NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia by Jody Jamieson 21/2/2009
Matthew Stafford is going to have a tough job on his hands. Right now I think it’s fairly certain he’s going to one of two teams. He’s either going to Detroit at #1 or Kansas City at #3. Wherever he ends up he’s going to be charged with the task of spearheading the revival of a fallen franchise which is a lot of pressure on a young signal caller. The smart money is on him going to Detroit and sitting behind Daunte Culpepper. It really wouldn’t surprise me however to see Stafford under center from the get go in September. Not to say that Culpepper can’t get it done anymore, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Lions give him the nod. The $64 million question is can Stafford turn around a franchise fresh off the back of the worst season in NFL history? The truth is Stafford can’t do it on his own and the Lions need to buck the trend of a life time and draft well around him and start the rebuilding of the Lions. They’ve drafted horrendously in recent years.
Stafford reminds me a lot of Donovan McNabb in terms of the way they play. Arm strength is similar, and their accuracy is fine, but they tend to have little spells of overthrowing receivers. Both have/had the speed to be a real weapon on the ground but use their legs only when it’s neccessary rather than shying away from being a passer. The only real difference I see is that Stafford will force throws into coverage while McNabb is a lot more conservative. Stafford will learn quickly that he can’t force the ball into tight coverage in the pros.
I am a little dissappointed that Stafford is not going to workout at the NFL Combine. I understand the money situation for these young prospects is tough to jeopardise but it casts a shadow over a prospect who won’t workout in front of the scouts incase they harm their stock. Obviously if you’re stated to go #1 overall, the only way is down, but Stafford is the best quarterback in this draft class and the combine would probably have solidified his position as the #1 pick. Nevertheless, I may see things differently if I was a quarterback prospect expecting to be the first pick in April.
What we like about Stafford
Good strong arm and and is accuarate. Throws one of the best deep balls I’ve seen in a while. Makes good quick reads. Has good speed but is smart enough not to rely on it and uses his legs as a last resort. Throws extremely well on the run. His overall footwork is very impressive and won’t need much coaching. Very confident and is a true leader in the huddle. Has a short memory and doesn’t allow any mistakes to eat away at him. Has had enough experience that being an underclassman isn’t a major concern. Georgia operate a pro style offense which will help his transition.
Question marks about Stafford
Pocket presence is a concern and needs to read the blitz quicker. If he is drafted to a team with a poor offensive line he may get “David Carr-ed” early on. When his throws are off they’re always high, which may get a receiver or two crushed in the air. Needs to accept the easy checkdown rather than putting his team in trouble taking the risky pass. Could do to throw the ball away when there’s nothing on rather than forcing it in.
Highlight of his college career
Stafford’s last game in college was an MVP performance in the Capital One Bowl over the Michigan State Spartans at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Stafford was 20/31 for 250 yards with 3 TD’s and 1 INT in a 24-12 victory.
Other snippets
John Matthew Stafford was born on February 7th 1988 and recently celebrated his 21st birthday. Majored in speech communication which may come in handy in the huddle! draftcountdown.com has Stafford as the #1 prospect in the Draft. Career Stats – 564/987 for 7,731 yards. 51 TD’s and 33 INT’s.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Stafford reminds me a lot of Donovan McNabb in terms of the way they play. Arm strength is similar, and their accuracy is fine, but they tend to have little spells of overthrowing receivers. Both have/had the speed to be a real weapon on the ground but use their legs only when it’s neccessary rather than shying away from being a passer. The only real difference I see is that Stafford will force throws into coverage while McNabb is a lot more conservative. Stafford will learn quickly that he can’t force the ball into tight coverage in the pros.
