Scouting analyst and friend of the site, Josh Gaier, takes a look at the rising Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco.

Joe Flacco
#5
Scout: Josh Gaier
Date: February 2, 2008
Eval Position(s): Birthdate: 01/16/1985
QB - Quarterback
School: Delaware
Height Weight
6'6 230
Best Fit Position/Role: Starting quarterback
Ideal Scheme/Role: Pro-style offense

General Traits
Character / Leadership Ability: Has no issues off the field, but has never asserted himself as a leader. During his tenure at Delaware, he was never a captain.

Competitive Nature / Work Ethic: A competitive player who hates to lose. A player with good work ethic and works hard in practice.

Football Intelligence: Flacco does a good job of understanding his playbook, but he tends to get reckless at times. He does a good job reading defenses, but he trusts his arm too much to make throws resulting in turnovers.

Size: Great size for the position, although he lacks bulk. He stands tall at 6-foot-6 and has a nice 230-pound frame.

Athletic Ability: Has the speed to scramble around and elude the rush in the backfield. Also, he’ll be able to pick up the first downs with his legs. However, he doesn’t scare you with his legs.

Toughness / Durability: Tough player who plays through pain and will take the big hit. Hasn’t missed any game time nor practice time due to injuries.

Specific Traits - Quarterback
Accuracy: Is an accurate vertical thrower, although some of his throws will sail. Does a good job hitting the underneath routes, and gets the balls to his playmakers with room to run. Overall, good accuracy, but it can get streaky at times.

Arm Strength: Possesses a big-time arm and can make all the NFL throws. Has a cannon to throw the ball vertically, has amazing zip and can whip it out past the hash marks. Arguably the strongest arm in the class.

Decision Making: Does a good job reading through his progressions and finding the open guy. However, he trusts his arm too much, which causes him to get reckless at times, and force throws. Could improve in this area.

Field Vision: Does a good job of scanning the entire field. Spreads the ball out from sideline-to-sideline, and has experience spreading the ball out. Uses his height to see the entire field.

Mechanics: Due to playing in the spread at college, his footwork is sloppy and needs to be fine-tuned upon his entrance in the NFL. Throws the ball with a good throwing motion, steps into his throws and has a quick release. The main issue in this area is footwork.

Mobility: Not a quarterback who makes you fear his feet, but he does a nice job scrambling in the pocket and has the ability to tuck it and run. Has the ability to get the first down, though, when nothing is there.

Pocket Awareness: Plays with good awareness, and knows when to tuck and run, and when to keep the play alive.

Additional Comments: Flacco is a Division 1-AA quarterback with a ton of upside. He has a powerful arm, and possesses all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. He has solid intangibles, although his leadership needs to improve. A boom or bust type prospect with a ton of potential. There are a lot of questions about Flacco due to his inferior competition and footwork.

Injury Concerns: None.

Could Be As Good As: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Worst Case: Kerry Collins, Tennessee Titans (Late Career)
Where He'll Probably Go: Late 1st or early 2nd Round
Where He Should Go: Late 1st or early 2nd Round