2017 NFL Draft Profile: Quarterback Joshua Dobbs

In this 2017 NFL Draft profile, here’s a breakdown of the strengths, weaknesses, and a draft day prediction for quarterback Joshua Dobbs out of Tennessee.

Smart teams make smart decisions. And such teams will always put the best players in the best positions to be great players. Here’s a look at Joshua Dobbs’ measured and unmeasured qualities as important pieces in building his successful career in the NFL. Dobbs is an intriguing prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Sometimes what NFL teams and fans forget to account for after the draft is a climactic descent of football stars whose greatness on the college field simply didn’t pan out on the big stage. In some part, Dobb’s evolution begins with reminding the naysayers and those concerned about his ability to transition from a college spread offense to an NFL pro-style offense, that he is perfectly capable of using his football acumen to learn a new system on a professional league level.

And he is in no way intimidated by the pro-schemes and pro-progression because he has familiarity with such and his mind is made up. He’s a smart quarterback that will make an NFL team happy they took a chance on him once everything comes together.

STRENGTHS

Once named the second smartest college football player by NFL.com. During his career at Tennessee, Dobbs garnered over 50 awards and accolades. He set school records and tied conference records. He has also amassed 9,360 total yards of offense (7,138 passing, 2,160 rushing, 62 receiving) and is third behind Peyton Manning (11,020).

As a senior, the dual-threat joined Dak Prescott and Tim Tebow as the only SEC quarterbacks to record 15 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in multiple seasons. Both Dobbs and Prescott are two of only four SEC quarterbacks to have 50 career passing and 25 career rushing touchdowns.

Dobbs’ passion and fever for football are reminiscent of Russell Wilson’s disposition and approach to the game. In a 1-on-1 with Mike Keith at titansonline.com, Dobbs frequently talks about his desire to improve and grow from each experience.

As with Wilson, Dobbs is driven by the perfecting of his craft, more efficient execution and maximizing his potential in every play.

WEAKNESSES

With a considerable amount of rushing attempts, this can often be considered as abandoning the play and not patiently going through progressions giving plays time to develop.

His propensity to taking off then raises concerns with his slender frame and body mass. Is Dobbs able to absorb the fast and hard pounding at the next level that has already shortened careers of other young quarterbacks?

He also has a short, choppy three step dropback. Needs improvement with footwork and dropback which often leads to the lack of balance and power needed to both throw with accuracy and depth. At times, will leave his feet to hurdle and unnecessarily expose his body.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

According to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Dobbs could be selected as early as late second or early third round.

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