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Bailey Zappe NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Western Kentucky QB
HEIGHT: 6'0 1/2"
WEIGHT: 215
HAND: 9 3/4"
ARM: 31 3/8"
WINGSPAN: 6'2 3/4"
40-YARD DASH: 4.78
3-CONE: 7.19
SHUTTLE: 4.40
VERTICAL: 30"
BROAD: 9'1"
POSITIVES
— Very good accuracy. Can change arm angles to throw with touch.
— Shows a very good understanding of the concepts being run. Consistently operates on time and throws with anticipation. Has calm eyes and progresses.
— Very good accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Gets the ball out early and gives his receivers room to operate after the catch.
— Throws a very catchable deep ball. Gets it out early and throws with high loft.
— Tight and consistent footwork in the pocket. Stays balanced and ready to throw.
— Not an overwhelming athlete but a good thrower when on the move. Remains accurate out of structure.
— Very productive throughout his career.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average arm strength.
— Average height for the position.
2021 STATISTICS
14 G, 476-687 (69.3%), 5967 YDS (8.7 Y/A), 62 TD, 11 INT, 168.8 RATING, 51 ATT, 17 YDS, 3 TD
NOTES
— Transfer from Houston Baptist
— 2021 C-USA MVP
— 2021 First-team All-C-USA
— 2020 spring Southland co-OPOY
— Broke the FBS single-season records for passing touchdowns and passing yards.
OVERALL
Bailey Zappe has average height but a good build for the quarterback position. He isn't an overwhelming athlete and has below-average arm strength, but knows exactly what he is and maximizes what he has.
He consistently operates with very good timing and an understanding of the concepts being run. Zappe throws with anticipation (mostly out of necessity), getting the ball out well before his receivers break and giving them plenty of room to operate after catching the ball.
He has very good accuracy on short and intermediate throws and maintains his accuracy when he has to throw out of structure. While he doesn't have the arm strength to consistently drive the ball, he does throw a catchable deep ball by getting the throw out early and with loft. Zappe is more of an average athlete, but he is not a stiff. He plays with good footwork and balance from the pocket, enabling him to be in a constant throwing position.
Overall, Zappe's mental polish on a number of passing concepts combined with his pocket movement and anticipation on throws project him as a good back-up at the NFL level. His lack of size, arm strength and true athleticism limits his upside and viability to be an every-week starter. But his intelligence and timing would make him a nice addition for a quarterback room, and he could help get a team out of a game if an injury were to happen to their starter. However, those limitations would crop up with tighter windows and more athletic defenders at the NFL level if he had to see extended playing time.
GRADE: 6.8 (Potential Role Player - 4th Round)
OVERALL RANK: 126
POSITION RANK: QB7
PRO COMPARISON: Chase Daniel