Went to see if I could find a scorecard on JD and did not see anything worthy of review - took a shot at my own using the 10 Factors Grade. Thoughts from the crowd - do you see things differently than me? Forgive any lingo that is off / used some creative liberties along the way.
Accuracy Short – 6.5
Strong accuracy on squat routes and a comeback route but occasionally bailed out by great receivers on lead routes– lots of low balls. Occasionally struggles throwing a player to space – crossing, slant, wheel. Can be low to the flats causing deflections. Statistics suffered from several drops as well. Not sure if a chemistry issue with new receivers, velocity, or simply receiver focus..
Accuracy Outside the Pocket – 6
Some moments of greatness and some moments of frustration. Offensive coordinator does not appear to call for designed rolls often – perhaps concerned with impulse for QB to dismiss progressions and scramble. Chemistry with receivers could also impact this figure but QB mobility usually wins out.
Accuracy Deep - 3
As with some short passes, player was bailed out with great fortune or good timing on several longer passes. Players regularly having to come back to the ball or completed stop on a fly route. Far too often a player is stopping to wait for a ball with defenders approaching when a slightly better ball would lead to longer plays and more scores. Several back shoulder throws found teammates on the sideline rather than on the field. A few great throws on the year but the needle points the other way more often. Timidity is a major issue. Great QBs will trust their wide receiver to win 50/50 balls. Too often he would not throw, and, when thrown, would not throw a winnable ball. Seems very concerned about a turnover. Not a horrible things but there is a say - patience is a virtue but timidness will be the death of us all.
Arm Strength - 8
The QB can sling it but, as shown above, does it always go where it needs to.
Clutch – 7.5
QB faced a deficit in several games this year and did not bail. Outside of the Tennessee loss (strong stat line but some decisions cost), the other two losses had some form of comeback along with several wins. The throw for the 2 point conversation to defeat Alabama was fantastic. Some of his better play came when the scoreboard was not in his favor. The reverse to consider is why it took some time to get out of the chute.
Decision Making – 5
It is unknown how much audible / check allowances are given. Decision making on when to pull and let go on RPO is decent but not great. Really has to see a receiver open before releasing the ball. Several wide open receivers throughout the year that were not given a chance. Very reluctant to thrown down field – it seems he almost has to be directed to do so. Has really good vision when the middle of the field opens up a rushing lane and accelerates quickly once committed. Offensive line woes hindered rushing and throwing the first half of the season but they have played much better the second half so this is not a massive factor in this score. Better schemes from the OC would have led to a higher score so we bumped our original “4” to a “5”.
Mechanics - 6
Nothing woefully wrong with mechanics. Not a lot of lame ducks but the same pass can be 5 feet overhead, on the numbers, and at the cleats within a few minutes of each other – some accuracy but also mechanics. Fields a challenging snap cleanly. Holds on to the ball well when rushing. Slides are clean. Placement for RB exchange can get a little high making a tougher exchange. Gets a little erratic when the walls are closing in – critical fumbles behind the line of scrimmage when known contact was coming. Didn't see many toss / pitch plays this year. Seems to deliver well on sweeps.
Mobility – 8.5
Once in the open field, lookout against a traditional defense. When spied, as done the last couple of games in the season, rushing ability is somewhat negated. Some plays should go for 6 instead of 3. But when in full stride or turning the corner, many a DB have been left scratching their head. Sadly, score was dipped a half point as mobility is hindered by shallow safety / stacked box play due to lack of concern for a stretched field. An original 9 was reduced to an 8.5.
Pocket Presence - 4
As the season progressed, so did the O Line. Pockets were better forming and time until pressure increased. Sadly, the stats did not fully reflect the improvement of the supporting cast. A couple of games, QB had moxie back there. But others, fans were left hoping something good would happen.
Health – 6.5
Player played season without serious injury but defenders are different at the pro level and defenses are more talented and complicated – the blitz can come from anywhere. Players frame could use some bulk but at what expense to speed. Not major, but some durability concerns at the next level.
Weighted Score – 6.1
Bottom line - seems like a great kid. When that smile flashes on the screen, you can't help but route for him. Teammates seemed to warm up more throughout the year. Does not appear to possess traits that would negatively affect a locker room - seems to be just the opposite. Hoping talent and a smidge of confidence can rise to meet the personality.
2022 Draft Grade Comps:
#127 Rated QB Bailey Zappe from WKU (6.8) – drafted 137th (4)
#171 Rated QB E.J. Perry from Brown (6.4) - Undrafted
#173 Rated QB Kaleb Eleby, W Mich (6.4) – Undrafted
#201 Rated QB Jack Coan, Notre Dame (6.1) – Undrafted
Expectation if entered in draft in 2023 – late 5th to early 7th
A clear 5 to 6 QBs ranking ahead and then is part of the next 5-6. Would likely be the 8th to 10th QB off the board. Quality of competition in schedule is considered by scouts and he has seen several defenders that will dress on Sunday. If a well-rostered team has an extra pick in the mid-4th to early-5th, player could be drafted to executed on specific down and distance / red zone scenarios.
Possible improvement in draft in 2024
Could improve a couple of rounds with some areas of improvement. The Tigers are very familiar with transfer improvement. Some guy that transferred from Ohio State went from a projected 6th round pick to the number one pick in a span of 4 months. JD’s ceiling is lower but he could move into the 3rd. I expect an improved supporting cast to assist. A former 5-star QB is waiting in the wings so we’ll see how this plays out.
