Ryan Nassib QB Syracuse #12
Wt: 223
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Size/Athleticism: Adequate height. Very well built; he can take some hits without any issue. Not a serious threat to run, but Syracuse did use him on some designed runs. Elite mobility within the pocket. Climbs the pocket extremely well and has the quick feet to avoid pass rushers and buy some extra time in the pocket.
Arm strength/Accuracy: Elite accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Displays excellent timing on his throws, consistently hitting receivers in stride. Does a great job with anticipation and throwing to spots. Arm strength is adequate, but nothing special. He can get the ball down the field, but on throws beyond 25 yards he tends to put too much air under the ball and his accuracy declines slightly. Syracuse’s offense required a range of legitimate NFL throws and Nassib can make them all at an above-average level.
Footwork/Release: Impressive fundamentals in all aspects of the game. Footwork within the pocket is a real asset. His ability to maneuver within the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield will help ease his transition to the NFL and allow him to handle the increased speed of the game. Possesses an extremely quick release. His release, coupled with his pocket mobility, will help him limit sacks at the next level – a trait which many young quarterback struggle with early in their careers.
Decision making: Very patient in the pocket. Deliberately goes through his progressions and consistently makes the right decision. Rarely forces the ball into tight coverage and is willing to check down when necessary. Occasionally tries too hard to stand tall in the pocket and needs to learn when it’s necessary to simply tuck the ball and take a sack. He keeps the ball exposed for too long and lost too many fumbles as a result.
Intangibles: Soft-spoken but coaches speak highly of his leadership qualities off the field. Quickly picked up the new offense installed at Syracuse last offseason. Nassib also deserves credit for remaining confident despite an extremely weak supporting cast at wide receiver. During three games I charted from Nassib’s senior year, I counted 16 drops by his receivers, on top of multiple other instances of receivers taking a passive approach to catching the ball which allowed defensive backs to make plays. At the next level, Nassib will have significantly more success throwing down the field if surrounded by a quality supporting cast.
Durability: No known issues.
Comments: Nassib has the tools to be an above average starting quarterback. He also has the fundamentals and football IQ to start immediately and be effective as a rookie. What impresses me most about Nassib is the way in which he moves within the pocket. So many college quarterbacks either force a throw, or take off running at the first sign of pressure. Very few have the ability and confidence to move within the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. Nassib lacks the elite physical tools of an Andrew Luck, but he is uniquely qualified to step into an immediate starting role. I fully expect him to have an Andy Dalton-like rookie year if given the opportunity to play immediately.
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