Antonio Pipkin, QB, Tiffin: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Henry Payne
Antonio Pipkin had quite the career at Division II Tiffin University in Ohio. He became only the third player in NCAA history to throw for at least 10,000 career yards and rush for at least 2,000.
Pipkin, a Gary, Indiana native also had the honor of becoming only the third Divison II QB to receive an invite to the Senior Bowl. In spite of this, he was not invited to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Strengths
Antonio Pipkin has above average arm talent and incredible athletic ability. A pass-first quarterback, he showed command of his offense, trust in his wide receivers and the ability to make most NFL throws on tape.
Pipkin is willing to take the easy yards underneath but was also willing to throw into tight windows. He showcased maturity and experience when throwing the ball away and pump-faking corners. Prepared to step up in the pocket, go through his progressions and make throws downfield. Possesses a quick release and is able to sense pressure, spin out of the pocket, keep his eyes up and make a throw.
When running the ball, Pipkin is prepared to fight for hard yards up the middle on designed runs. Besides that, he’s elusive in the open field and can make a defender miss. He also has the smarts to run out-of-bounds whenever possible.
Antonio Pipkin had two plays that left me particularly impressed. Both were against Ferris State in 2014, when Pipkin was just a sophomore;
(3:26) = On this play, Pipkin scans the field from left to right but senses pressure from his right side. He escapes the rush, keeps his eyes downfield, resets and throws a strike to an open receiver downfield.
(17:20) = Here, Pipkin scans from right to left, steps up in the pocket, sees his receiver coming open across the field from his left, and throws him open by throwing it over the linebacker. He also throws the ball with enough velocity to ensure the safety won’t make a play on the ball.
Weaknesses
The Division II competition is an obvious blemish on his resume but you can only play who’s in front of you. You would also like for Pipkin to be a little taller, as he measured “a hair under 6-foot-1” in Mobile according to Pro Football Weekly. Inconsistent accuracy underneath, overtop and whilst throwing on the run which could be attributed to his fretful footwork.
In certain situations, he threw to his check down too early and didn’t allow the play to fully develop. He could also throw with better anticipation and you’d like to see more deep sideline throws. There were also occasions against Hillsdale in 2015, where he threw dangerous, unnecessary passes which put possession at risk.
When escaping the pocket, even though there are instances when Pipkin keeps his eyes downfield, there are times when his eyes drop and he misses a receiver pulling open late. Pipkin has a tendency to stare down receivers, especially over the middle of the field. It led to an interception against Ferris State in 2014 and would undoubtedly have a similar ending in the NFL.
Next: Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Projection: Round 6-7
A perfect late-round project, Antonio Pipkin has all the tools to develop into a competent starting NFL quarterback. He’s currently working with renowned QB guru and Tiffin alum George Whitfield to clean up inconsistencies in his game. Inconsistency is Pipkin’s biggest issue. There are times when he doesn’t throw with anticipation, and there are times when he does. There are times when he stares down his intended receiver, and times when he does not (Ferris St, 2014; 12:00).
Inconsistency is Pipkin’s biggest issue. There are times when he doesn’t throw with anticipation, and there are times when he does. There are times when he stares down his intended receiver, and times when he does not (Ferris St, 2014; 12:00). If Pipkin can become more consistent, I am of the opinion that one NFL team will have a real gem on their hands.