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What can Vernon Adams do at the NFL Combine to improve his draft status?
Oregon Ducks Insider
Pete Martini, Statesman Journal 8:35 p.m. PST February 21, 2016
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Nov 21, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterbackIs there anything Vernon Adams can do at the NFL Combine this week to help his chances at getting drafted?
After reading several evaluations of Adams from NFL analysts, the consensus seems clear: Vernon Adams is probably too small to play quarterback in the NFL.
Adams is listed at 5-foot-11, 197 pounds.
At that size, as we saw during his one season with Oregon, he feels more comfortable throwing the ball on the run. If he stays in the pocket, he has issues seeing downfield.
His lack of size also has analysts concerned about his health. This past season, he missed time with both a broken finger and a hit to the head.
Adams’ mobile style of play and smaller stature unfortunately increase the likelihood for injury.
On the plus side, Adams has a good arm and is a natural at improvising when plays break down. The “playground” style of play, if you will.
The guy simply makes plays.
But will that be enough?
Some have compared Adams to Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks. Similar size, similar style of play.
And Adams showed incredible football IQ in being able to learn the Ducks’ system so quickly.
But even with all that, he’s a risk.
Most NFL teams would rather take a chance on a taller, pocket-passing quarterback.
So back to my original question… is there anything Adams can do at the combine to help his chances at getting drafted?
The answer is yes, but it’s very little.
If he goes out there and dazzles with his arm, making all the NFL throws in front of the scouts, then there might be a team out there willing to take a chance late in the draft.
But his size cannot be changed, so most teams will still stay away even if he is impressive at the combine.
If he struggles at the combine, then he might seal his fate as not being drafted, even if he bounces back and has a good pro day. There would be too many questions and concerns.
Looking ahead, even if he’s not drafted, Adams likely will find a team to sign him as an undrafted free agent, giving him a slim shot at an NFL dream.
But for Adams to have a real shot at becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL, it starts with the combine.
He needs to be impressive.
Former Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams said this week at the NFL Combine that he could run Chip Kelly’s offense with the San Francisco 49ers.
“I watched (Kelly’s offense) in Philly last year and pretty much 80-90 percent of the plays I would see I could call out that we run at Oregon, so I think I could really come in and run that offense, too,” Adams is quoted as saying by Dan Parr of College Football 24/7 on NFL.com
Agamemnon
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