RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.