Nick Foles, Arizona: Potential To Be 2nd QB Selected in the 2012 NFL Draft

Year after year, quarterbacks find themselves receiving a ton of draft attention.  This is due to the obvious importance of the quarterback position.  Every NFL team is in search of that next star quarterback, who is capable of leading their franchise to a Super Bowl title.

The importance of the position means that evaluators spend countless hours studying each quarterback prospect.  Development is just as important as overall production.  Teams want to see players improve over time, even snap by snap.

Nick Foles is an emerging quarterback prospect that possesses the physical talents to climb up draft boards.  His arm strength allows Foles to make all the necessary throws.  He has the zip to effectively reach the sideline.  In the middle of the field, Foles delivers the ball on a line preventing the defenders from making a play on the ball.  Foles has the necessary arm strength to threaten the deep part of the field as well.

Accuracy is an area in which Foles needs to improve.  He is able to deliver an accurate ball but struggles with inconsistency.  His inconsistency is due to his sloppy footwork and technique.  Foles needs to do a better job setting his feet, and stepping into his throws.  However, some slight mechanical improvements would vastly improve his overall accuracy.

It is tough to make player comparisons, but Foles resembles 2011 draftee Blaine Gabbert.  They have similar size and athletic ability.  Each has enough arm strength to fit the ball into tight spaces and stretch the field.  Gabbert was selected with the 10^th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, meaning Foles could easily find himself in the top 15 mix.

This Thursday, Foles has an opportunity to gain some national attention, as Arizona takes on No. 9 Oklahoma State.  If Foles can lead the Wildcats to an upset it would be very beneficial to his draft stock.