Derek Carr
Height – 6 ‘3
Weight – 218
Tape Watched: USC (2013), Nevada (2013), Utah State (2013) and Oregon (2012)
My QB Big Board Rank – 5
Positives – Derek Carr has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. Carr has arguably the best zip o his ball in the entire 2014 draft class, this zip helps him fit balls into tight windows on all levels of the field. Carr possesses the ability to make all the NFL throws whether it is short, intermediate or deep. Carr impresses with his anticipation of his WR breaking off their routes and often has the ball out before the WR has begun to look for the ball, this is a testament to his knowledge of the game of football and his general feel for . Carr has more than functional mobility, he moves outside of the pocket very well and keeps his eyes down field and can throw on the run rolling out to the right with relative ease.
Negatives – Fresno State does not exactly play the best competition in the MWC and Carr beat up on the inferior competition. However, when he faced USC in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, Carr look flustered in all facets of his game as the speed of USC confused him. Carr needs to work on his progression, very often Carr makes one read before releasing the ball, some of that is due to their playing style but even outside of the quick passes, Carr will stare down a WR as he waits for the route to develop. Coming with Fresno State Carr played out of the shotgun and does not have experience in a traditional pro style offense. Along with working on his progression, Carr needs to work on his footwork, too often Carr is releasing the ball from his back foot or without opening up his hips or stepping into his throws. This prevents him to getting as much torque as possible on his throws. Derek Carr also seems to struggle heavily against the blitz, all of his footwork issues become compounded during the blitz often leaving him vulnerable in the pocket and often rushing his throws. Carr tends to miss on his deep ball (30 yards down field or more) often leaving balls over WR fingertips or 5 yards in front of them.
Summary – Derek Carr has a lot of the tools needed to be an NFL QB, a lot of his negatives can be fixed by simply working on his mechanics. Improved footwork will lead to Carr hitting the deep ball. Working on Carr with looking off defenders and not locking in on WR’s will improve Carr as well. Carr has all the physical tools and also has very good intangibles has he is a very strong leader and smart player. Carr would be better set to be drafted to a team with an established QB and allowed to develop for a few seasons. When I look at Carr’s whole package I see him as early 3rd round talent and if I was a GM I would not touch him until then. Carr did have a strong showing at the Senior Bowl raising his stock with scouts and due to the inflation of QB’s Carr will likely end up going in the 1st round and possibly top 10.
Draft Projection – Top 15 pick ( QB Inflation)
NFL Comparison – Jay Cutler
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