Why NFL scouts are drooling over a little-known QB who only played one game last season
- Trey Lance is one of the most compelling prospects of the 2021 NFL Draft.
- While he played just one game last year, it's easy to see why scouts are falling in love with Lance.
- Between his cannon arm and impressive rushing ability, comparisons to Josh Allen spring to mind.
The 2021 NFL draft class is loaded with quarterback talent.
Sitting atop the draft is Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has been penciled in as the top overall pick since his freshman year. Just below him is BYU's Zach Wilson, now widely projected to be the second overall pick. Ohio State's Justin Fields is also expected to be a top-five pick.
Then, there's Trey Lance of North Dakota State, who, despite playing just one game in 2020, is also swiftly rising on draft boards across the country.
Lance is an interesting case. He can make every throw, see the whole field, and is likely the most dangerous rusher of this draft class's quarterbacks.
While Lance isn't as elusive and doesn't have near the acceleration of a Lamar Jackson, he has a rough-and-tumble rushing style that can find success between the tackles on a read-option or outside the pocket as a play is breaking down.
Watch his highlights and comparisons to Josh Allen or Justin Herbert spring to mind.
The biggest concern about Lance heading into the draft is that he is still largely unproven.
In 2019, he led the Bison to a 16-0 record and an FCS national championship, all while posting an eye-popping stat line: 2,786 yards passing, 66.9 completion percentage, 28 touchdowns, zero interceptions. He rushed for 1,100 more yards and 14 more touchdowns.
But those numbers came in 2019 against FCS defenses. In 2020, North Dakota State played just a single game in the fall - what essentially amounted to an exhibition against Central Arkansas that was supposed to serve as a final showcase of Lance's talents ahead of the draft.
While the Bison won the game, Lance was not as impressive as his previous season suggested, completing just 50% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns to one interception. He still did manage to rush for 143 yards.
You can't judge a prospect by one game, but when it's the only game he's played in a calendar year, it's going to receive quite a bit of focus.
Then came his pro day when he had a chance to work out for NFL teams. Lance once again wowed with throws like this:
A few years ago, Carson Wentz left scouts buzzing at his North Dakota State pro day by showing off his stunning arm. This year, Lance will hope to follow in his footsteps and make a successful jump to the NFL. Sometimes it only takes one throw to show that you can.
While it's difficult to project how the draft will play out, it's safe to say that there are plenty of potential suitors for Lance. The Atlanta Falcons, sitting with the fourth overall pick, are a great spot for him, as quarterback Matt Ryan will be 36 at the start of the 2021 season. The Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers also all hold picks in the top half of the draft and could make a move on Lance if they believe he is their guy. And then there are the Patriots and the Saints, who could make a move up the board if they can find a trade partner.
Regardless of where he eventually ends up, Lance will be one of the most thrilling prospects to watch as he enters the league. All of the tools are there, and if he can put them together, even if it takes a little time, he could be a franchise-changing player.