Accuracy Short – 6.5
Strong accuracy on squat routes and a comeback route but occasionally bailed out by great receivers on lead routes– lots of low balls. Occasionally struggles throwing a player to space – crossing, slant, wheel. Can be low to the flats causing deflections. Statistics suffered from several drops as well. Not sure if a chemistry issue with new receivers, velocity, or simply receiver focus..
Accuracy Outside the Pocket – 6
Some moments of greatness and some moments of frustration. Offensive coordinator does not appear to call for designed rolls often – perhaps concerned with impulse for QB to dismiss progressions and scramble. Chemistry with receivers could also impact this figure but QB mobility usually wins out.
Accuracy Deep - 3
As with some short passes, player was bailed out with great fortune or good timing on several longer passes. Players regularly having to come back to the ball or completed stop on a fly route. Far too often a player is stopping to wait for a ball with defenders approaching when a slightly better ball would lead to longer plays and more scores. Several back shoulder throws found teammates on the sideline rather than on the field. A few great throws on the year but the needle points the other way more often. Timidity is a major issue. Great QBs will trust their wide receiver to win 50/50 balls. Too often he would not throw, and, when thrown, would not throw a winnable ball. Seems very concerned about a turnover. Not a horrible things but there is a say - patience is a virtue but timidness will be the death of us all.
Arm Strength - 8
The QB can sling it but, as shown above, does it always go where it needs to.
Clutch – 7.5
QB faced a deficit in several games this year and did not bail. Outside of the Tennessee loss (strong stat line but some decisions cost), the other two losses had some form of comeback along with several wins. The throw for the 2 point conversation to defeat Alabama was fantastic. Some of his better play came when the scoreboard was not in his favor. The reverse to consider is why it took some time to get out of the chute.
Decision Making – 5
It is unknown how much audible / check allowances are given. Decision making on when to pull and let go on RPO is decent but not great. Really has to see a receiver open before releasing the ball. Several wide open receivers throughout the year that were not given a chance. Very reluctant to thrown down field – it seems he almost has to be directed to do so. Has really good vision when the middle of the field opens up a rushing lane and accelerates quickly once committed. Offensive line woes hindered rushing and throwing the first half of the season but they have played much better the second half so this is not a massive factor in this score. Better schemes from the OC would have led to a higher score so we bumped our original “4” to a “5”.
Mechanics - 6
Nothing woefully wrong with mechanics. Not a lot of lame ducks but the same pass can be 5 feet overhead, on the numbers, and at the cleats within a few minutes of each other – some accuracy but also mechanics. Fields a challenging snap cleanly. Holds on to the ball well when rushing. Slides are clean. Placement for RB exchange can get a little high making a tougher exchange. Gets a little erratic when the walls are closing in – critical fumbles behind the line of scrimmage when known contact was coming. Didn't see many toss / pitch plays this year. Seems to deliver well on sweeps.
Mobility – 8.5
Once in the open field, lookout against a traditional defense. When spied, as done the last couple of games in the season, rushing ability is somewhat negated. Some plays should go for 6 instead of 3. But when in full stride or turning the corner, many a DB have been left scratching their head. Sadly, score was dipped a half point as mobility is hindered by shallow safety / stacked box play due to lack of concern for a stretched field. An original 9 was reduced to an 8.5.
Pocket Presence - 4
As the season progressed, so did the O Line. Pockets were better forming and time until pressure increased. Sadly, the stats did not fully reflect the improvement of the supporting cast. A couple of games, QB had moxie back there. But others, fans were left hoping something good would happen.
Health – 6.5
Player played season without serious injury but defenders are different at the pro level and defenses are more talented and complicated – the blitz can come from anywhere. Players frame could use some bulk but at what expense to speed. Not major, but some durability concerns at the next level.
Weighted Score – 6.1
Bottom line - seems like a great kid. When that smile flashes on the screen, you can't help but route for him. Teammates seemed to warm up more throughout the year. Does not appear to possess traits that would negatively affect a locker room - seems to be just the opposite. Hoping talent and a smidge of confidence can rise to meet the personality.
2022 Draft Grade Comps:
#127 Rated QB Bailey Zappe from WKU (6.8) – drafted 137th (4)
#171 Rated QB E.J. Perry from Brown (6.4) - Undrafted
#173 Rated QB Kaleb Eleby, W Mich (6.4) – Undrafted
#201 Rated QB Jack Coan, Notre Dame (6.1) – Undrafted
Expectation if entered in draft in 2023 – late 5th to early 7th
A clear 5 to 6 QBs ranking ahead and then is part of the next 5-6. Would likely be the 8th to 10th QB off the board. Quality of competition in schedule is considered by scouts and he has seen several defenders that will dress on Sunday. If a well-rostered team has an extra pick in the mid-4th to early-5th, player could be drafted to executed on specific down and distance / red zone scenarios.
Possible improvement in draft in 2024
Could improve a couple of rounds with some areas of improvement. The Tigers are very familiar with transfer improvement. Some guy that transferred from Ohio State went from a projected 6th round pick to the number one pick in a span of 4 months. JD’s ceiling is lower but he could move into the 3rd. I expect an improved supporting cast to assist. A former 5-star QB is waiting in the wings so we’ll see how this plays out.
