A.J McCarron Scouting Report (Premium Content Sample)
Pulled Directly from our 2017 Pro QB Almanac
#5 A.J McCarron 6’3” 215 4th Year, Alabama
Overview
After a record setting college career where McCarron threw for over 9,000 yards with 77 touchdowns to only 15 interceptions while leading the Crimson to two BCS national titles he was selected in the 5th round by the Bengals. The book on McCarron coming out of college was filled with a certain degree of skepticism in terms of just how he would transition to pro game. In just three short years McCarron has proven his doubters wrong by performing at a high level when given the opportunity to play as a pro. McCarron is entering his 4th year in the league and is viewed throughout the league as a starting caliber quarterback.
Analysis
A.J McCarron is a refined thrower of the football. What stands out from his 2015 tape is his ability to be decisive as a decision maker on a variety of throws as well as his somewhat rare ability to anticipate windows with the needed ball trajectory - Meaning he has an intuitive almost instinctive ability to manipulate ball trajectory to ensure completion and he is able to do this while throwing with anticipation. McCarron is very sound mechanically and throws with a very clean delivery. There is a smoothness to his release and at times his motion can become a bit elongated. He shows solid ball placement and touch and is able to push the ball down the field. His average arm strength can be an issue during times of duress but often is mitigated due to his ability to make quick decisions and get the ball out of his hand. His career path up until this
point has been similar to Jimmy Garoppolo as they are both viewed as young quarterbacks with starter potential. We consider McCarron to be a notch below Garoppolo.
2017 Prediction
McCarron’s role is already set heading into the year as he will be the backup to Dalton once again. He has a bright future whether that ends up being with the Bengals or elsewhere. If things get shaky with Dalton this year the team may turn to McCarron at some point.
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