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2016 NFL Draft: 49ers Quarterback Big Board

By Jerod Brown

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Dak Prescott-Mississippi State

College Statistics

If these rankings were published two months ago, Prescott might have been the third or fourth quarterback on the list. However, after an arrest for driving under the influence, Prescott finds himself slightly lower on the 49ers Big Board.

The boards are designed to reflect team’s philosophies as well as their needs. The 49ers, a team that has dealt with numerous off-field issues over the last few seasons, can’t be particularly excited when reading of Prescott’s mistake.

Prescott released a personal statement shortly after his arrest and he says all of the right things. I’m sure the young man is remorseful and recognizes that he made a poor decision at a time when he is under the magnifying glass.

As an on-field prospect, Prescott has shown continual growth throughout five years as a Bulldog. NFL teams will gladly recognize that with consistent coaching and development, Prescott has become a more polished and efficient passer with skills that translate to the NFL.

Prescott has massive hands–10 7/8 inches–and a thick lower body that will easily deal with the hits he may see as a running threat in the 49ers offense. Prescott’s throwing motion isn’t ideal but he easily gets rid of the ball quickly and with good drive to all areas of the field. Additionally, he finished 2015 with a completion percentage of 66.2 percent. With time, Prescott could be the second-day steal of this draft.

Prescott will have to answer questions surrounding the poor judgement that led to his arrest. He’ll also have to train his eyes to continually look for receivers while naturally evading the rush in a collapsing pocket. During his time at Mississippi State, Prescott took plenty of hits and some of those have muddied his pocket presence. Teams will expect him to clean it up if he ever has a chance to start.

If Prescott’s response to his off-field issues pleases teams, he could find himself drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

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