Matt Waldman’s RSP Film Room examines the game of Iowa State QB Brock Purdy, an excellent pocket manager who layers throws like a pro. If Purdy can become a better thrower of the ball, there’s starter-level upside for the NFL to mine with his game.
One of my favorite things about the NFL Draft is that it can be as much about the beginning of a player’s pro story as it is the culmination of an amateur career. Part of a class of quarterbacks that isn’t as strong as recent groups, Brock Purdy isn’t at the top of the board. If he gets drafted inside the fifth round, I’m betting his camp will consider their pre-draft efforts a success.
Even so, Purdy is the type of talent who could work himself into playing time in 2-3 years. Although I’ve heard concerns about him anticipating phantom pressure and lacking strong pocket skills, I disagree with the assessment. Based on the six games I’ve studied closely, Purdy has timely reactions to pressure and a good movement plan.
He does have a habit of throwing off his back foot, but this appears to be rooted the final steps of his drop plan and setup rather than a reaction to pressure. If anything, I’ve found Purdy to wait a beat longer than necessary to deliver targets that will be breaking open and this invites more pressure into the throwing process.
Purdy excels at maneuvering from pressure in a variety of ways. He’ll climb, flush, side-step, and roll from multiple points of pressure. He also incorporates timely pump fakes to bait defenders.
He’s not an elite runner, but he will move the chains in the NFL. He’s a good fit right now for teams like the Colts and Eagles who target the middle of the field and use quick-hitting play-action throws. If Purdy can make moderate gains with his velocity, he could fit well in the Shanahan-Stefanski style of West Coast offenses.
For the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), download the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95. There’s an early-bird discount of $19.95 from 12/15/21-12/25/21.
Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95
If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.
Best yet, a proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.