2019 NFL Draft: Ryan Finley has a lot of Joe Flacco in him

Ryan Finley is hailed as one of the best quarterbacks in the 2019 NFL draft class. Does he live up to that billing? Here’s his scouting report.

Position: QB

School: N.C. State

Year: Senior

Height: 6’3

Weight: 208 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• Probably the best pro-style quarterback in the class. Keen understanding of advanced pro concepts from playing under center to play action and footwork.
• A willingness to stand in the pocket and go through his progressions, not letting the threat of the pass rush deter him until the last possible second
• Arm strength is solid. He won’t throw the ball through guys but he puts enough zip on it to reach any level of the field before defenses have a chance to cut it off.
• Accuracy shines due to his tight, compact throwing motion. Shows an ability to fit the ball into tight windows, particularly in the red zone.

This is everything NFL coaches love to see from a young quarterback. Finley stands tall in the pocket, keeping the ball high and tight to avoid a strip sack. He doesn’t panic, goes through his progressions and then cuts it loose down the field over two defenders to his receiver right in stride. That’s a picture perfect piece of execution.

• While not a runner by trade, he moves fairly well. At least enough to escape pressure and is actually quite an effective thrower on the run.
• Unfazed by pressure. Shows a knack both for feeling the pressure to either escape or get the ball out while also unloading accurate passes even in the midst of getting hit.
• Doesn’t turn the ball over. Though he has the occasional dangerous throw, he’s mindful of never putting it in harms way too often.

WEAKNESSES:

• Can get a little reckless with his decision-making at times. Doesn’t show a lot of improvisational skill. Tends to run the play called, even if it might be the wrong one.
• There are plenty of times he’d be better served to throw the ball away. Often either just runs out of bounds or throws it up for grabs, leading to huge risks of injury or interception.
• Though accurate, his ball placement can sometimes put his receivers at risk for big hits. This filters into the issues with the decision-making and lack of improvisation. 
• The deep ball is not the best. While he’s got decent arm strength he tends to underthrow his receivers whenever he does decide to cut it loose.
• He’ll likely never be a prolific quarterback. Has too much of a game manager feel to him. Will protect the ball but doesn’t seem like the type who can truly elevate an offense.

Pro Comparison:  Joe Flacco

Watch Finley on tape, the way he throws and the way he runs. It will be hard not to get visions of the Ravens longtime starter. There are some differences. Flacco is bigger while Finley is more mobile. However, their compact throwing motions, precise accuracy from the pocket, and game-managing style are right in line with each other. Finley may never be a star, but like Flacco, he can have a long and productive NFL career.

Projection:  1st-2nd round

This entirely depends on whether an NFL team can be sold on what he brings to the table. Do they want a strong-armed stat machine? If so, they should look elsewhere. Do they want a smart, efficient player who can have good games in the right environment and will protect the ball? He’s their guy. Flacco went in the 1st round in 2008 but Finley could just as easily fall to the 2nd. It all depends on how the board plays out.