2020 NFL Draft: Colorado QB Steven Montez scouting report
By Ian Higgins
Mental Evaluation
Being at Colorado for four years and playing substantially for three of those years, Montez is expected to be mentally polished and have a good understanding of the game from his position. With this time, Montez has had the reps to develop an instinctual feel for the game that helps him every snap.
One of Montez’s bright spots is his ability to extend the play and find open receivers over an extended period of time. Outside of his athleticism, Montez uses a great feel for the pocket to escape to open areas and create time. He understands the leverage of his blockers against the pass-rush and can flush out to either side as well as rush up the middle to create plays instead of succumbing to the pressure.
When he does roll out, Montez is more focused on delivering the ball to an open receiver instead of running like many of today’s young quarterbacks and creates bigger gains on broken plays than many others.
When looking downfield, Montez is a responsible passer and progresses well between his reads. On the game tape, it is noticeable that Montez is turning his head from receiver to receiver in the development of the play, moving from his first to second to even third read. Many college quarterbacks lack the development to move so well between reads, but Montez has shown his polish.
Montez is a player who does not force the ball downfield. Many young quarterbacks look to break the defense on a single snap, but Montez is more than happy to put together a long drive of short completions built on yards-after-catch.
One struggle that Montez has had mentally is his reliance on the short check down in the middle of the field to short curls and crossers. These are easy to punish for defenders and have almost resulted in numerous easy interceptions with probable returns.