2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Andy Dalton

WalterFootball.com's Archive

Walter of WalterFootball has been WalterFootball'ing since 1999'. Older Content is being kept around here. Thanks for reading.



Strengths:
  • Good arm strength
  • Quick release
  • Accurate thrower
  • Smart; protects the football
  • Mobile with scrambling ability
  • Intelligent and tough
  • Proven leader, passion for the game
  • Winner at collegiate level
  • Durable, experienced 4-year starter



    Weaknesses:
  • Height is not ideal
  • Lacks elite characteristics
  • Product of spread offense
  • Release point needs to be adjusted
  • Not many games against top competition
  • Footwork needs improvement

    Summary: Andy Dalton had a terrific collegiate career that included helping TCU not only to a BCS bowl (Rose) win, but in the bigger picture, played a part in the program joining the "Big Six" fraternity as a future member of the Big East. He put up solid if not spectacular statistics most of his career, really peaking as a senior with by far his best season on paper. More importantly he kept improving - and winning.

    Of course, most of that came in the Mountain West. Against "Big Six" competition, his record was 7-3, although a few of those teams were lesser opponents. He went 3-3 against Utah and Boise State. Still, he saved his best for last in the victory over Wisconsin which really opened eyes.

    Dalton has the toughness to be successful, but will have to overcome his lack of height and learn the pro style offense.

    Player Comparison: Chase Daniel. I have seen Dalton compared to Drew Brees, but at this point, a more realistic comparison is to another player on the New Orleans depth chart. Like Daniel, Dalton lacks ideal height and arm strength, but is an accurate passer. Both played in a shotgun offense at the collegiate level. Daniel was not drafted, but he lacked the "it" factor and perhaps some of that was absorbing losses against stiffer competition in the Big XII.

    Clearly Dalton is going to be drafted, and fairly early. Projecting him to the pros, however, I see a slightly better Chase Daniel.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's


    2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports