Redskins: 2019 NFL Draft top ten quarterback big board
By Ian Cummings
In this quarterback class, being in the top ten isn’t necessarily an accomplishment.
Looking at the 2019 quarterback class from a broad view, there might only be one or two surefire starters in the NFL, and the class lacks depth as well. This far in, it’s a fight between Ryan Finley and Jarrett Stidham for the last top ten slot. And Finley barely edges him out.
That’s more of a testament to how uninspired I was by Stidham’s film, than a testament to Finley’s traits. That said, Ryan Finley does have some things going for him, on his quest to grab and lock down a backup role in the NFL.
Finley’s arm strength is below average, but he’s not as helpless as some suggest, especially in the short and intermediate ranges. When pushing vertically, his throws lose pace, but closer up, he can fire with more direction. He occasionally shows flashes of ad-lib ability, and he doesn’t lose velocity when throwing on the run. While his accuracy can be spotty, he generally hits open windows.
Finley’s poise, footwork, and experience will give him a leg up in camp battles, even if he doesn’t end up being drafted because of his physical limitations. He can improve his ability to work through progressions and his general mental processing in the heat of the moment, and if he enters a situation where he’s afforded the time to do so, he can hold a backup role, and stay in the league for at least a few years.