. Relies too much on the big play, rather than going through his progressions and making plays at all levels. Lacks the anticipation to lead his receivers, often waiting for someone to get wide open. Waits too long for play to develop, forcing his offensive line to pro. Needs to improve accuracy. Has a long release that, at times, gets him into trouble.

Final Thoughts

Vernon Adams is a competitor and showed his ability to adapt after transferring from Eastern Washington and still producing at a high level at one of the top programs in the country. However, his lack of size, anticipation, and accuracy could potentially see him go undrafted. His showing at the Shrine Game proved he could develop, which likely means a team will bring him in to compete at game. If he shows he can go through his progressions, make accurate throws, and quicken his release, he may find himself on an NFL roster going into the 2016 season.

Round Projection: 7th Round – UFA