Trace McSorley (Penn St.) - 2019 NFL Draft Pick #197 by BAL
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Trace McSorley - 2019 NFL Draft
Trace McSorley, the standout quarterback from Penn State, entered the 2019 NFL Draft with a mix of accolades, skills, and questions surrounding his transition to the professional level. Here’s a breakdown of his pre-draft analysis:
- College Career:
- McSorley had a successful tenure at Penn State, leading the Nittany Lions to significant victories and showcasing his leadership qualities.
- He finished his college career with impressive statistics, including over 9,000 passing yards and 77 touchdown passes.
- His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs made him a dual-threat quarterback.
- Strengths:
- Leadership: McSorley was known for his fierce competitiveness and ability to rally his teammates.
- Mobility: He possessed good athleticism, allowing him to escape pressure and extend plays.
- Experience: With multiple seasons as a starter, he had valuable game experience against tough competition.
- Work Ethic: Coaches praised his dedication to improving his craft and preparing for games.
- Weaknesses:
- Size: At 6'0" and around 200 pounds, concerns arose about his physical stature in comparison to traditional NFL quarterbacks.
- Consistency: While he had standout performances, there were games where his accuracy and decision-making were questioned.
- Arm Strength: Scouts noted that while he had a decent arm, he may lack the elite arm strength that some teams prefer in a starting quarterback.
- Projection:
- McSorley was projected as a late-round pick or potential undrafted free agent.
- Some analysts believed he could find success as a backup quarterback or a practice squad player, with the potential to develop into a starter in the right system.
Trace McSorley was viewed as a gritty competitor with a strong college resume but faced significant challenges in proving he could translate his skills to the NFL level.