With The First Pick
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Washington State’s Luke Falk should enter the 2017 NFL Draft

By Jon Dove

Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) reacts late in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Qualcomm Stadium. Minnesota won 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) reacts late in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Qualcomm Stadium. Minnesota won 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Based on Mike Leach’s most recent press conference the feeling is that Washington State quarterback Luke Falk will be returning to school.

It appears that the situation is still fluid, but Washington State’s Luke Falk seems to be leaning towards returning to school. This decision would be a surprise as has done more than enough during his college career to enter the 2017 NFL Draft.

In fact, Falk is my top rated quarterback prospect and one of only two that would be in the 1st round mix. He has all the traits evaluators look for in a potential top-end starter.

Falk has the height to see over the offensive line, enough ability to evade the pass rush and the arm strength needed to make all the throws. He’s a fearless player who isn’t afraid to stand in the pocket and take a hit.

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The biggest knock on Falk is the fact that he plays in Mike Leach’s spread attack. Historically, the quarterbacks coming out of Leach’s system have not fared well in the NFL. This is usually because they lack ideal measurables such as size and arm strength.

Falk differs from Leach’s former quarterbacks in that he has the measurables needed to succeed in the NFL. There’s no questioning his arm talent nor his length and solid athleticism.

The other knock on Leach’s quarterbacks is that they can’t read a defense and put up numbers thanks to spacing. Typically, these quarterbacks have had the luxury of throwing to wide open receivers rarely having to squeeze the ball into tight coverage.

Again, Falk has had a different experience playing under Leach at Washington State. He has shown the ability process post-snap information and read defenses. Washington State asks him to go through is progressions and work across the field.

Falk does attack the deep part of the field and doesn’t solely rely on working the underneath routes. He’s someone that needs to be taken out of the spread-quarterback bubble and seen as more of a pro-ready prospect.

His decision to return to school would be a mistake and could cost him a lot of money. The 2017 NFL Draft class doesn’t have a strong quarterback group and the door is wide open for someone to claim the top spot.

Falk has the tape, athletic skills and potential climb up draft boards. He needs to reconsider and declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.

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