San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley is an intriguing midrange prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft. With a little coaching in certain areas of his game, the senior passer could develop into a dangerous starter at the next level.

In 2010, Lindley threw for 3,830 yards and 28 touchdowns. His senior campaign was a little weaker, primarily from losing targets, as he racked up 3,153 yards and 23 scores. In each of his last three seasons as a starter, he tossed at least 23 scoring strikes and threw for more than 3,000 yards. 

Experienced with a live arm

Strengths

• Strong arm - can make all of the throws and has a lot of zip on intermediate passes
• Four-year starter
• Durable - missed only one game because of injury
• Good size at 6-foot-3 3/4, 229 pounds
• Great in the pocket
• Conventional delivery and throwing motion
• Looks off safeties and generally does a good job of surveying the field
• Team leader with no known character flaws

Weaknesses

• Lacks athleticism and mobility
• Inconsistent accuracy and suspect anticipation
• Tends to force throws into tight coverage while relying too much on his arm strength
• Lacks touch on short and deep passes
• Field awareness is below average - doesn't do a good enough job of feeling the pocket collapsing from his blind side
• Statistically regressed as a senior, which could be due to losing his top two targets to the NFL and a reliance on running back Ronnie Hillman

Expected draft placement

Lindley is a project quarterback whose skill set just needs refinement before he can become a viable NFL starter. Expect to hear his name in the fourth round of the draft, and we don't expect him to slide out of the fifth.