Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Than Merrill (Yale) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #223 by TB

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Than Merrill (Yale) - 2001 NFL Draft

Position: Quarterback

College: Yale University

Overview

Than Merrill was a standout quarterback at Yale, known for his leadership skills and intelligence on the field. His performance in college garnered attention from NFL scouts, despite playing at a lower-profile Ivy League school.

Strengths

• Football IQ: Merrill exhibited a high level of understanding of the game, making quick decisions and reading defenses effectively.
• Leadership: He was highly regarded for his leadership qualities, both on and off the field, which made him a respected figure among teammates.
• Accuracy: Merrill displayed good accuracy on short to intermediate throws, allowing him to maintain a solid completion percentage.
• Work Ethic: His dedication to improving his skills and his commitment to the game were widely praised by coaches.

Weaknesses

• Arm Strength: While accurate, Merrill's arm strength was considered below average, raising concerns about his ability to make deep throws in the NFL.
• Level of Competition: Playing in the Ivy League, there were questions about how well his skills would translate to the more competitive environment of the NFL.
• Mobility: Merrill was not known for his mobility, which could limit his effectiveness in a league that increasingly values dual-threat quarterbacks.

Draft Projection

Than Merrill was projected to be selected in the later rounds of the 2001 NFL Draft, with some analysts suggesting he could be a valuable backup quarterback due to his intelligence and work ethic. However, concerns over his physical tools made it difficult to project him as a starting quarterback in the league.

Conclusion

Than Merrill was seen as a smart and capable quarterback with solid leadership skills, but questions regarding his physical abilities and competition level at Yale left doubt about his future in the NFL.