2015 NFL Draft Profile: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Jan 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Jim Mora (right) and quarterback

Brett Hundley

embrace in the final minute against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2015 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. UCLA defeated Kansas State 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

We have heard what the Jets fans have to say here, with regards to the upcoming NFL draft. As we noted just the other day, Jets fans are looking for the quarterback that will help the Jets finally turn the corner on offense.

Along that line, we have profiled two of the other quarterbacks that should be around in the middle rounds. First we looked at Sean Mannion, and we also took a look at Garrett Grayson.

Today, we are going to look at another one of the candidates, Brett Hundley from UCLA.

We start with Hundley’s stats from UCLA:

Passing

Rushing & Receiving

One thing you notice is that Hundley made a big jump with his completion percentage, up from 66% to 69%. It makes it evident that he is becoming a better and more accurate passer. The steady decrease in interceptions confirms that Hundley became more and more accurate as his time in school went by.

Hundley also posted 30 rushing touchdowns in three seasons, showing that he can also produce with his legs as well.

Hundley measures in at 6’3″, and weighs 227 pounds. Before we look at some video, let’s talk about his draft profile, and what they have to say about his strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS: Well-built with frame sturdy enough to handle rigors of the position. Asked to get through progressions and make decisions. Willing to stand in and take the hit when he zeroes in on his target. Willing to get take downfield shot and give his receiver a chance to make the play. Has the ability to maneuver inside of pocket to buy time. Poised enough from pocket. Has adequate release and enough arm when he sits down on his throws. Above-average foot quickness to escape pocket. Hit 57-yard playaction touchdown from under center against Washington in 2014 (just seven attempts under center all year). Good sense of pocket pressure and is decisive when he decides to bolt. Dangerous as a runner with enough speed to hit a big play on the ground. Dual-threat ability increases his effectiveness in red zone. Displays his toughness almost every time out.

WEAKNESSES: Hasn’t shown an ability to win from the pocket yet. Protected by playaction-based short passing game that held linebackers and cornerbacks at bay. Internal clock is a mess. Has marginal anticipation, and appears to be lacking in ability to read defenses and create a pre-snap plan. Slow getting through progressions, taking 125 sacks in three years. Inconsistent weight transfer on throws, which affects accuracy (throws sail) and velocity. Needs to reset feet when swiveling from side to side while scanning for next target. Gets crowded in pocket rather than sliding to open space. Short-arms too many throws. Ineffective, inaccurate passer outside of pocket with lowest completion percentage in Pac-12 when scrambling (32.6 percent). Misses opportunities to climb pocket while keeping eyes downfield rather than taking off as a runner.

Now let’s take a look at some video on the next page and see what we think:

There is no doubt that Brett Hundley has a big arm. That young man can get the ball down the field, there is no question about that. He also has a good, quick release, which will serve him well at the next level. Hundley can also make plays with his legs. You don’t even have to know his play well to see that, it is all over the tape.

More from The Jet Press

That being said, Hundley might just run too much. He needs to get more adept at going through his progressions. Watch the tape, if he doesn’t have an open man early in his progression, he is gone. Instead of sliding around in the pocket to buy himself more time, and using his feet to make a play with his arm, he just takes off. In the pros, you have to be able to win consistently from the pocket. With Russell Wilson as a noted exception, quarterbacks that run too often don’t win. You have to win with your arm.

Hundley’s footwork has to improve, as well as his motion. If you look, you can see that his arm pushes the ball a little, instead of fulling extending. That, combined with inconsistent footwork, will not help with Hundley’s accuracy.

Hundley has been projected by NFL Draft Scout as a second round pick. I am not sure I agree with that. Hundley, who will be a real project, seems a bit raw to me to be a second round talent. I might see him a little bit stronger as a third-fourth rounder, a la Garrett Grayson. If the Jets like him, I think Brett Hundley is worth a flier, just not necessarily on day two of the draft.

Next: Reviwing the Key Free Agents

Home/Jets News