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2019 NFL Draft: Missouri’s Drew Lock Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 24: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers throws a pass during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 24: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers throws a pass during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Missouri’s Drew Lock is a developing 2019 NFL Draft quarterback prospect who possesses some major upside.

Drew Lock rightly deserves to be considered one of the top 2019 NFL Draft quarterback prospects. He brings a combination of raw talent, toughness and understanding of the game. Lock is still at the early stages of his development, but it’s easy to see why evaluators are excited.

This is someone with good pocket presence and a strong balanced base. He is committed to keeping his shoulders squared towards this target. His delivery is sound with him routinely driving off his back foot.

Lock’s release is extremely quick with him getting the ball in and out of hands in a hurry. His quick release works well in the short passing game which is a major part of Missouri’s offense. The NFL is incorporating a lot of the same concepts so it’s a translatable skill.

His strong throwing arm is something evaluators will immediately notice. He has enough strength to attack the deep part of the field while also creating good zip on the shorter throws.

Lock works the sideline throws really well thanks to his quick release and arm strength. He also shows excellent ball placement on these throws by keeping away from the defender. This skill set also helps on slants and screens.

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Another area of the field where Lock attacks well is over the middle. Missouri runs a lot of plays where the post is the featured route. Lock has the arm strength to squeeze it through tight windows while throwing with some anticipation.

His deep ball accuracy is a work in process, but there are reasons to be optimistic. Lock flashes the ability to deliver the ball with proper loft and allowing his target to run underneath the ball.

However, there are times where he will under throw his target or force the ball into tight coverage. These spurts of carelessness will need to be worked out of his game at the next level.

I’m willing to give Lock somewhat of a pass in this area. Missouri’s receivers didn’t do him any favors by dropping a ton of balls. The drops occurred in critical situations as well as the shorter throws. Lock didn’t let this impact his attitude on the field.

However, it does appear to have forced him to take a few extra risks. If Missouri had any chance to pull off a win Lock would have to keep firing and make plays.

The biggest areas of Lock’s game that needs work is his ability to read a defense and going through his progressions. Lock tends to be a 1-read quarterback who will lock onto his No. 1 target. A lot of times this also means sticking to one side of the field.

Overall, Lock is a strong quarterback prospect with the tools to be an effective starter at the next level. He isn’t a finished product but has flashed plenty of upside.

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