*#15 *6-3 *236lbs *4.71/40 *2010/SR
QUARTERBACK
Strengths
Tim Tebow is leaving the collegiate level as a Heisman winner (and three time attendy of award), as one of the games winningest Quarterbacks, with numerous staggering statistics, and very well could be considered in the conversation as one of colleges greatest players ever! Tebow had a national following normally reserved for rock star status. With all that being said, he is one of the more dissected prospects ever entering the NFL draft. In saying that, there will be a different approach to the Tim Tebow evaluation experience. Since there are so many varying opinions of what his success will be at Quarterback at the next level. I felt it necessary to provide you with a variety of detailed position evaluations for Tim Tebow. With such doubt on Tebow's success at the next level at QB, we felt we would provide other position options for him.
He possesses the unique size & measurables, along with the leadership skills looked upon from the position.
At times he shows the willingness to stand in the pocket and take on oncoming defenders hits, to complete throws in the passing game.
Shows effectiveness with field awareness, acknowledging pre-snap reads, and during the process of plays, and knowing where to go with ball in limited progression reads.
He shows functional arm strength. Displaying good effectiveness throwing short yardage passes on the move.
Is quick transitioning into run mode after pass plays breakdown in the pocket, and once breaking past the line of scrimmage he is a load to handle.
Weaknesses
He is a 2-3 year project at minimum before becoming anywhere near a "traditional throwing" QB at the NFL level
His size and measurables don't transition well to his on field success at QB (doesn't stand tall in pocket despite size)
He is not the most fluid, and swift with his quarterbacking movements (robotic like). Displaying slow process from setup to release. He is flat footed with slight hunched posture in pocket (shoulders forward). Lacking active feet and proper follow through on throws
When forced to throw from the pocket, he lacks decisive throwing progressions beyond the first two reads. Then there's the inability to look off defenders with his eyes, to clear target area for completing pass to. He then has questionable pocket presence once pocket begins to collapse and he feels the pressure, he takes his eyes from downfield in the passing game, and then looks to run. Questionable ability to process plays fast enough in the passing game, and with internal clock. Does he have proper football IQ as QB?
He has a delayed elongated throwing motion. Despite having highly recognizable pro personnel working with him on new throwing mechanics, once thrown into live action the likelihood is he will revert back to his prior old ways through years of muscle memory. He has a low delivery release starting point (many times by thigh pads), and long deliberate sweeping arch before release. Which will provide defenders at the next level ample opportunity to jump passes. And he far too often false pumps & pats balls right before throwing, which once again delaying the time it takes to arrive to attended receivers
He seems to lack the velocity, zip, and accuracy necessary to consistently stretch NFL defenses, and make them defend the entire field through the air. This also weakens and limits his teams passing attack ala Chad Pennington.
His lack of velocity and looping throws also allow potential turnover opportunities for faster/ quicker DB's at the next level. And his inconsistent ball placement on deep balls, and on outlet passes to ball carriers/ receivers, compounds his throwing mechanic woes.
He could use improved ball handling and play action fakes when projecting him to the next level.
Projected Round
2nd Round
My Value Board
Late 3rd - 5th Round
Summary
Strictly evaluating Tim Tebow as a Quarterback. If he were from a lesser known school do you really think he would have been invited to the combine? There is a good possibility that he wouldn't have been invited. If a team is willing to work with him for a 2-3 year period, then they may have a QB that is a notch above a system QB. But don't look for more than that.
FULLBACK
Strengths
He possesses ideal physical dimensions, and a tough compact build to his physique. He has a low center of gravity running style, which he frequently uses to initiates first contact with defenders. Which is a favorable characteristic moving forward projecting him at the Fullback position
He displays exceptionally quick feet and excellent short area quickness. Which frequently assist him in avoiding defenders in tight areas. He also shows good change of direction in short area distances
He possessed good initial explosion in and out of stop and go situations as a Quarterback. So you would like to assume he would provide initial quickness out of his stance as a Fullback.
