After completing four seasons at Michigan State, quarterback Brian Hoyer will enter the 2009 NFL Draft. In his four seasons with the Spartans, Hoyer threw 896 passes for 6,159 yards, 35 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.

In Hoyer's two seasons as a full-time starter, he threw 729 balls for 5,219 yards for 29 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Hoyer ranks third all-time at Michigan State in career passing yards and completions; he is second in career pass attempts.

Strengths

• Very quick release
• Strong, mature leader - voted team captain for senior season - great game manager
• Reads defenses well
• Durability - played final 27 straight games through various minor injuries.
• Good footwork; able to sell the play-action pass.

Weaknesses

• Not a threat to tuck and run
• Inconsistent accuracy
• Poor pocket awareness
• Regressed his senior year without much talent around him
• Not ideal arm strength for the NFL deep ball

Expected draft placement

Hoyer is a midrange prospect who could be a late sixth- or early seventh-round selection, but it is realistic that he goes undrafted.

Any number of teams could select Hoyer and invite him to training camp, so we won't speculate on any specific teams this late in the draft. If groomed behind a veteran passer for a few years, Hoyer could develop into a starter but of the game managing variety.