Kirk Cousins: 6 Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses of NFL Draft Prospect's Game

Michigan State's Kirk Cousins is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the draft. He has a lot of qualities that NFL teams look for at the position, most notably intangibles.

Cousins is often praised for his great work ethic and leadership, yet doesn't make all the necessary throws to win football games.

This begs the question, what exactly does Kirk Cousins bring to a team and what are his strengths and weaknesses? Join me as I delve into his game.

Strength: Pro Style Offense

While at Michigan State, Cousins operated a multifaceted or "multiple" offense that helped prepare him for the next level. He worked under center and in the shotgun set while also making checks at the line.

Furthermore, there were motions and shifts of the skilled positions that he was responsible for before the snap. 

When dropping back, he executed many three and five step drops while throwing a plethora of two man reads.

This is commonly seen at the next level as well as in college, but he was not limited to only short drops. Cousins went through several progressions as well.

Weakness: Decision Making

One of the aspects of Cousins' game that I question is his decision making. He is a very intelligent individual but has a tendency to force throws into tight windows where there are several defenders in coverage, consequently putting his team in danger of turning the ball over. 

This tendency is compounded when he stares down his receivers on occasion while simply not reading the defense. He also lacks the ability to manipulate defensive backs. 

Strength: Arm Strength

While his decision making is a question mark, Cousins' arm strength is not. He has very good velocity and can spin the ball down the field.

He is able to make all the requisite throws at the next level, which is a positive because it gives the offense more flexibility in utilizing downfield concepts that stretch the defense horizontally and vertically.

Cousins is often able to fit the ball in tight windows even if the decision to throw it is a questionable one.

Weakness: Pocket Presence

Kirk Cousins has a problem with pocket pressure. He does not often handle it well, especially when it comes up the middle and at his feet. He tends to panic and the quality in his mechanics tends to drop, causing poor throws. 

There are also instances in which Cousins will leave the pocket despite a lack of pressure. When this happens, it distorts the receivers' routes, disrupting the timing of the offense. 

Strength: Mobility

Kirk Cousins is no Michael Vick, Cam Newton nor Robert Griffin III, but he does move pretty well. He has the ability to roll out of the pocket and deliver some throws on the run while also moving the chains by getting just enough yards with his feet. 

His mobility was put on display multiple times during his time at Michigan State because of how much play action boot they used. The Spartans often lined up in I-formation and ran boot action, enabling Cousins to make a throw on the run.

Weakness: Inconsistency

The final aspect of Kirk Cousins' game I want to touch on is his inconsistent play. He is a rhythm passer that needs to be manipulated by a specific scheme that suits his strengths.

He needs to clean up his footwork and decision making, as they are two issues that have held him back in executing the offense. But this does not mean he won't succeed at the next level.

He could be a solid backup or a potential starter in an offense such as one that uses several West Coast Offense principles, but I have my doubts about the latter.