Haener film looks better than Young.
Arm strength is not the most important attribute of a good QB. While it's probably in the top 10, I think accuracy is in the top 2.
agree with this statement. i'd prefer the complete package, but we seldom see those prospects....seems like every prospect has a "fatal flaw", as evidenced by the failure rate of early round QBs. I'll give later round QBs a pass, as they had flaws that dropped them into those later rounds; but were identified as having "potential" to overcome those flaws. Early round QBs are early rounders because you believe they WILL develop into successful starting QBs in the league.
I think everyone is looking for the same things in a QB, but probably rank the criteria differently. My opinion doesn't mean squat in the NFL, but here's what I want to see in a QB prospect, in the order of importance:
- the mental acumen to "read" a defense and process information QUICKLY...."on the fly"; knowing how the defense is LIKELY to react is a very valuable advantage to be exploited; if the D is in a perfect situation to neutralize the play called in the huddle, an audible into a more advantageous play that flips the script back into the offense's favor is perhaps the most important skill any QB can possess
- accuracy. who cares if the QB can throw the ball 75 yards in the air if he misses the receiver, or the receiver simply can't catch it. I'd rather have a guy who is limited on arm strength (no cannon required) but consistently flirts with a 65%-70% completion ratio, than a big-armed QB who is challenged to achieve a 60% ratio.
- leadership. it probably goes without saying that if a QB is worthy of being drafted into the NFL, they have leadership qualities. but I'm looking for a guy who has elevated the play of the other positions around him. other players are being noticed for their play because the QB is putting THEM into a position to succeed. and when that happens, those players BELIEVE in their QB and will go to greater lengths to support him. we often hear of a "lack of supporting cast" around a QB, and maybe that is true. but you can only play with the guys you've got on the roster. speculating what could've been with better players is just an exercise of speculation. a rising tide lifts all boats. when I refer to leadership, i'm referring to a "rising tide."
- mobility. i want a guy who is mobile enough to scramble out of danger when the pocket is breaking down, extending the play long enough for one of his guys to have a chance at making a play. but not so mobile, and GOOD, at scrambling that his over-riding instinct is to take off and run at the first sign of trouble down the field.
- room for "growth." as far as can be determined, he hasn't peaked yet. he's demonstrated "growth" in his game...increased abilities in the above mentioned characteristics, perhaps indicating that he hasn't already "maxed out" his potential. i'm not interested in a guy who views being drafted into the NFL as having "made it" and is satiated with the achievement. i want the guy who views being drafted as "taking the next step" towards his career goals. if he has a chip on his shoulder, and maybe has leanings towards retribution for perceived disrespect by others, even better...
I think Haener has all of this, so I like the selection. My biggest concerns are his diminutive size (could be an issue of durabilty against bigger, faster, and stronger NFL players) and his "room for growth." If he's already maxed out, we're probably looking at a solid career for a journeyman backup QB. If he still has room for growth (other than physical tools), that reduces his issues of concern to his size; and we are seeing a wave of QBs in the NFL (DB9, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Bryce Young are just some of the "top" small players) that are indicating that size isn't as big of a deal as it used to be.
I have no idea what Haener WILL be in this league, but I like the make-up and I like his chances. I'm interested to find out what he can do with his opportunity!