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Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Henry Payne

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nathan Peterman may be the most pro-ready QB in this class. It’s incredibly unlikely he’s selected in the first round, but he should hear his name called on day two…

Peterman started all 13 games this season and 11 last season after coming over from Tennessee as a graduate student. He led the ACC in pass efficiency (163.4) in 2016 and was at the helm of the highest scoring offense in Pitt history (40.92 points/game; 532 total).

Strengths

Played in a pro-style offense and is accustomed to being under center, which cannot be said for a lot of the top quarterbacks in this class. He showed command at the line of scrimmage, goes through his progressions quickly and throws with anticipation.

Textbook footwork and technique, his ball placement on both short and intermediate passes is very good. Has the athletic ability to throw accurately on the run and pick up first downs with his legs when plays break down. Stays poised within the pocket and is willing to put his body on the line for the cause, as evidenced in Pitt’s victory against Clemson.

Weaknesses

While his technique, on the whole, is very good, Peterman’s feet get a little antsy in the face of pressure and that has a direct effect on his arm strength, which is mediocre at best as of now. Peterman will struggle to make some of the throws he did in college at the next level. These technical deficiencies will also lead to him sailing some throws. While the stats will say that his deep accuracy is very good (46.2%), his placement on deeper throws is not on par with his placement on short and intermediate throws.

Next: Brady Gustafson, QB, Montana: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Projection: Round 2-3

While no quarterback in this class is worthy of a ‘franchise quarterback’ label, the value of quarterbacks is so high that it elevates their status. Nathan Peterman is not flashy by any means but he could immediately step in as an NFL backup and possibly develop into a solid starter if he can improve his arm strength and some technical issues.

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