Analyzing Ryan Nassib
Jan 23, 2013; Mobile AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad quarterback Zac Dysert of Miami OH (7) , quarterback Ryan Nassib of Syracuse (12) and quarterback Mike Glennon of North Carolina State (8) during the Senior Bowl north squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Good ole’ draft season.
Ryan Nassib is going to have everything analyzed in the next handful of weeks. From how he throws the ball, to how he sneezes will all be looked at closely for Nassib, who is one of the top quarterback draft prospects in the country. This week it is the senior bowl practices he is being looked at, and the reviews have been shoddy at best. James Walker’s article discussed Nassib at the senior bowl, and said his performance was rather disappointing to this point:
"“Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib has had a disappointing Senior Bowl in the early going. Sources have said that they expected more out of Nassib. They also were disappointed to see a hitch in his delivery that slows down his throwing motion. They did say that they like Nassib’s intelligence and confidence. However, Nassib hasn’t done enough to make himself a top contender to be the second quarterback selected.”"
Meanwhile, ESPN draft guru and best hair-man Todd McShay called Nassib’s arm “vastly overrated”:
"“Short/intermediate throws MPHs but struggles driving ball vertically on tape and see same at Senior Bowl.”"
Que Doug Marrone: OVERRATED?! WITHOUT RYAN NASSIB WE WOULDN’T HAVE WON 3 F%@^#%@ GAMES THIS YEAR. NOT 3.
Here is Nassib’s profile on NFL.com:
"“StrengthsThick-bodied arm talent who can distribute the ball at every level. Plus velocity when balanced and clean in his footwork. Strong, quick release, gets the ball out in a hurry on hitches and slants. Accurate to all parts of the field when in rhythm. Comes off initial read, can look off safety to come to the opposite side of the field. Willing to shovel the ball or make a last-ditch throw to make a play instead of taking a sack. Displays the ability to step up within the pocket or move to either side to create space to throw. Flashes air, touch, and accuracy on fades in the end zone. Puts a lot of air under deep balls, giving his man a chance to make a play. Sells play action and screens well. Places the ball on the run, especially to his right. Competitive player who directs his teammates well and does not give up on any game. Tough enough to take big hits, bull for a first down with his feet.WeaknessesPossesses only average height for the position. Gunslinger mentality causes him to trust his arm and receivers too much, resulting in bad decisions/turnovers. Not in elite in his mobility or elusiveness outside the pocket, won’t run away from NFL defenders. Footwork is inconsistent, gets happy and actually hops around when trying to find a target. Must be more consistent transferring weight through the throw, relies on his strong arm at times and comes up short on outs or sails throws over the middle. Works nearly exclusively out of the shotgun, but has athleticism to handle plays under center.NFL ComparisonJake LockerBottom LineNassib doesn’t have exceptional size or athleticism, but the muscle bound thrower has a rifle for an arm and was finally comfortable in the Syracuse offense in 2012, even though his happy feet might suggest differently. The senior might have a tendency to sail targets and force some poor reads, but multiple teams will likely consider adding Nassib as an early starter, not just a backup or developmental prospect as many suspected prior to this season.”"
Bottom line, we need to take all of these things with a grain of salt. Nobody had heard of Colin Kaepernick before this season, and he is now quarterbacking the Super Bowl. Joe Flacco, Tony Romo, same story. Quarterbacks are the most difficult position to analyze, because it takes more than just pure athleticism. While people can judge Nassib’s arm all he wants during practice, I think looking at his numbers in the NFL combine will definitely tell us a lot more than what the “experts” are seeing in practice.