He is an instinctive runner at reading blocks, and finding his way to daylight. His short distance burst toward the line of scrimmage is ideal for the position. As an inside runner you would assume he would excel at cutting & eluding tacklers, since he consistently did so from the Quarterback position. He also possesses
the innate ability of avoiding direct contact from defenders.
His strong, powerful lower body has allowed him to consistently break numerous arm tackles, and gain those all important yards after contact or YAC. Which would make him an excellent potential short yardage, and goal line rusher at the next level, with his nose for pay dirt.
He consistently finishes off runs strong. Often times leaning forward after last contact from defenders. The Fullback position is a physical position by nature. Which requires physical toughness, strength, intensity, and durability. Tim Tebow you would have to say possesses all of these qualities.
Weaknesses
His upright running style makes him susceptible to losing "leverage and balance" battles versus defenders at the next level if not adjusted. His running effectiveness drops considerably once his momentum is stopped, and he starts to run laterally. He then loses power and momentum.
Lacks an ideal second gear and straight line long speed. Possessing more of a lumbering, lack of stride running style in open spaces. Along with lacking the skill sets to consistently hit the corners of opposing defenses, and then making way upfield.
His skill sets dictate he lacks the ability to provide "explosion plays" of 20 yards or more on a consistent basis. His inability to avoid tacklers from a distance in space will contribute to his lack of "explosion plays" at the next level.
He is an unknown quantity at his new position when it comes to durability concerns, ball security, blocking, and pass catching skills out of the backfield.
Projected Round
None
My Value Board
Late 2nd - 3rd Round
Summary
There is no question after evaluations that Tebow's best immediate impact to the team that drafts him is at the Fullback position. His talents and skills transition best to this position. Especially in an immediate results oriented league like the NFL. Where there is no such thing as 2 year red-shirt existing, in a likely cap strapped environment looking into the future.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Strengths
When you look at Tim Tebow from an Inside Linebacker perspective, it may be somewhat outside the box, but with unconventional talents like him sometimes you have to think outside the box.
He possesses the DESIRE, has displayed the TOUGHNESS throughout his collegiate career running against what's considered the toughest defenses in the SEC, and the physical MENTALITY & MEASURABLES comparable to some of the top Inside Linebackers in this years 2010 draft!
His quick decision making as a Quarterback should should benefit him well at his new position. Especially since Inside Linebacker is widely considered the QB of the defense. Having made the calls behind center on the offensive side, there would be a presumed thinking that this would give him a pre-snap edge at diagnosing plays before the snap.
His combination of Desire, Toughness, Mentality, and Measurables put him right in the ball park of the other top Inside Linebackers. See for yourself.
Weaknesses
The fact that everything about the Inside Linebacker position is new to him is a major concern
Can he physically adapt to a more frequent contact collision position?
Concerns in the areas of lateral movement, instinctively making his way through traffic in pursuit of ball sideline to sideline, ability to take on and defeat blockers at the point of attack, release & separate from that blocker, then seek and wrap up ball carriers on a regular basis.
Then there are concerns in pass defense with getting proper depth and positioning defending passes thrown his direction and making a play on. Does he possesses the unique combination of quickness, explosion, and power to frequently make his way through high traffic areas, on a path to the QB?
Projected Round
None
My Value Board
Mid - Late 3rd Round
Summary
Don't think for a second that a position move to Inside Linebacker for Tebow is such a farce. His competitive nature, physical measurables, and comparisons to other top level Inside Linebackers prospects are very comparable.Besides, if for whatever reason, he didn't succeed at QB or FB he would be way too talented of an athlete not to find a spot on the field for. Whether that means on offense or defense! It's all about gaining value, and placing each of you drafted selections in the best position for success long term.
BIO LINK
http://www.gatorzone.com/football/misc.php?p=tebow/bio
STATS LINK
http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=183484
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