This time last year, analysts and evaluators had high expectations for Iowa State QB Brock Purdy. However, following a year that was heavily-impacted by the pandemic, Purdy saw his draft stock nosedive. As a result, he opted to return to Iowa State for the 2021 season. With the start of the 2021 season now only a week away, one has to wonder if Brock Purdy is being overlooked once again by 2022 NFL Draft evaluators and analysts.
What Caused Brock Purdy’s Draft Stock To Fall In 2021?
In order to evaluate Brock Purdy’s draft stock heading into the upcoming College Football season, I think we have to look back to last season. The Iowa State Cyclones finished with a record of 9-3, which included an impressive 8-1 conference record. When it came to how Brock Purdy performed, his stats weren’t terrible. While Purdy did get off to a slow start, including a loss to the University of Louisiana, he improved as the season continued. In fact, the same could have been said for plenty of college football players. However, through the first three games of the 2020 season, Brock Purdy was averaging a 58% completion percentage. This percentage was far less than his career-average.
Can Brock Purdy Establish Himself As A 2022 NFL Draft Top Prospect?
With the 2020 season in the rear view, the focus is onto the 2021 College Football season. The Cyclones begin their 2021 season with a matchup against The University Of Northern Iowa, an FCS opponent. Following their opener, Iowa State has an in-state matchup with Iowa, as well as a game at UNLV. If Brock Purdy is able to come out of the gates firing, that could do a lot to shift the narrative.
Breece Hall and Charlie Kolar, both considered to be in the top 100 2022 NFL Draft prospects, are returning alongside Brock Purdy. The Iowa State offense is capable of putting some serious points on the board this season. If everything clicks for Brock Purdy, he could be a mid day two draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
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