It might seem odd for a draft analyst to admit, but one of my favorite times in the football calendar is the summer.
After the draft dust settles and with no NFL or college games underway, you might wonder how this could be anyone’s preferred moment in football. The answer lies in summer scouting, a period where we plunge deep into game tapes and PFF data to analyze the upcoming draft class.
Before summer scouting kicks off, my views on college football underclassmen who aren’t draft-eligible are mostly shaped by what I’ve seen on TV or live. While I’m an avid football fan, my focus during game days is more on enjoying the spectacle rather than meticulously analyzing future prospects. However, once summer arrives, it’s time to delve into the nuances of player performance and assess how their skills might translate to the NFL.
With summer scouting for the 2025 class underway, I’ve already conducted initial evaluations for 15 of the upcoming draft-eligible quarterbacks. While scouting for the coveted QB1 title, names like Carson Beck from Georgia, Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, and Quinn Ewers from Texas have emerged prominently, all finding their place in my early top eight. Beck and Sanders even secure spots in my top three. However, there’s another player, perhaps less celebrated, who narrowly clinches the top spot heading into the 2024 college football season.
Conner Weigman of Texas A&M.
Highest-Graded SEC Quarterbacks 2023
A PROMISING START
Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 215 pounds, Weigman entered the football scene as a highly touted five-star recruit, ranked as the No. 3 quarterback and the No. 22 overall player in the 2022 recruiting class. Despite also being a top baseball prospect, his initial commitment to Texas A&M was geared towards playing both football and baseball. However, his path swiftly veered towards football dominance, particularly when injuries sidelined other quarterbacks, thrusting him into the starting role as a true freshman.
Though starting the 2022 season as QB3, circumstances swiftly elevated Weigman to the forefront. Despite limited experience, his performance during the 2022 campaign showcased promise, earning him respectable PFF grades despite the challenging circumstances.
Moving into 2023 as the Week 1 starter, Weigman’s momentum was unfortunately hampered by a foot injury, truncating his season prematurely. Nonetheless, his brief tenure on the field displayed glimpses of brilliance, highlighted by an exceptional overall grade and passing grade, despite facing less formidable competition.
While some may discount Weigman’s early successes due to the perceived lack of strong opponents and his limited playing time, a closer examination of his performances reveals a truly promising quarterback prospect.
THE METRICS
While Weigman’s sample size may be limited, his performance metrics paint a compelling picture of his potential. Despite the scarcity of data, his impressive 4.5% big-time throw rate juxtaposed with a mere 2.1% turnover-worthy play rate in 2023 underscores his ability to deliver under pressure while minimizing mistakes. Additionally, his 73.8% adjusted completion percentage, while not exceptional, demonstrates a level of proficiency expected from a starting quarterback.
However, it’s Weigman’s stability in projection metrics that truly sets him apart. His elite passing grades in various scenarios, such as from a clean pocket (92.6), on early downs (91.2), and without play action (92.4), showcase his versatility and consistency as a passer. Furthermore, his remarkable ability to avoid negative plays, ranking in the 98th percentile (10.3%), and sack avoidance, placing in the 88th percentile behind a struggling offensive line, exemplify his poise and decision-making under pressure.
Although under-pressure passing grades typically exhibit greater variability, Weigman’s impressive 86.5 mark, landing him in the 97th percentile, suggests a remarkable composure and effectiveness in challenging situations. Notably, his stellar performance on third-and-long situations, earning an 87.9 grade, further solidifies his status as a quarterback capable of thriving in pivotal moments.
FILM REIGNS SUPREME
Even within the realm of PFF analysis, the ultimate arbiter is the film itself; the numbers must translate to tangible on-field performance. Weigman’s film may lack the sheer volume due to his limited game time, but it’s replete with flashes of promise. Demonstrating comfort and confidence both in shotgun and under center, he exhibits a natural finesse in his ball placement and touch, particularly evident in his execution of intermediate and deep passes. His background in multiple sports lends him a fluidity in navigating the pocket, evading pressure, and utilizing his mobility to gain yardage.
While Weigman’s throw power meets the NFL standard and his field vision is commendable, there are areas for improvement. Notably, his tendency to widen his leg on follow-through, reminiscent of his baseball background, and his inclination to fade away from passes instead of stepping up under pressure in 2023 are areas of concern. Moreover, his discomfort against tougher opponents, notably against Auburn, raises questions about his performance under heightened competition.
For those who prioritize experience and the caliber of opponents faced in their scouting assessments, Weigman may not rank among the top three quarterbacks entering the season. However, in a draft class lacking a clear-cut top-10 pick at the quarterback position, the foundation displayed by Weigman in 2023 is promising. With hopes pinned on a fully healthy 2024 season, Weigman possesses the potential to emerge as one of the premier quarterback prospects if he can showcase his skills over a complete season.
