Halliday: is he drafted? I predict, no
- Thread starter ttowncoug
- Start date
The NFL Combine scouting report on Halliday is just about dead on:
Analysis
Strengths Obviously had great production in Washington
State's pass-happy offense, but showed real improvement as decision
maker as well. Showed improved accuracy to all areas of the field. Has a
pre-snap plan and proved he was able to come off of his primary read
and find another option. Gets from target to target quickly. Has good
feel for timing routes and when to cut it loose. Throws a catchable ball
with adequate ball placement. Was willing and able to make tough throws
in the bucket over linebackers and just underneath safeties. Doesn't
have a big arm by any stretch but was able to throw deep comeback to
side with some success. Drive accuracy between hashes was good enough.
Weaknesses Skinny frame that might not hold up to NFL
pounding. Is a little slow in his setup. Played out of shotgun for all
four years. Inconsistent with footwork. Plays in an offense that values
getting the ball out quickly over footwork and mechanics on some throws.
When internal-clock alarm goes off, his accuracy takes a nose dive. Not
a factor out of pocket. Suffered broken tibia and fibula in early
November, and will not work out at the combine. Shows some signs of
panic when rush from middle of the pocket starts to creep toward him.
NFL Comparison Ryan Griffin
Bottom Line Lanky "system quarterback" lacking a strong
arm and an ability to create plays outside of the pocket. Halliday
shows an adequate level of football intelligence and has enough accuracy
to warrant a draft pick. One positive is that he has clearly improved
over the last two seasons and might continue on the same track once he
works into an NFL system. A role as a backup might be his ceiling.
Out of Tulane in 2013, with New Orleans Saints right now.
This post was edited on 2/23 3:46 PM by Coug95man2
Ryan Griffin
This post was edited on 2/23 3:46 PM by Coug95man2
Ryan Griffin
Halliday + Cowboys is a hard sell for me. Cowboys have been building the OL and RB to move to a ball control offense. Not clear why a guy who led the nation in turnovers for 2 years would be at the top of their list.
Yes, WE (exception: Comanche) know it clicked in his final year here and are grateful for that. But it's hard to see him going better than UDFA or "last pick of the draft" when he struggled most of his time in college and now goes off to face the "elitest" of elite defenders.
I think he improved enough - particularly with his decision-making - in 2014 to make him worth a gamble in the late rounds. He's got decent accuracy and doesn't make too many mistakes when he's given time...but sometimes gets flustered when he gets pressure and tries throws that he shouldn't. Again, better in 14 than in 13, but still had some lapses.
He's not a threat to move the pocket - at all - which doesn't fit the current trend in the NFL, and doesn't have the rocket arm, hasn't played under center.
Biggest problem, I think, is going to be durability. He ended two seasons early with serious injuries, and was splitting time in the one season he stayed healthy. He spent 5 years in the program and gained 15 pounds, doesn't appear that he's physically able to add any bulk. Big red flag on injury potential.
My thought is that most teams aren't going to see him as a starter, but he's got possibilities as a career backup. Most years that would probably mean 6th-7th round or maybe an FA deal immediately after the draft ends. With the lack of depth and the general need this year, maybe he could sneak into the late 5th, but my guess is that injury concerns keep him from going much earlier. And, he only makes it that far if he's able to throw for his pro day. Otherwise he's a free agent unless someone decides to throw a 7th rounder at him.
Weeden will be 32 this year and he's a backup. Their other QB was a rookie out of D2. Not sure he would land there unless they see a lot more out of him than others do. They're in severe need of the next guy to take over in 3-4 years tops. I'd think they'd get a guy they can groom for 2 years or a guy who can be a NFL-ready backup today, but not a franchise QB ceiling.
