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Deondre Francois, Florida State: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) looks to the sidelines during the second half against Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) looks to the sidelines during the second half against Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State’s Deondre Francois is an emerging quarterback prospect who possesses the raw skills evaluators look for in NFL talent.

Deondre Francois is a developing quarterback prospect who flashes the upside to be a top pick in the NFL Draft. He features a strong throwing arm, solid athleticism and excellent poise. This is someone who isn’t afraid to stand in the pocket and take a big hit.

Francois plays with balance and a quiet stance in the pocket. This allows him to make small shifts to avoid pressure. It also helps him square towards his target and fire off his back foot. His overall throwing motion is easy and quick.

Florida State’s offense offers Francois plenty of opportunities to work under center, go through his progressions and operation play action. These are experiences that will make his transition to the NFL a little easier.

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Francois spins a clean football and can generate solid zip. His underneath passes are very accurate and allow his target to pick up yards after the catch.

The problems come when he starts to work the intermediate and sideline routs. Francois tends to sail these throws delivering it with poor ball placement. There are plenty of situations where the ball is uncatchable or forces the receiver to make an acrobatic catch.

Francois also has trouble with his deep accuracy often getting too much loft and under throwing his target. These deep balls tend to get delivered into tight coverage where the receiver is expected to make a play.

In Francois’ defense, Florida State’s offensive line was a complete mess for most of the year. He often dealt with tons of pressure which kept him from stepping into his throws. Francois showed great toughness and poise while dealing with this pressure.

Young quarterbacks who are under duress tend to develop poor habits which was the case with Francois. He started short arming his throws in anticipation of getting hit.

Francois has the traits to succeed at the next level, but must improve his ability to attack the deeper parts of the field. It’s important to note that he’s still very young and developing as a player. The more experience he gets the better he should perform.

Improving that deep accuracy would put him in the 1st round mix, but until then he’s more of a mid-round prospect.

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