Quarterback Trey Lance scouting report, 2021 NFL Draft analysis

Final Analysis

Lance has a lot of strong NFL-traits that will make scouting departments intrigued by the young signal-caller in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance showed a level of skill and poise in 2019 few redshirt freshman quarterbacks ever show and it will be interesting to see how he develops in 2020. For the purposes of this scouting report, let’s break down the things he did well and the things that he will need to work on going forward.

One of the biggest things to consider when watching Lance is the help he has on the roster. Lance has been very fortunate so far to be on a team with a track record of success, both on the field and in recruitment. Because of these gifts, Lance had a lot of success in 2019 and looks to be a top prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft.

But it is important to remember that Lance had some of the best supporting cast in FCS football. His receivers regularly got yards after the catch, converting crossing routes into first downs because of their speed. His outside receivers regularly found separation from cornerbacks and put Lance in a position to succeed on vertical passes.

North Dakota’s offensive line was able to clear a path for Lance dozens of times on designed runs, giving him space and time to run for 1,183 yards during the season. On top of that, his offensive line kept him clean from pressure while passing, giving him time to find receivers downfield. He was sacked only 14 times all season, which is incredibly low for a quarterback who played all season. The level of support North Dakota gave him on the offensive line is impressive.

And potentially the most important support he had in 2019 was his coaching staff. The play-action plays and designed run plays put Lance is an incredible position to succeed. There is a reason North Dakota State continues to succeed year after year.

This is not to say Lance does not deserve credit for the success he found in 2019. But general managers should be wary of assuming his success with the Bison will translate to the NFL after the 2021 NFL Draft.

Lance showed the skills and production that NFL front offices should be looking for in a quarterback. He has great running abilities, is accurate downfield and can open up the field with his strong throwing arm. Lance can maneuver his way in and out of the pocket, finding targets on the move, while processing defenses incredibly well.

Another season of similar production would solidify Lance as a top quarterback prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. His top receivers last season, Phoenix Sproles (cousin of former Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles) and Christian Watson, will be juniors in 2020 and should give him a consistent passing unit in 2020. While the odds of Lance throwing zero interceptions in 2020 is unlikely, he will be in a good position to play for another FCS Championship this season.