Matt Barkley NFL Draft Scouting Report

Matt Barkley Scouting Report:

Measureables:

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 227

Arm length: 30 5/8”

Hand: 10 1/8”

40 time: N/A

Pros:

• Good four year starter at USC
• Comes from a Pro Style college offense
• Very efficient and effective when he has time in the pocket.
• Throws pretty well on the move.
• Cut down on his interceptions, and didn’t force the ball as much these last two seasons
• High character and a hard working quarterback, 3 year team captain
• Good at getting the ball out quickly when he is ready to throw
• Had an advanced understanding of the offense and would at times change the play

Cons:

• Has an arm that is a touch below average, will struggle to make all the throws. And is going to be very scheme dependent.
• Accuracy is not as strong as his completion percentage would suggest. Threw a lot of errant throws that his receivers made nice plays on.
• Struggles when the pocket breaks down
• Is on the shorter/smaller side of NFL quarterbacks
• Will need some developmental time, and may never be a good NFL Starter

Overall:

Matt Barkley came into the year expected to challenge for the top overall pick, but each week he saw those chances and his stock fall further and further. Despite it not being a strong quarterback class, Barkley continues to fall as more and more inconsistencies in his game begin to get exposed. He visibly regressed this past season, which led in part to USC’s struggles. His arm strength is probably the worst or 2^nd worst among the top 10 quarterback prospects, which really begins to limit him as to what kind of system he can play in. Though Barkley’s numbers are fairly strong, so much of his production is due to playing with one of the most talented group of pass catchers in recent memory (in college football). In film study, it was apparent that quite a few of his throws were off target, but still counted as receptions due to fantastic plays by his receivers to bail him out. Barkley also struggled when the pocket broke down around him and he was under more pressure. To make it at the next level, he needs to work on both his ball placement accuracy and how he handles pressure if he is to compensate for his lack of arm strength. Barkley does have a lot of positives working for him though. He’s very much a team leader, and is a smart guy with a strong character. That is key for him, if he’s to develop into a quality starter. Barkley also shows a lot of poise (due in part to his extensive preparation), reading the defense, a trait that could be something to build on. Barkley lacks much of a chance in developing into an elite quarterback, and his chances of succeeding are a bit more murky than some of the other top quarterbacks, leaving his draft stock in question. Barkley could still possibly go in the 2^nd round, but may slide to the 3^rd round.