Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike is an intriguing prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft. After a pretty good junior season in 2008 the senior quarterback turned heads with a 2,520-yard, 29-touchdown, six-interception season in '09.

Strengths

• Good decision-making skills
• Quick release and great timing
• Excellent height at 6-foot-6
• Doesn't force passes or make a lot of mistakes
• Accurate and throws a nice, catchable ball
• Poised coming out from under center
• Surveys the field well and makes the proper reads
• Good work ethic, character
• Feels the rush pretty well

Weaknesses

• Needs to sell play-action passes and pump fakes better
• Could stand to add bulk to his frame
• History of injuries a concern
• Limited upside
• Profiles as a game manager
• Lack of athleticism and arm strength

Expected draft placement

We don't expect Pike to be highly sought after during the draft. How much of his success can be pinned on Mardy Gilyard's big-play ability after the catch? A lackluster effort at the NFL Scouting Combine surely didn't help Pike's chances, and he may be hoping the tape on him changes a few minds.

Pike figures to be a backup, and his ceiling may be somewhere around a Jake Delhomme-like career path as a several-year backup eventually given a shot to not screw up in a power-running offense. Then again, they said that Tom Brady cat was too skinny, too. All kidding aside, Pike is probably a late fourth- or early fifth-round pick.