Arizona quarterback Nick Foles has size on his side, but teams in the 2012 NFL Draft must realize they have a project on their hands. He enjoyed a productive senior season, despite losing twice as many games as he won.

Foles, a rhythm passer, threw for 4,334 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions but took 23 sacks on the year. Some scouts see potential, others see a slow-footed system product in the former Wildcat.

System product?

Strengths

• Tough physically and mentally, plays with determination
• Large frame (6-foot-5, 243 pounds)
• Surveys the field well
• Above-average arm strength
• Respected team leader - hard worker
• Poised in the pocket
• Doesn't give up
• Would fit well in a West Coast offense - extremely accurate underneath
• Tremendous upside
• Competent game manager
• Large hands (10 5/8 inches)
• Experienced in play-action passing and from the shotgun (limited experience under center)

Weaknesses

• Questionable on-field judgment and ball security
• Largely slow and immobile
• Doesn't have a lot of touch on deep passes
• Slower release than you would like to see
• Tends to hang on to the ball too long - takes a lot of sacks (43 in last two years)
• Needs to acclimate to an NFL system
• Injury concerns

Expected draft placement

Foles may be in a better spot in a weaker quarterback class, but that is a moot point in 2012. He will need time to be groomed and acclimate himself to the NFL, especially the game speed. 

Expect to hear his name in the third or fourth rounds. Foles has potential but comes with enough downside to make teams pause. He could draw the interest of the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, among others, such as the Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears.