Senior Bowl: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

Dec 7, 2013; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks towards the crowd after the Bulldogs defeated the Utah State Aggies 24-17 at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

This week’s Senior Bowl practices have provided a nice showcase for one of the top QB prospects, Fresno State’s Derek Carr. A sampling of opinion from those in attendance in Mobile:

Daniel Jeremiah: The throwing conditions have been less than ideal this week. The wind gusts have been an issue for all six quarterbacks, but Carr has managed to slightly separate himself from the pack. He has a compact delivery, throws on time and is able to cut through the wind with a very tight spiral. I’ve been very impressed by his ability to throw on the move. Also, he scored some points with evaluators by spending extra time working with his receivers following the end of practice.

Eric Galko: Derek Carr’s velocity, especially in the gusty wind, was once again impressive. When it comes to arm strength, he really has no competition on among the South QB contingent. Carr also looked very athletic in an escape drill in which quarterbacks must drop back and spin out of trouble before rolling out and hitting a 12-yard out on the move.  His habit of dropping his back shoulder and fading away, however, was magnified in this drill.  His accuracy inconsistencies stem from these types of mechanical issues that have plagued him for much of his college career.

Dan Kadar: Of the six quarterbacks in Mobile, Carr has looked the best. His arm is the strongest, he’s the most consistent from play to play and his accuracy has often been on point. If Carr is to be a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, he’s not hurting his chances at practices.

Tyler Dunne: It’s Derek Carr and everybody else at quarterback. Not a shocker, but Carr looks far more polished than the quarterbacks in this year’s Senior Bowl group and last year’s.

Tony Pauline: Really a terrific day for Carr.  Was sharp from the get-go.  Did a great job leading the offense, lost nothing on his throws despite the wind and sharp.  Accurate with tosses and showed great timing on throws.  Rarely had receivers waiting on passes.

Greg Gabriel: Fresno State’s Derek Carr looked the best of the three South quarterbacks. He has a quick release and can spin the ball to cut the wind. Carr had a few off-target throws, but in all instances it was the wind that made for the errant passes.

Carr is seen by many as a top 10 prospect, and his strong performance in somewhat adverse weather conditions in Mobile will only reinforce that view.

Some will continue to question whether Carr can move from a spread-style offense in Fresno State into the NFL game where he will have to get up under center.

The physical tools are obviously there. No one can question that. And by all accounts Carr is a diligent worker. Will the Vikings take a shot with this guy if he’s available at 8? He’s one to keep an eye on, that’s for certain.

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