2018 NFL Draft: Key strengths and weaknesses for Kyle Lauletta

Strength: Anticipatory Throws

The 2018 NFL Draft features a number of quarterbacks with big arms and prototypical physical measurements. That’s certainly compelling, but there’s a trait that only a select few quarterbacks have managed to develop during their collegiate careers: Anticipatory passing.

Thankfully for teams that are aiming to select a quarterback in Round 2 or beyond, Kyle Lauletta has the elusive ability to throw his receivers open.

Lauletta’s ball placement is one of the primary reasons why scouts are giving him the time of day. He doesn’t have Josh Allen arm strength, but he can fit his throws into tight windows and put the ball where only his receiver can get it.

More importantly: Lauletta is willing and able to release his throws before a route develops, which can be the mark of an elite quarterback if they’re on the same page as their receivers.

The beauty of Lauletta’s game is that he doesn’t just throw ahead of his receivers and hope they’ll get to the pass. He also does an excellent job of going back shoulder, which is a tactic that many college and NFL quarterbacks fail to master.

Lauletta doesn’t stand in the pocket and wait for an opportunity to present itself. He’s a thinking man’s quarterback in the way he develops the play himself.