Editor’s note: NESN.com will profile intriguing prospects in the days leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft. Next up: Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott, quarterback, Mississippi State
6-foot-2, 226 pounds
Projected round: Fourth to fifth
2015 stats: 316 of 477 passing, 66.2 completion percentage, 3,793 yards, 29 touchdowns, five interceptions; 160 carries, 588 yards, 10 touchdowns
Testing numbers: 4.79-second 40-yard dash, 1.66-second 10-yard split, 32.5-inch vertical jump, 9-foot, 8-inch broad jump, 4.32-second short shuttle, 7.11-second three-cone drill
Strengths: Prescott has NFL size and build, and he completed 22 of 54 deep passes for 864 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions with five drops, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s ranked as the best quarterback running threat in the draft by Pro Football Focus. NFL.com praised his delivery, writing Prescott throws with “very little windup and gets ball out with the flick of a wrist.”
Weaknesses: Prescott was arrested last month and charged with driving under the influence, which is a major red flag. He “throws to target rather than leading or throwing them open on short/intermediate throws,” NFL.com wrote. Prescott “must improve his mechanics, poise and quickness through his progressions,” according to NFL.com. He has upside based on his size, athleticism and arm strength but would benefit from serving as a backup early in his career.
Patriots fit: Prescott fits the Patriots’ typical standards in hand size, 40 time, 10-yard split, vertical leap and broad jump. They have taken athletic quarterbacks in the past, like Kevin O’Connell and Zac Robinson, but Prescott likely will be selected too high for New England.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
