As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Jake Haener.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jake Haener (QB – Fresno St.)
6’1″ – 200 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Washington, where he spent one year before transferring to Fresno St. Sat out the 2019 season, then started the six games of the shortened 2020 season and threw for 2,021 yards (64.7%, 8.7 YPA, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions). Had his most productive year in 2021, with 4,096 yards (67.1%, 8.4 YPA), 33 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, then suffered a high-ankle sprain this past year which limited him to 10 games, finishing with 2,896 yards (72.0%, 8.3 YPA), 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Positives:
Productive three-year starter. No heel click at the back of his drops and looks light on his feet in the pocket. Effective rhythm-based passer who gets the ball out quickly when his primary read is open. Has experience going through progressions. Able to adjust his arm angle as needed. Gets adequate zip on his underneath passes. Uses appropriate touch and throws a catchable ball over the middle of the field. Shows some ability to give his receivers chances with bucket throws down the sidelines. Has experience throwing while on the move to both his left and right, whether by design or when scrambling. Not a great athlete, but is able to pick up some yardage with his feet when the middle of the field is open. Does a good job of keeping his eyes downfield when forced to flee the pocket.
Negatives:
Will be a 24-year-old rookie. On the smaller side for a pro quarterback, and missed several games this past season due to injury. Doesn’t always transfer weight effectively, causing throws to fall short of intended targets. Passes take longer than average to get to the sidelines. Will probably not be able to rip throws into tight windows downfield at the next level. Accuracy suffers the further downfield he throws. Tends to fade away from pressure, leading to placement issues. Could be better about hitting his hot routes when faced with pressure; takes too many sacks, and turns some negative plays into disasters by trying to do too much. Gets some throws batted down at the line.
Summary:
Was generally considered the top quarterback at this year’s Senior Bowl, which appears to have elevated his draft stock into the mid-rounds as a quick-game passer who throws with touch over the middle of the field and who has some experience working through progressions. When given a clean pocket to work with, is able to protect the football and give his receivers a chance to pick up yards after the catch, but his relatively limited tools will probably relegate him to more of a backup/spot starter role at the next level.
Projection: Round 5-6
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