Tyler Huntley, QB, Utah
Quarterbacks often dominate the pre-draft discussion, and this year’s process is no different. From speculation over Tua Tagovailoa’s hip, to the possibility that Justin Herbert is the second quarterback off the board, to the discussion about Jalen Hurts and Jake Fromm on Day Two, some of the names at the top are generating a ton of buzz, and content, in the final few hours before the event begins.
But what if I told you that one of college football’s most efficient passers in history was in this draft class, was not even invited to the Combine, and might not even get drafted at all?
Meet Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley. A three-year starter for the Utes, Huntley took his game up a notch during his senior campaign. Last year he completed 72.3% of his passes for 3,048 yards and 19 touchdowns, all of which were career-high marks. His college passer rating of 120.2 was a career-high. According to grading from Pro Football Focus, his overall grade of 90.0 was eighth overall in the entire country. We mentioned efficiency? Well, Huntley’s mark of 177.6 was the 25th best in FBS history, the fifth-best number in FBS a season ago, and the top mark in all of the Pac-12.
Yes, above the aforementioned Herbert.
What does Huntley do well on the field? First it is his ability to make smart, quick decisions with the football and to get the ball out quickly while still working through progressions. Huntley is very adept at ruling throws in or out prior to the snap, depending on the defensive alignment. If he sees soft coverage or a big cushion, or an uncovered receiver in the slot, he will make you pay immediately after the snap. He also brings athleticism to the table as a quarterback. He can extend plays with his feet and mask protection problems up front. His game might be termed as the best insurance policy for an offense, because when things break down, he can still keep the offense on schedule.
If coaches and general managers are forced to rely more on film this draft given the lack of Pro Days and Top 30 visits, they are going to love what they see from Huntley. He might not have gotten an invitation to Indianapolis, but his tape and improvement over the course of his time with Utah speaks for itself.