Possible Quarterback Risers: Nick Fitzgerald

The 2018 NFL draft quarterback class is shaping up to be a great one. With the top players set, the field is shaping up to be an interesting one.

Looking back over the last few draft classes, quarterback risers have shaped team strategies. The late rises of RG3, Blake Bortles, Carson Wentz and last season Patrick Mahomes, blew up draft boards throughout the league. Early mocks have four quarterbacks going in the first round of the 2018 draft. Some even have up to six first-round quarterback grades. That being said this class has some depth and some amazing talent that hasn’t been tapped yet. Nick Fitzgerald just might be the one to watch.

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Nick is a big strong athletic quarterback. He is a throwback to the quarterbacks in the early 90s when teams spread it out more and let their quarterback be the driving force in the run game. Last season Mississippi State was struggling early with a lack of depth at the receiver position.

When they allowed Fitzgerald to start to use his feet more, their offense came alive. The record was a little disappointing at 5-7, however, they faced a tough SEC East schedule. Fitzgerald managed to win the Egg Bowl, the rivalry game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss, setting a single-game rushing record of 258 yards. He also pulled out a close win in the St Petersburg Bowl, pulling out a tough win against Miami (OH)

Fitzgerald’s strength is in the running game. He runs the ball like a tailback, with great linear speed and vision. He also has the ability to miss tackles and makes quick decisions on read option. At times he needs to give the ball to the back more. He also needs to do a better job of protecting his body from big hits. However, he has a large frame and is able to handle some pretty big time blows, an attribute that NFL scouts will love.

At times he needs to give the ball to the back more. He also needs to do a better job of protecting his body from big hits. However, he has a large frame and is able to handle some pretty big time blows, an attribute that NFL scouts will love.

Fitzgerald has a pretty good arm. I put him on a clock vs last season class and it would appear his ball is between 53mph and 55mph, which is where it should be. His field vision is good. He does lock on receivers at times, however, he moves his eyes well. His accuracy will need some work, he did a good job of throwing a catchable ball but his percentage didn’t show that. Probably needs to learn to throw with better touch.

This season will need to be a huge leap for Nick. He plays in an Air-Raid system which usually shows inflated accuracy number. Nick’s are low, which is partly due to underdeveloped receivers but mostly poor touch on passes.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: June Edition

Fitzgerald can choose to stay in College one more season after 2017. At the point he is at in his development, that would probably be the wise decision. With his upside and toughness, it will be difficult for him to not listen to the hype around him. Either way, he will be a fun player to watch this upcoming season.