Carson Strong
QB
Nevada
Height
6'3"
Weight
230
Bench | 40-Time | 10-Time | 20-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Vertical | Broad | 20-Shuttle | 60-Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|
3-Cone | Hand | Arm | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|---|
9 1/8" | 32" | 76 7/8" |
Final Grade
7.59
2020 (knee), 2021 (knee)
Injury History
Games Evaluated
21 vs. Cal, 21 vs. Boise State, 21 vs. Fresno State, 21 vs. Kansas State
Team Fit
PIT
CAR
MIN
Strengths
Elite arm strength that can make any throw to even the deepest recesses of the abyss. A lot of consistent statistical production to show that he can do it. Accuracy to all three levels of the field. Relentless competitor bordering on irrational confidence aka the "heat check". Pocket manipulation is above average when factoring in the lack of mobility. Great touch and ability to fit the ball in the tightest of windows.
Weaknessess
Mobility is a glaring issue thanks to the continual knee issues. He's zero threat to run. Offensive playbook will have to be designed around it. Jay Cutler level of risk taking throws. Takes sacks due to holding onto the ball at the last possible second with no recourse.
Big Picture
Strong projects as a long term starter after a possible redshirt year to move to a more conventional passing offense from the Air Raid. While he probably won't be a first round selection, he will likely go in the second round. The damaging lack of athleticism limits his ceiling, however. The knee injury from high school could be degenerative after so many operations to clean it up already. He has all the physical tools including one of the best arms in collegiate history but the derring do on some of the throws will not fly with better defensive backs occupying the league, Can he tone down the risk taking a notch?
Player Comp
Donovan McNabb
Athleticism:
5.8
Strong isn't the most fleet of foot due to the ongoing knee issues he's had. Lateral agility is only slighlty above average. Scrambling ability is about the same as he can scramble a little bit but don't expect it to be a tool. Above average when asked to run the play action. Explosive agility and speed are virtually nonexistent. Prior to injury, he did manipulate the pocket despite the severe lack of athleticism. Pressure avoidance is slightly above average. He needs a clean pocket more than anybody in the class.
Agility | Scrambling Ability and | RPO and Play Action | Explosiveness/Speed | Pocket Mobility/Avoid Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5.5 | 5.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
Passing Skills:
Big Play Ability
7.25
Big Play Ability | Touch and Ball Placement | Arm Strength | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|
9 | 8 | 9 | 7.5 |
Quick-Release/Mechanics | Delivery | Short Accuracy | Intermediate Accuracy | Deep Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
Quick release is on point when he has time to read the field and mechanics are relatively sound in the upper body. Smooth delivery on and off of platform, regardless of pressure in his face. Excellent short accuracy that he uses to throw receivers open. Intermediate range is even better than the short game. The prospect has the best deep ball placement in the class no matter the launch angle. While he won't surprise you with his athleticism, he can torch the defense with a precision based deep shot attack. Touch and ball placement are elite. Arm strength is also the best in the class. Footwork is clean despite knee issues causing some angle problems.
8.38
Competitiveness:
Poise in Pocket | Production | Improvisational Ability | Intangibles/Leadership |
|---|---|---|---|
8 | 9 | 7.5 |
Displays great leadership and poise under even the most strenous of pressures. Immense production in the Air Raid system as expected. Improvising is somewhat limited to barely scraping around the pocket but he does make incredible upper body strength throws.
Intelligence:
8
Instincts | Field Vision | Decision Making | Pre-Snap Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
8 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9 |
Plus predatory instincts to strike opponents to any part of the field at will. He hasn't met a throw he doesn't like and it shows in taking sacks and high risk, high reward throws. Strong does have a tendency to try to extend the play until the last minute, result be damned. Coach gave him total control of the offense to the point that he was responsible for calling protections and audibles.