Niner Noise
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 12
Next
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones 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; Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Cardale Jones-Ohio State University

College Statistics

At a glance, Cardale Jones might be the most physically impressive quarterback in this draft. He is tall, thick and has a cannon for an arm. He’s 6’5″ tall and 253 pounds with a lower half that will be able to withstand NFL hits over the entire season.

Unfortunately, Jones leaves college with questions about his production and experience after failing to secure the starting quarterback position in 2015.

Jones stepped in during the College Football Playoffs in 2014 and led Ohio State to a National Championship. The expectation was that Jones would compete for the starting job in 2015 and, while he originally earned the role, Jones ended up being the backup to J.T. Barrett by the end of the season.

Teams simply haven’t seen enough from Jones to be sure of what kind of prospect he is. Jones injured his hamstring at the 2016 NFL Combine while running his 40-yard dash and was unable to compete in the throwing portion of the on-field workouts. Teams would’ve loved to see how Jones’ arm stacks up against the top-notch prospects in this class. And Jones could’ve used an opportunity to show off.

Jones demonstrates remarkable arm strength and is able to easily fit throws in tight windows or deep down the field with impressive accuracy. The downfield throws that Jones makes are reason enough to draft him and develop.

The double-edged sword that accompanies Jones’ arm strength is his willingness to solely use his arm when throwing. He’ll throw without a clean base or an engaged core and it leads to technical flaws and inaccuracy. Although easily corrected, it is hard to convince a prospect to change immediately. Jones, perhaps more than any other prospect, will require time to grow.

Nonetheless, throws like the one below are hard to ignore when watching Jones play.

Jones stands tall in the pocket despite a hit clearly on the way and he delivers a wonderful deep ball with touch and accuracy for a touchdown. Some things like that can’t be coached.

Based on his size, his cannon arm and the 49ers perceived plan to let Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick start in 2016, Cardale Jones lands high on the 49ers’ quarterback Big Board.

Next: Product of a Program?