Much of the NFL Draft focus is on the five quarterbacks who could potentially go in the first round, but there are also some intriguing developmental prospects available in later rounds.
One of those is Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta, who was the MVP of the Senior Bowl last month after an up-and-down week of practice. NFLDraftScout.com rates Lauletta as a fifth-round prospect heading into his appearance this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Lauletta (6-3, 217) threw for more than 3,000 yards in each of the past three seasons, including 3,737, with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, as a senior. He was 24-12 as a starter.
“The production is there,” NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Dane Brugler said on Quick Slants, a podcast that focuses on the New England Patriots.
“He is not going to wow you with the physical tools, but you watch the tape and it shows an efficient passer. He’s quick, he can scan the field, he understands timing, he understands placement. He’s accurate, he’s tough, he’s intelligent.
“The mature make-up is there where you feel comfortable he could handle quarterback responsibilities.”
NFL teams looking for a quarterback in the first round — USC’s Sam Darnold, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, Wyoming Josh Allen and Louisville’s Lamar Jackson — are hoping for some sort of immediate impact.
Lauletta — and others such as Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph and Western Kentucky’s Mike White — have down-the-road potential for more-patient teams.
The main knock on Lauletta heading into the Combine probably is his middling arm strength.
“I’m not sure he has a high ceiling,” Brugler said.
“He reminds me a bit of Trevor Siemian — a guy who is capable of starting in this league. I mean, you can debate about whether or not he can help you get to the playoffs or win a division, but he’s good enough to start in this league — maybe not right away.”
Siemian has started 24 games for Denver in the past two seasons, but the Broncos missed the playoffs both seasons.