Fansided
Fansided

Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky: 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Joshua Marion

Dec 18, 2021; Boca Raton, Florida, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) runs off the field with the ball that was thrown to break the FBS all time single season touchdown record during the second half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the 2021 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2021; Boca Raton, Florida, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) runs off the field with the ball that was thrown to break the FBS all time single season touchdown record during the second half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the 2021 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Bailey Zappe’s Senior season proved to be one of the most prolific CFB has ever seen, throwing for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns. How does he stack up with other 2022 NFL Draft quarterbacks?

The story of Bailey Zappe is one of true grit and determination. It is unlike any I have seen in recent memory covering the NFL Draft process. A three-year starter at Houston Baptist, an FCS program within the Southland Conference, Zappe compiled 8,466 passing yards and 74 total touchdowns. After his 2020 season was cut short, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he entered the transfer portal, ultimately ending up at Western Kentucky. Following his Houston Baptist OC (2018-2020), Zach Kittley. Kittley now the OC at Texas Tech, under Joey McGuire.

The rest, is history. Quite literally. During his Senior campaign, Zappe went on to break the FBS records for passing yards and passing touchdowns in a single season. Both records former number one overall pick, Joe Burrow, previously held.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Bailey Zappe Western Kentucky/Houston Baptist 6’1 210lb. 22yrs 

                   Comp./Att.           Comp. %        Passing Yards      TD/INT

2018 –        252/436               57.8                   2,822                 23/13

2019 –        357/560               63.8                   3,811                 35/15

2020 –        141/215               65.6                   1,833                 15/1

2021 –         475/686              69.2                   5,967                 62/11

Now, Zappe heads to Mobile for the Senior Bowl, to further raise his already sky rocketing draft stock. If Senior Bowl week goes as well as it can for Zappe, he could be a name to watch on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Positives

There is no question, Bailey Zappe possessed an elite understanding of the Zach Kittley offense during his lone season at Western Kentucky. Throughout the entirety of the 2021 season, Zappe showed the ability to quickly maneuver through his reads and make a decisive decision with the football. Watching Zappe, he proves to be a quick twitch player, making multiple improvisational, off-platform throws each game. While he may not possess elite down the field speed, he does have the ability to extend a play outside of the pocket and make an accurate throw on a consistent basis.

While Zappe may lack certain physical traits, there was certain improvement, in all aspects of his game, each year throughout his collegiate career at both Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky. Zappe is an incredibly smart player, as he processes what’s happening on the field as quick as any quarterback in this 2022 QB class. Once the decision is made, he gets the ball out of his hand quickly and accurately in nearly all areas of the field, excelling within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage on short and intermediate throws. He shows the ability to throw with anticipation on a consistent basis, fitting the ball into tight windows.

Negatives

Zappe consistently lacked the ability to push/drive the ball down the field, especially outside of the numbers. The Western Kentucky signal caller doesn’t posses any elite physical tools, and has above-average arm strength as a draft prospect, which results in genuine concerns as to whether or not Zappe can consistently make every throw on the field as an NFL passer.

The 22 year old QB doesn’t show any signs of elite athletic traits, and has a slightly below-average NFL build. Playing at Houston Baptist for 3 seasons at the FCS level, and then 1 season at Western Kentucky, there is a potential delay on Zappe’s ability to play early in his NFL career. Expect a learning curve, and a delay in adjusting to the speed of the NFL game early.

Summary

Zappe shows an impressive understanding of the offense he is in, and possesses an impressive instinctual ability to escape pressure and make a plays. Aside from the inconsistencies on deep balls, Zappe shows consistent accuracy in all other areas of the field. Within 30 yards of the LOS, Zappe is as accurate as any of the other QB prospects in this class. While he projects as a 4th-5th round prospect currently, expect Zappe’s stock to rise in Mobile and throughout the entirety of the 2022 NFL Draft process.

Score

  • 4th-6th round projection
    • 6.7/10

Best Fits

  • Arizona Cardinals
  • New Orleans Saints
  • Dallas Cowboys
Home/NFL Draft