When NFL guys evaluate a guy as a # 3 QB for their roster they're looking at 3 factors.
When NFL guys evaluate a guy as a # 3 QB for their roster they're looking at 3 factors.
1. If we have to put him out there can he finish a game for us ? Not win it because they don't expect that but can he go out there and not make the critical error which costs us a game.
2. Is he versatile enough to run our scout team well during the week given all the different types of offenses we will play against ?
3. Money. What is his cap hit to the roster ?
Book IMO checks all the boxes
Not a big mistake guy-----athletic enough that he can execute the various versions of the Spread------will play for NFL minimum.
I agree. I don't know exactly what goes into the thought process of why a team would or wouldn't want a particular #3 rookie QB on their roster, but I look at Ian Book as someone who would be highly appealing to an NFL coach or GM, mainly on the basis of what a thoroughly impressive QB he is in all respects, other than being a prolific passer.
Meaning, he's not a poor passer, and at the NFL level if not in college, you could describe him as a game manager, who does not make all the throws in a particularly effortless or aggressive manner. As we all know, he's more cautious, or certainly appears to be wired that way. and yet occasionally will make beautiful throws of NFL caliber, which speaks to his potential ability; but more often than not will be hesitant to make these more higher degree of difficulty throws; which cautiousness certainly served him and us well at ND, but nevertheless IMO is by no means a deal breaker, at least starting out as a 3rd-string, developmental, deep-backup type.
Now obviously if Book proves to be too limited, as a practical matter, over time, in what he's able to get done in the passing game at the NFL level, then teams will move on. But IMO Book's passing shortcomings are just not that poor, and are more than offset by his excellent traits in other respects. He's short, but he seems to be a very well-put together specimen, and at least on that level he's an easy match for Russell Wilson or Drew Brees. And we all know what a fine athlete he is in the pocket, as well as his character and professionalism and steadiness.
Bottom line if he can improve as a passer, whether it be more so improving his touch/accuracy, or improving his reads or a little of both, he can stick in the NFL IMO. And he doesn't have THAT far to go in terms of the improvement that will be required. So not only does he have career backup potential, he has intriguing developmental starter potential as well.
