Bryce Petty: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on QB's NFL Draft Stock

Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty won't catch Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota in the rankings for the 2015 NFL draft. He's battling the class' other prospects at the league's most crucial spot for positioning behind that headline duo.  

Continue for updates.

---

Conflciting Reports Surround Petty's Draft Status

Thursday, April 30

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported there's a "real chance" Petty is selected in the first round, adding that he is "flying up boards."

However, Albert Breer of the NFL Network reported that while Petty may be the third QB taken, it will not likely happen in Round 1. 

According to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (h/t Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk), the New Orleans Saints regard Petty as "the best pure passer in the draft." They hold nine spots in the draft, including five in the opening three rounds, and may be tempted to add Petty as long-term backup for Drew Brees.

However, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole noted that the Saints are not planning to take a quarterback at the end of the first round.

---

Rams to Hold Workout With Petty 

Wednesday, April 15

NFL Network's Gil Brandt previously reported that the Rams will work out Petty on Saturday in Waco, Texas. Brandt adds that the Rams "have indicated they intend to draft a QB."

---

Petty to Visit New York Jets 

Friday, April 10

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported Petty will visit the Jets next week.

---

Petty Pro Player Comparison

Wednesday, April 8

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller breaks down Petty's best pro player comparison: 

---

Petty to Visit Packers Before Draft

Thursday, April 2 

ESPN NFL Nation reported Petty will go on a pre-draft visit to Green Bay.

---

Chris Simms, Matt Miller Weigh in on Petty

Thursday, March 26

Bleacher Report's Chris Simms and Miller shared their thoughts on Petty's draft stock and compared him to some of last year's top quarterback prospects:

---

McShay Discusses Petty's Outlook

Saturday, March 21

ESPN's Todd McShay shared his thoughts on Petty as a prospect:

Gil Brandt of NFL.com reported new Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan made the trip to Texas last week to check in on Petty, per Matthew Fairburn of Syracuse.com. However, Brandt's tweet has since been deleted.

Regardless, a potential connection of Petty and the Bills is interesting. The Bills don't currently own a first-round pick after trading up and selecting wide receiver Sammy Watkins last year in the draft. They would have to hope Petty is still on the board when they make their first selection at No. 50 overall in the second round, which is certainly possible, or trade up.

Buffalo does have a major need at the position. As it stands now, the trio of Matt Cassel, EJ Manuel and Tyrod Taylor are expected to battle for the starting job. The Baylor product could step right into that competition and have a legitimate chance to win it.

Also of note Wednesday were comments from NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. Mike Huguenin of NFL.com passed along remarks the guru made about Petty during an appearance on NFL AM: "He might be the most natural thrower of the football in this entire draft. I really think he's got starter physical traits."

Yet, he isn't sure Petty is prepared to jump right into the starting lineup.

"I don't think he's (NFL-)ready," Mayock said.

Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes Baylor head coach Art Briles thinks his departing quarterback will go in Round 1:

Right now, it would qualify as a surprise if Petty does go within the first 32 picks. He seems more like a Round 2 or 3 player based on that uncertainty about his readiness. The high number of teams looking for a quarterback upgrade does work in his favor, though.

His stock should become clearer in the weeks ahead. There's still more than a month until draft day, leaving time for some movement up the rankings. Exactly how high he could potentially climb is the major question mark.