A quarterback?
Posted by Rick on April 27, 2008
In the third round? Really?
The Pats selected QB Kevin O’Connell, a four year starter from San Diego State. O’Connell looks like an interesting prospect. But this moves immediately raises the question of whether the Patriots are going to give up on either Cassel or Gutierrez.
On the plus side, the scouting report on him is similar to the one on Brady when he was drafted out of Michigan. None the less, with other need areas and with the players available, this feels like a wasted pick.
Kevin O’Connell
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225 | 40-Time: 4.61
Strengths:
Has excellent size and a big frame…Terrific athleticism…Great timed speed…Arm is strong enough to make all the throws..Nice touch and timing..Is mobile enough to buy time in the pocket and make plays with his feet…Can throw on the run…Hard worker…Very competitive…Team leader…A lot of experience…Has a ton of upside.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent with his accuracy..Mechanics need some refinement..Struggles under pressure and makes poor decisions…Does not read defenses well..Still raw and is probably a better athlete than quarterback…Could have some durability concerns.
Notes:
Was essentially a four-year starter…Missed time with a thumb injury that required surgery in ‘06..Has everything you look for in terms of physical tools as well as top intangibles…An extremely intriguing prospect with the talent to eventually start at the next level..Not a finished product and will require some patience but you have to love his potential..Appears to be the quintessential developmental signal caller.
Career Statistics
Year GP Comp Att Yds Comp % TD INT
2003 DNP - - - - - -
2004 9 115 236 1,328 48.7% 9 9
2005 12 233 375 2,663 62.1% 19 12
2006 6 59 101 635 58.4% 3 5
2007 12 257 439 3,063 58.5% 15 8
Totals 39 664 1,151 7,689 57.7% 46 34
