2013 NFL Draft: Mike Glennon Prospect Profile

Nov 5, 2011; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Woldfpack quarterback Mike Glennon (8) throws a pass during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Liz Condo-USA TODAY Sports

NC State Wolfpack redshirt senior quarterback Mike Glennon experienced a lot of twist and turns early in his career. He finally solidified himself as the Wolfpack’s starting signal caller after Russell Wilson left for baseball in 2011. Glennon had a strong start as a starting quarterback, scoring multiple touchdowns in every game of his junior season. His senior campaign, however, Glennon regressed somewhat throwing multiple interceptions. He eventually finished the year with 1000-yards more than his previous year and same amount of touchdowns (31) as his junior season. Scouts’ opinion vary much concerning this young quarterback, as some has touted him as the second best quarterback in the draft, while others believe he is no better  than a mid-round selection. Below I will attempt to dissect Glennon’s strengths as well as his shortcomings.

Measurables:
 6”6, 232 lbs.

Strengths:
Mike Glennon is one of the tallest quarterback entering this draft, and unlike quarterback Brock Osweiler from last year’s draft, Glennon plays to his size. He can make all types of throws, throwing the short to intermediate with zip and he can fit the ball into tight spaces, throwing with high velocity.  He constantly throws deep as well, showing off his armstrong, releasing the football at its highest point.

When Glennon is protected well, defenders will have a hard time stopping Glennon’s passes, and he will calmly find his open receivers. In the face of pressure, Glennon keeps his eyes downfield, absorbing the hit by the defender, and completes passes that is difficult even in the professional level.

Weaknesses:
Unfortunately, related to his last mentioned strength, there are more bad throws than good ones when Glennon is under duress. Even worst, sometimes Glennon perceives pressure where there is none. His pocket awareness is sub-par, and it gets him in a lot of trouble. Glennon has a bad habit throwing off from his back foot, and his transference of motion is sloppy that led to a lot of over and under throws. He needs to learn to step into his pocket and utilize his pocket better. Add to the fact that Glennon is not mobile; he becomes trapped when his offensive line fails him. Finally, Mike Glennon is not an anticipatory thrower. He rarely looks off the safeties, and throws after finding a perceived open target. Therefore he is predictable and his passess gets deflected or worse yet, intercepted.

Projection:
It is still questionable whether Glennon is ready to make immediate contributions, however the NFL is a quarterback driven league and therefore there will be a strong preference to draft a top signal caller early. His immediate fit may be in a verticle offense in teams such as San Diego or Arizona, with emphasis on intermediate to long passes. Glennon is a top prospect in comparison to current quarterback talent level in this year’s draft, and therefore should not fall past the early second round, with a good possibility being taken in the top 15.

Grade: 7.0