Scouting Profile: Carson Wentz is draft's biggest risk-reward prospect

by
David K Purdy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place from April 28-30 in Chicago.

Carson Wentz

Position: QB
School: North Dakota State
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 232 lbs.
Age: 23

NFL player comparison: Blake Bortles

Wentz is an above-average athlete, especially for his size, who possesses a solid arm that is capable of making every throw - even if his accuracy can sometimes be lacking. Bortles made great strides in his second year, improving on the issues which also plagues Wentz, like inconsistent play and issues with the deep ball. Wentz is a more refined player in terms of mechanics and footwork, but like Bortles, he will require time to find his feet in the pros.

Draft Projection: Round 1 (Top 5 overall)

Strengths

  • Throws with outstanding velocity, especially on out-breaking routes
  • Played in a pro-style offense in college, has significant experience playing under center
  • Possesses ideal size, arm strength for pro level
  • Has the athleticism to gain yards on the ground, keep plays alive outside the pocket
  • Solid field vision, quickly identifies checkdowns
  • Showcases impressive touch on intermediate throws
  • Moves well inside the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, and is able to quickly readjust his mechanics when moved by pressure

Weaknesses

  • Sustained broken wrist in Week 6 of 2015 season
  • Played against lesser competition in the FCS
  • Can struggle with ball placement on deep attempts, negates separation gained by the receiver
  • Can rush first-read throws, leading to inconsistent accuracy
  • Decision-making can be slow at times when forced to read the field
  • Inconsistent performer game-to-game

Combine Results

Event Result
40-yard Dash 4.77 sec
Bench Press N/A
Vertical Jump 30.5 inches
Broad Jump 118 inches
3-Cone Drill 6.86 sec
20-yard Shuttle N/A

The Digest

Scouting Profiles: Breaking down the top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft

by theScore Staff
Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class, leading up to the NFL Draft which takes place from April 28-30 in Chicago.

Tap the links below to see a full scouting report for each player.

Quarterbacks

Carson Wentz
Jared Goff
Paxton Lynch
Christian Hackenberg
Connor Cook

Running Backs

Ezekiel Elliott
Derrick Henry

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Laquon Treadwell
Corey Coleman
Josh Doctson

Offensive Linemen

Laremy Tunsil
Ronnie Stanley
Jack Conklin

Defensive Linemen

DeForest Buckner
Joey Bosa
Shaq Lawson
Sheldon Rankins

Linebackers

Myles Jack
Jaylon Smith
Reggie Ragland
Leonard Floyd
Darron Lee

Defensive Backs

Jalen Ramsey
Vernon Hargreaves III
Vonn Bell

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