Carson Wentz’s introduction to the NFL went about as well as the North Dakota State quarterback could have hoped.
Wentz dazzled Thursday at North Dakota State’s pro day, according to multiple reports, and there’s now increased talk that the 23-year-old could be the first quarterback taken in next month’s NFL Draft. His performance was so impressive, in fact, that NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock compared him to Cam Newton and Andrew Luck in terms of athleticism. That’s saying something.
Such a comparison might seem like a stretch, but as CBS Sports’ Will Brinson points out, Wentz’s measurables actually stack up favorably with those posted by Newton and Luck before they were drafted first overall in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Plus, the three are similar in size.
Consider each one’s pre-draft numbers, per Brinson:
Newton (6-foot-5, 248 pounds): Ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and posted a 35-inch vertical and 126-inch broad jump.
Luck (6-foot-4, 234 pounds): Ran a 4.67 40-yard dash and posted a 36-inch vertical and 124-inch broad jump.
Wentz (6-foot-5, 237 pounds): Ran a 4.77 40-yard dash and posted a 30.5-inch vertical and 118-inch broad jump.
Wentz completed 62 of 65 passes during Thursday’s scripted workout at the Fargodome. Several of his throws were impressive, but none compared to the roughly 60-yard bomb he delivered perfectly to a receiver on the run.
Simply put, it was an NFL throw, which makes sense, because much of what Wentz did Thursday suggests he’s ready to perform at the next level despite spending his college career with an FCS program.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
