FanPost

DinoIrish's Prospect Power Breakdown - Jimmy Garoppolo

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This is part one of a series of an undetermined number of "Power Breakdowns" of 2014 NFL Draft Prospects that could possibly suit up in the Silver and Black this season. These breakdowns are going to consist of accolades, stats, strengths, weaknesses, and notes. Each one will also include a link to a highlight video. Here we go.


JIMMY GAROPPOLO - QUARTERBACK - EASTERN ILLINOIS

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ACCOLADES

- OVC All-Newcomer Team (2010)
- All-OVC 2nd Team (2012)
- All- OVC 1st Team (2013)
- OVC Offensive Player of the Year (2013)
- CFPA National FCS Quarterback of the Year (2013)
- Walter Payton Award (2013)

STATS

Year Team G Cmp Att Comp % Yds Yd/A TDs Int Sacked Yds
2010 EastIl 8 124 211 58.8 1639 7.8 14 13 18 125
2011 EastIl 11 217 349 62.2 2644 7.6 20 14 28 168
2012 EastIl 12 331 540 61.3 3823 7.1 31 15 29 179
2013 EastIl 14 375 568 66.0 5050 8.9 53 9 19 118
Career 45 1047 1668 62.8 13156 7.9 118 51 94 590

COMBINE RESULTS
40 YD 20 YD 10 YD 225 BENCH VERTICAL JUMP BROAD SHUTTLE 3-CONE DRILL
4.97 - - - 30 1/2 9'2" 4.26

7.04

STRENGTHS

Good height, body type, and hand size. Above average arm strength with a quick snap release. He comes from an offense that is very pass heavy. Great passing vision and the ability to scan the field and deliver quickly and naturally. He's a smart guy that has the ability to digest a playbook and execute an offense well. Quick intellectual process on the football field. Fantastic timing with no unnecessary movements and good pace in his set-up. Quick feet and excellent footwork. Very good touch and placement. His accuracy improved throughout his college career to all levels of the field. Level-headed, great leadership qualities. Elite career as a four-year starter at the FCS level.

WEAKNESSES

Lacks the elite velocity that scouts look for in an NFL quarterback. Needs to continue to develop his game when he's under pressure. Has a bad habit of forcing throws, particularly into small windows. Has an awkward, almost sidearm throwing motion with a low release point. Has trouble stepping into throw. Holds onto the ball too long and at times gets "happy feet" which causes him to take unnecessary hits. Needs more experience in a pro style offense. Most of his experience is in a spread shotgun.

NOTES

The "experts" are comparing him to Tony Romo but I think a lot of that is because they're from the same school. I think sitting and developing behind a seasoned veteran is exactly what he needs. So many times while watching tape on him I found myself saying "That pass would have been intercepted in the NFL". He's a smart kid with a lot of drive and will do what it takes to succeed in the NFL. He's got a tremendous work ethic and is willing to put in the time and work. He doesn't have the biggest arm and he's not the tallest guy coming out of the draft but he understand offenses, has great vision, and puts a nice touch on the ball. I could see him going as high as the first round but he won't be on the board any later than the mid third. I wouldn't be disappointed in the slightest if Reggie took a flier on him in the 3rd round or possibly in the 2nd if we do in fact trade back and acquire more picks.