THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE PURDY | The most polished QB of the Draft?

​​By: Skyler Meikrantz

Brock Purdy, Iowa State’s 6’1” 220lb quarterback. This guy has quickly climbed the ladder that is my 2022 NFL Draft quarterback rankings. Watching Purdy is like watching the guys who play on Sunday just on a Saturday instead, this kid will play at the next level!

​Purdy does a lot of things that are already at the next level and NFL caliber. Purdy’s footwork is the best of the 2022 quarterback class by miles. Footwork seems to be becoming a less talked about trait and tool of quarterback prospects but it’s the most important fundamental to master. Purdy slides around the pocket like butter in a hot skillet, evading defenders and getting out of trouble. He’s never even close to performing a “crow hop” or clicking his heels when he throws. He has the “dovetail” back foot, setting up to throw to his intended receiver with all of his cleats in the ground, and all of this really shows in his accuracy and ability to place the ball in perfect spots for his receivers. It’s a thing of beauty to watch.

I don’t use the term “beauty” loosely, but Purdy’s mechanics sure are exactly that. Through his good fundamentals and mechanics he’s able to get a lot of zip on the ball and place it in some windows tighter than bark on a tree. While Purdy may not have a cannon arm he makes up for it with his incredible anticipation, diagnosing defenses pre-snap, and keeping rushers off of him with his quick release; when all that fails he escapes the pocket using his burst to get upfield for positive yardage. Purdy does keep his eyes downfield while scrambling but often comes up short on his on-the-run throws, losing his accuracy, touch, and power.

​Brock Purdy is a skilled quarterback who has mastered the fundamentals and is incredible from the pocket. He’ll make pass rushers look silly and leave them lying at his feet or make throws that make you say “wow” right before he’s taken down. Purdy takes what the defenses give him and makes the lay-ups. He’s also renowned as a great leader on and off the field and has a personal seal of approval on his character traits from the Saint of football himself, Tim Tebow.