Nate Stanley: New England Patriots
Every draft season there is a quarterback who rises up draft boards, and due to a combination of need at the position and collegiate play style, the NFL falls for him and he comes off the board earlier than expected.
Iowa’s Nate Stanley might be the 2020 version of this phenomenon.
Stanley’s 2019 game film was a bit rocky at times, particularly his game against Michigan, but if you dig through his season you will certainly find things to his playing style – and what he was asked to do as a quarterback – that are going to be attractive to NFL scouts. We often hear about the “pro style offense” during draft season, and while the idea of that is becoming less important as more spread elements work their way into the NFL, there are those that love when a QB lines up under center, executes that play-fake and then a deep drop into the pocket, and throws the deep out pattern with a minimal hitch.
This is the “deep out pattern” part of the equation:
Not too shabby of a throw… pic.twitter.com/0i7u6HfhBD
— Mark Schofield (@MarkSchofield) February 17, 2020
But there is something to be said for what a college quarterback does when tasked with that deep play-action drop, and turning his back to the defense if even for a split second. I pay particular attention to those moments, because they illustrate what happens in the quarterback’s mind when he is forced to lose sight of the secondary. A lot can change in the secondary in the blink of an eye, and Stanley shows the ability to maintain his understanding of the defense and make the right decisions even when forced to take his eye off the defensive backs.
Stanley also shows the ability to move around a bit and fight in the pocket with his footwork. He is not the most athletic quarterback, but he can fight with his feet and extend plays when necessary, while keeping his eyes downfield scanning for a target.
Now…
I am not making a direct comparison, but does that sound at all like the guy who has been calling the shots for New England’s offense the past few seasons? The Patriots place an emphasis on processing speed at the decision, and Stanley checks that box. If I were coaching him, I would tell him to emulate Brady as much as possible, with his footwork in the pocket and how he extends plays with his feet and his mind.
Obviously the football world is waiting on Brady’s decision, and if he does decide to leave town New England might be forced to move on a quarterback earlier in the draft. Or roll with Jarrett Stidham. But if he returns to Foxborough, Stanley would be an intriguing option later in the draft.