As we get ready to head into the 2020 College Football season, we here at NFL Draft Lounge have begun the process of scouting potential 2021 NFL Draft prospects. Throughout this process, I’ve come across several players that have popped on film. Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy is a prospect that popped on film nearly every time I watched his film.
Recently, he came in at ninth overall on our Top Ten 2021 NFL Draft Quarterbacks. However, I felt necessary to dive into his film deeper for a more in-depth scouting report. I hope you all enjoy!
The Background
Brock Purdy was a three-star recruit out of the state of Arizona, per 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. Purdy won the Ed Doherty Award in 2017, which is handed out to the most outstanding high school football player in Arizona. Purdy was also named the Gatorade Player of The Year for Arizona. In addition to Iowa State, Purdy had offers from Texas A&M, UCF, Boise State, and Alabama.
Purdy enrolled at Iowa State in 2018 and earned the starting job for the Cyclones shortly thereafter. The Iowa State QB finished with a record of 6-1 as a starter. His 66.4 completion percentage and 16-7 touchdown to interception ratio helped earn him the Big 12 True Freshman of The Year by ESPN.
Brock was on the Maxwell Award and Manning Award preseason watchlists. The 2019 season was a breakout one for Purdy as he nearly threw for 4,000 yard and a 27-9 touchdown to interception ratio. Purdy ended as a Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist and was named to the second-team all-big 12 by coaches.
What I Like About Brock Purdy
Now it’s time to get down and dirty as we open up some film on Brock Purdy and Iowa State. Ive attached three clips that seemed to highlight what I really like about Purdy’s potential at the next level. The first clip is the 2019 game against Northern Iowa.
The Cyclones are in the redzone and set in a trips right formation. As the play progresses, Purdy finds that his primary read on the right side is covered, as well as his lone receiver on the left. Brock Purdy has solid acceleration and speed outside the pocket, which houses here to escape out of the pocket. He has one defender to beat between him and the endzone, which he does so on the outside. Purdy nearly gets into the endzone, but the play was called back due to a penalty.
Acceleration and Speed
The clip below is one that I used in my Top Ten Quarterbacks article, but I felt it necessary to use here, too.As I mentioned above, Brock Purdy has solid acceleration and speed outside the pocket. On this play, he makes a quick read on this designed run to locate the gap. Once he finds the gap, Purdy makes one cut and is upfield in a hurry as he nearly makes it in for the touchdown.
Abilities As A Dual Threat
The clip below is one that popped while I was scouting his teammate Charlie Kolar. Out of the pocket, Purdy has the defensive end on his heels. He’s able to elude him and toss up a ball as he takes a massive shot from the defensive tackle. The ability to place this ball perfectly from the angle and situation he’s facing is incredible. The receiver is the only player that’s able to make a play on the ball.
Calmness Under Pressure
What I Dislike About Brock Purdy
As much as there is to like about Brock Purdy, there is a reason why I had him ninth on my Top Ten list. Let’s take a look at a couple of plays that showcase some of my dislikes in his game.
In this game against Baylor, Purdy is facing pressure uptake middles his offensive line collapses, as well as a late blitz from the linebacker. However, Purdy has his tight end running across the middle of the field and his receiver on the outside running a curl, both of whom are wide open. I know that Purdy is facing a ton of pressure here, but I just want to see the ball come out of his hands quicker.
Quick Reads and Throws
It’s the first overtime out of an eventual three against Northern Iowa. Purdy has two receivers to his left in the endzone and has to put this ball where they have a shot at making a play. There is miscommunication with the outside receiver, which can’t all be placed on Purdy. However, he’s got to put this ball where the defender can’t get it. If the corner had his head turned towards the ball, I think it’s game over.
Ball Placement In Clutch Situations
The Competition
With Trevor Lawrence, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields at the top of the class, it’s on Brock Purdy and the Iowa State offense to set himself apart from others in the class. To be quite honest, I think it’s a 50/50 shot that Purdy declares for the 2021 NFL Draft. However, if he is able to crack the top five quarterback prospects, I think there’s a chance.
To start, I think that Brock Purdy has to get the Iowa State Cyclones into contention in the Big 12. Last season, the Cyclones finished with a conference record of 5-4. With a much more competitive season, so too will the accolades and recognition, swell as a rise in draft stock.
With all that being said, let’s remember that the quarterback position is one of the toughest in the NFL. Even if Brock Purdy does indeed declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, I think he’ll still need time to develop further.
The Verdict
In my opinion, Brock Purdy has the ‘It Factor’ for the Iowa State Cyclones. Purdy has established himself as a dual threat, showing the ability to move the ball downfield in the air or on the ground. While there is much to like about Purdy’s game, there are some inconsistencies that must be improved upon.
Big 12 contention should be the first step for Purdy and the Cyclones. If the team is able to improve upon their 5-4 conference record from a year ago, then I think we’ll hear much more about Brock Purdy, especially from those outside the program.
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