Bryce Petty NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for New York Jets Rookie

STRENGTHS

A productive, athletic passer with a huge arm, Bryce Petty has a chance to develop into an NFL starter. Petty’s arm strength jumps off the film, and he throws one of the prettiest deep balls in college football. Petty has the strength to push the ball deep and understands touch and how to lead receivers down the field. His deep accuracy got better in 2014, and he has room to keep improving there. Petty has pretty mechanics with quick, balanced feet and a fast delivery. The ball comes out cleanly, and he’s able to vary speeds to throw with heat or touch depending on what the play calls for.

Athletically, Petty is very good. He may not outrun every defender, but he’s strong, elusive and able to slide in the pocket to evade pass-rushers. Petty will tuck-and-run when there is an opening, but he isn’t impatient in the pocket. Petty is unquestionably tough and played through a back injury throughout his senior year.

WEAKNESSES

The two big question marks on Petty are big. The first is the back injury he played through and whether it will be a lingering issue. The second is the Baylor scheme and whether he’s a product of the system. Looking at Petty’s film, his underneath accuracy can get a bit scattershot at times and he’ll overthrow routine passes underneath. Recognizing underneath coverage and throwing with timing are issues for him. Petty was much better when he drove through throws with his legs and core, but there are times when he doesn’t step into passes and the ball dives on him. Petty was invited to the Senior Bowl and did nothing to impress in three days of live viewing. There will be an adjustment period for Petty in the NFL, and, at a month away from being 24 years old, he’s already an older prospect.

PRO COMPARISON: Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Tannehill was just a two-year starting quarterback at A&M and needed time to grow in the NFL. Petty is a similar passer and also needs time to get coached up in the pros.

2014 STATISTICS

Passing Yards: 3,855

Touchdowns: 29

Interceptions: 7

FINAL GRADE: 6.00/9.00 (Future Starter)