Cole McDonald | QB | Hawaii
Elevator Pitch
Hawaii has been known to produce some highly productive passers, such as Colt Brennan. McDonald is next on the list. His has a NFL-sized frame for the position. He is more of an athlete than he is a passer but could get some looks from NFL teams that should follow during the free agent scramble after the NFL Draft.
Vitals
Height | 6-3
Weight | 215
Class | Redshirt Junior
Strengths
McDonald is more of an athlete at the quarterback position, rather than a passer at the quarterback position. If he can break contain of edge rushers, look for McDonald to burn a defense with his legs. Not afraid to mix it up with safeties and corners. He will drop his shoulder in hopes of bulldozing an attempting tackler. Has shown some breakaway speed for a quarterback that could potentially lead to big plays.
McDonald’s ability to navigate the pocket helps with some big play opportunities in the scramble drill. Keeps his eyes downfield scanning for the open receiver. He uses play action and read options well with the threat to run. Uses those opportunities to sling it down the field for touchdowns. He does a good job of attacking the seams of a defense that resulted in a lot of points for Hawaii.
Weaknesses
Mechanics will be the main aspect of McDonald’s game that will need the most work. His release just doesn’t promote confidence in his deep ball accuracy. The release point being the biggest issue. With proper throwing mechanics, he could improve but his velocity is below average for a NFL quarterback. Fixing his throwing motion should help alleviate some of his throws, the ball needs to come out clean to help velocity as well.
On the topic of his release, a lot more issues arise when you look at his throwing set up. He takes too long to get the ball through his wind up and throw. Being just a tick quicker could be the difference in a complete catch and run by a receiver or a pick six going the other way when you allow a defensive back to close on the play.
Not a quarterback who can win consistently with tight window throws as he suffers with ball placement. At the NFL level those windows will be tighter. Doesn’t have the arm strength to fit the ball into his receiver. He can be late on getting the ball out as well which will increase his turnover worthy throws at the next level.
Projection: Day 3
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