2013 NFL Draft: Zac Dysert Prospect Profile
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad quarterback Zac Dysert of Miami OH (7) during the first half of the Senior Bowl against the Senior Bowl south squad during the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
It is easy to recognize that the 2013 NFL Draft isn’t very strong at the QB position, with various viewpoints on who is in the Top 5 group. One of the many candidates fighting to improve their draft stock is Miami (Ohio) QB Zac Dysert. While Dysert comes from a smaller school, he has some serious talent to work with. A big arm and strong athleticism propelled him to some great performances, but inconsistencies of his own and the lack of talent surrounding him were evident against bigger schools. After a disappointing performance at the Senior Bowl, with the hopes of turning his stock around at his Pro Day.
Measurables:
6′ 3″ 224 lbs.
Strengths:
While there are several QB’s in the draft that have questionable arm strength, Dysert is not one of them. He has shown the ability to hit a receiver deep down the field, even while rolling out of the pocket he still has the power. Not only can Dysert throw the deep ball, he can put the ball right where just his receiver can catch it. Putting perfect timing on the ball as it hits his man in stride 50 yards down the field.
Not only does Dysert have a great arm, he has the athleticism that coaches are beginning to fall in love with. If the pocket breaks down, as it often did behind a poor offensive line. Dysert would roll out of the pocket, giving his receivers time to break away from coverage and get open. Once his man was open Dysert had the touch to put it on a line even when he was off balance. If a play wasn’t open, Dysert has shown the speed to break off a big run, with his 108 yard game against Akron as a great example.
Finally, there is Zac Dysert inside the pocket and his awareness for everything that is going on. He shows a good sense of pressure and keeping eyes on the defense, while looking through his reads. Against Ohio State he broke free of what looked like a guaranteed sack, and was able to get the ball away inside the red zone. When you combine his big arm, athleticism and pocket awareness, there is plenty to like about Zac Dysert.
Weaknesses:
One of my first concerns about Zac Dysert is the level of competition he went against. In three games against Akron, Buffalo and Kent State he combined for 13 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. But against Ohio State, Boise State and Cincinnati he ha only 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. I will admit that against Ohio State he was hurt by multiple drops on key plays, but the Buckeyes dropped a few interceptions as well. While you have to like some of the things Dysert did against weaker competition, I have questions if he can start at the next level.
When I watched Dysert at the Senior Bowl, one thing that concerned me was how often he would overthrow his receivers. Obviously in these situations he is only given a week to get comfortable with these guys and it can be difficult, but he didn’t look like the same player I saw on film. In games he usually did well hitting his man on the spot, but looked flustered and his accuracy was off during the week. For a small school QB he needed to have a great week to improve his stock, but he failed to do that.
Another area Dysert needs to improve on is his feet inside the pocket and his mechanics. While he does have good awareness, he is inconsistent with the way he moves and it reflects on his throws. He also made some bad decisions in college, opting to throw a ball where shouldn’t or getting rid of it too early. While all of these areas are coachable, they are glaring points that need to be fixed before he can be a starting QB.
Projection:
While I did tend to like some of the things I saw from Dysert on tape, I couldn’t find anything that made me fall in love with him. He has a big arm and athleticism but I am concerned some of his numbers are a result of the inferior competition he faced. When he went against bigger teams he looked small, and the flaws in his game were exposed. I think he will be a 4th Round pick who will take several years to develop before he becomes a starting QB.
Zac Dysert Highlight Tape:
Grade: 7.0