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Zach Mettenberger (LSU) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #178 by TEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Zach Mettenberger - 2014 NFL Draft

Zach Mettenberger was a quarterback from Louisiana State University (LSU) who entered the 2014 NFL Draft with a mix of potential and concerns. Here’s a detailed analysis of his strengths and weaknesses leading up to the draft:

Strengths:

• Strong Arm: Mettenberger exhibited a powerful throwing arm, capable of making deep throws and fitting balls into tight windows.
• Pro-Style Offense Experience: He played in a pro-style offense at LSU, which helped him develop skills that translate well to the NFL.
• Size and Stature: Standing at 6'5" and weighing around 225 pounds, Mettenberger had the ideal size for an NFL quarterback, giving him a physical presence in the pocket.
• Improvement Over Time: Mettenberger showed significant improvement in his decision-making and accuracy during his final season, indicating a strong work ethic and ability to learn.
• Leadership Qualities: Coaches and teammates praised his leadership skills, which are vital for a quarterback at the professional level.

Weaknesses:

• Injury Concerns: A significant ACL injury during the 2013 season raised red flags about his durability and ability to stay healthy.
• Footwork Issues: Mettenberger's footwork was inconsistent at times, which could lead to inaccurate throws and struggles under pressure.
• Limited Mobility: While he had a strong arm, his lack of mobility and agility could be a disadvantage in a league that increasingly values dual-threat quarterbacks.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Though he improved, there were still instances of questionable decisions when facing a strong pass rush.

Overall Assessment:

Zach Mettenberger was seen as a project quarterback with the potential to develop into a starter in the NFL. His strong arm and experience in a pro-style system made him an intriguing prospect, but concerns about his injury history and mobility left some teams cautious. He was likely to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft, depending on how teams valued his upside against the associated risks.