2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down Arizona QB Nick Foles

Arizona quarterback Nick Foles has the potential to be a player that has a lot of potential in the 2012 NFL draft.

Are you following me there?

He has the raw size and ability to eventually develop into a very good NFL quarterback. There's no disputing his size, at 6'5'', 240 pounds, and he does have raw talent and power, which makes him a very interesting quarterback prospect.

The question is, can he put all of that potential, size and the skills he does have together to prove to an NFL team that he's worth the risk?

Using the scouting system utilized by Bleacher Report's NFL Draft lead writer Matt Miller, let's break down Foles and see what he's bringing to the table:

Note: All scores are out of a possible ten.

Arm Strength: 8.7

The biggest asset that Foles brings to the table is a big frame and a big arm. 

He throws a very tight spiral most of the time, and can make just about any throw you ask him to. Anything short and over the middle is a dart, and he throws a very quick out route and curl.

His most impressive throw is his deep ball, though, as he can really heave it. He puts good arc on it, and usually puts the receiver in good position to make a play on the ball.

Accuracy: 6.5

He displays good accuracy when he is on, but the problem is that he has the tendency to be streaky, which drops his grade in my book.

Inconsistency is a problem, but the good thing is that when he's on, he's real good. He leads his receivers down the field or to the sideline very well, and he's also spot on when he has to throw in between their numbers.

He throws a firm, quick out and an accurate curl out. He has great arc and accuracy on his deep balls, and he can throw into tight windows. 

When he did miss, he was either too high to the sideline, or oftentimes too low into good coverage.

Touch: 6.7

Foles displays pretty good overall touch, especially on the deep ball. He'll either lead the receiver with a bit more loft, or put it up for him to make a play on the ball.

He throws a pretty good screen pass, but like I said earlier, he has a tendency to throw a bit high.

There's nothing impressive about his touch, but nothing detrimental.

Mobility/Pocket Awareness: 7.0

He moves pretty well for such a big guy, but he's obviously no speedster.

He displays a good feel for the pocket and pressure, and keeps his eyes downfield most of the time. He's big enough to stand above a pass rush, which is a big plus, and can move around the pocket pretty well.

He's good at escaping to the right, and he can throw on the move.

He stands very strong and tall, and he will take a hit—which is a big-time plus for me.

Vision: 7.5

He keeps his eyes downfield, and utilizes his size to see over defenders. He also continuously scans the field while moving around the pocket or scrambling, which allows him to move receivers around, and extend the play.

He may have somewhat of a tendency to force the ball into tight coverage, which does make me question whether or not he is seeing the coverage, or just trusts his arm a little bit too much.

On the plus side, he seems comfortable going through his progressions, looking off coverage, and utilizing a variety of receivers.

Release: 9.0

He’s tall at 6'5", which gives him an advantage, and he has a pretty standard release. No gripes here from what I can see.

He’s throws aren’t a sight to behold, but overall they are very solid.

Overall Grade: 6.3

Like I said, Foles has a lot of good things going for him, but now he needs to use the Senior Bowl and the combine to prove that he can put it all together.

According to Matt Miller's system, this is what we might expect from Foles:

"

Has one deficient area, should become solid contributor, future starter

"

I'd have to agree with that assessment. If there is a deficient area in Foles' game it's his consistency. If he can put all of his good traits together, and do so on a consistent basis, he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

He's not going to "wow" any teams, but he also has the potential that makes him worth a second or third round pick.