2017 NFL Draft Prospect Preview: Josh Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

When you look at the quarterback landscape of the NFL, it is evident that an epidemic is looming. A quarterback epidemic that will lead to a shortage of quality NFL starters. When you examine quarterback situations around the NFL, eight teams have starters who are over the age of 34. Six of those players are over 36. That’s about a quarter of the NFL that will be looking for quality starting quarterbacks to carry their franchises.

Not to mention teams such as the Jets, Browns and Bills whose quarterback situations are in constant flux.

With that expected shortage on the way, teams will be looking for competent starters going forward

While you may not consider him to be a top-tier prospect in 2017, Josh Dobbs from Tennessee is certainly a name to look towards.

After getting limited appearances his first two years for the Volunteers, Dobbs finally took over the reigns of the program. In 13 games he threw for nearly 2,300 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also ran for an additional 671 yards and 11 touchdowns. His ability to escape the pocket is what makes him such an intriguing prospect looking towards this upcoming season.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at what Dobbs needs to improve if he wants to hear the Commissioner call his name in 2017.

Foot Work

Josh Dobb’s footwork is all over the place, which is not unusual for a college quarterback. Regardless, he should be spending the entire summer getting into a rhythm and finding consistency with his feet.

Working Under Pressure

Dobb’s fails to perform when pressured. He will make poor decisions with the ball or simply make an errant throw.

Working From Under Center

Like most college offenses these days, Dobbs purely works from the shotgun. NFL coaches will have to develop him extensively to get him ready for NFL systems.

Accuracy Inconsistencies 

Many of this may come back to Dobbs perfecting his footwork. At times his ball placement can be pin-point, while other times he throws either too high or low. When throwing to the flat (which he does often), the receiver practically picks the ball off the ground on the majority of those throws.

Now enough with the negatives, lets look at the strong sides of Josh Dobbs as a quarterback.

Athleticism

Josh Dobbs is extremely athletic, especially when it comes to being a ball carrier. He rolls well outside of the pocket and can take off and allude defenders.

Eyes

Dobbs always keeps his eyes down field, even when he is running. This allows him to find open receivers when the play breaks down and continue the drive.

Protection

He knows how to protect himself when needed. Even better, he knows how to properly slide. As a dual-threat quarterback, the ability to slide properly will save him games in the long run.

Next: Top 10 General Managers of All Time

Josh Dobbs is far from a polished product at Tennessee. I will be looking this season to see if he improved his footwork and if his short range inconsistencies have developed as well.

If Cody Kessler and Cardale Jones can be mid-round picks, there is no reason Josh Dobbs can not be at least the same in 2017.