2017 NFL Draft QB’s: Can Nathan Peterman be this years Dak Prescott?
By Josh Marion
How many times have you wondered, “Who is going to be this year’s Kirk Cousins or Dak Prescott?” I’m betting more often than not. While sleepers like Dak are a rare commodity, there is one prospect who could fill that role… Nathan Peterman.
The majority of the time I have seen Joshua Dobbs named as the major sleeper in this years draft class, but due to my pre-draft grade on Dobbs, I don’t believe he can step in year 1. There are two reasons as to why Peterman can be able to step in and excel in year one.
First, not just his experience in running the pro-style offense, but his excellent efficiency in the pro style offense. We hear so much about the struggle of adjusting to NFL systems… but for a good reason.
It is one of the biggest challenges in the transition from college football, to the NFL game. The second main reason as to why Nathan Peterman can come in and play well during his rookie year is his accuracy. He shows an innate ability to throw the ball with consistent accuracy, at any point on the football field. While Peterman’s arm strength isn’t up to par with some of the other top QB prospects this year, his pinpoint accuracy is far more dangerous in the right system.
While Peterman’s arm strength isn’t up to par with some of the other top QB prospects this year, his pinpoint accuracy is far more dangerous in the right system.
Career Statistics at Pitt
47:17 TD to INT
8.3 YPA
61% Completion
The reason as to why I focused on three categories of stats from Nathan Peterman’s career at Pitt, it shows his efficiency as a pro-style passer. While these stats aren’t going to blow anyone out of the water, they are a major factor in Peterman’s overall skill set. Peterman possesses NFL size, consistent accuracy on all levels of the field, as well as experience in a pro-style offense. In the game against Clemson during the 2016 campaign, Peterman was able to show off his late game ability while he led the Panthers to the upset.
Peterman possesses NFL size, consistent accuracy on all levels of the field, as well as experience in a pro-style offense. In the game against Clemson during the 2016 campaign, Peterman was able to show off his late game ability while he led the Panthers to the upset.
Los Angeles Chargers
Who better to learn from as a young, developing QB than Phillip Rivers and Ken Whisenhunt? The kid’s understanding of progressions in the offense would be extremely beneficial in this situation, due to the lack of a strong offensive line.
If Rivers were to go down at some point in the year, Peterman would be able to step in and fill the role with excellent efficiency.
New Orleans Saints
Similar to the previous situations above, Peterman would be able to benefit significantly from learning from some of the best in the business. Learning the nuances of the Sean Payton offense may take more time than other systems.
However, his extremely high football IG would make up for some of the learning difficulties.
It all goes back to Peterman’s primary skill set; high intangibles, consistent accuracy/anticipation in all three levels, and experience in a pro-style system.