Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Derek Carr of Fresno State (4) walks off the field against the North squad during the first quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Is Fresno State QB Derek Carr worthy of consideration as a first round pick, possibly even a top 10 pick?
Todd McShay doesn’t think so. In fact, McShay wouldn’t take Carr in the second or third round either.
The ESPN and Scouts, Inc. analyst has graded out Carr, a man widely viewed as the fourth-best QB prospect in this year’s class, as a fourth rounder.
“I don’t see it,” McShay said in a video piece on ESPN. “60 percent of his throws within five yards of the line of scrimmage, struggles against pressure and that tape I watched against USC, that is not a quarterback, to me, that looks like a potential starter in the league.”
McShay’s words reflect the common perception of Carr, that he is a talented player with a good arm who will be a risk to draft due to lack of experience in a pro style offense and general inability to handle pass pressure.
Of his arm talent there is little doubt, however. Carr proved that again last week at his pro day, “throwing against air” as the draftniks like to say.
For what it’s worth, Norv Turner called Carr’s pro day performance “very impressive.”
Turner also liked Teddy Bridgewater’s pro day, even though the majority opinion was that Bridgewater struggled.
Norv clearly isn’t interested in giving anything away. He is also certainly well-aware of the reservations about Carr.
Will concerns about Carr’s ability to handle pressure keep the Vikings away on draft day? Or does Norv look at Carr and think he can mold that young man within his scheme?
Norv’s scheme favors a player with good arm strength like Carr. Unfortunately, it also requires a QB who can line up under center, drop back and deliver the ball with pressure bearing down.
All-in-all, it seems that Carr would be a bad risk as a high pick. But if he’s still there early in the second and the Vikings haven’t taken a QB yet?
I think you almost have to take him. Even if Todd McShay would call it a two round reach.
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