NFL Draft Analysis: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State Wildcats

by Zach Sanders on April 24, 2009 @ 00:00:00 PDT

Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman opted to forgo his senior season and has entered the 2009 NFL Draft. In his three seasons at Kansas State, Freeman passed for 8,078 yards and 44 touchdowns. His quarterback rating was 136.48 in his final season. Freeman was an honorable mention for the All-American team last season.

Strengths

Physical tools - listed at 6-foot-5 5/8, 248 pounds
Arm strength
Great touch on the deep ball
Mobility - moves well inside the pocket and has deceptive speed while on the run
Has experience from under center and out of the shotgun formation
Steps up in the pocket and keeps his eyes downfield
Durability - played final 32 games in college career

Weaknesses

Struggled against faster defenses
Questionable mechanics and footwork
Often makes poor decisions
Sometimes double-clutches the ball or pats it with his non-throwing hand, slowing down his release
Needs to improve his timing
Wasn't a winner in college against inferior competition
A project quarterback that could take two or three years of development

Expected draft placement

We don't think Freeman is worthy of a first-round pick since he is such a raw project. The overall need for a quarterback of this nature may not be there in Round 1 without a team trading back into the first to acquire him, which could prove to be disastrous in the long run considering what has to be traded to move back into the round. Some team, though, will fall in love with his arm and take that risk, in all likelihood.

Freeman should go in the first round but may slip into second. The New York Jets could choose Freeman at No. 17 overall to be the replacement for quarterback Brett Favre if they cannot land Southern California Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 19 could pick Freeman, even after signing Byron Leftwich, and the Detroit Lions could look to Freeman at No. 20 if they do not select a quarterback with their top overall selection.

If Freeman falls into the second round, the St. Louis Rams (No. 35), Seattle Seahawks (No. 37), Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 39) and San Francisco 49ers (No. 43) all remain possible destinations.