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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Best-Fit Prospects for Chip Kelly

By Nicholas McGee

Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) throws the ball in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) throws the ball in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Vernon Adams

There may be concerns over his 5’11” stature but of any quarterback in the 2016 class, Vernon Adams is the best suited to slot right into Kelly’s scheme.

The predominant reason for this is because he’s already played in it, having done so in his lone season at Oregon under Mark Helfrich in which he put up 2643 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the Ducks to a 9-4 record, although the campaign finished with defeat to TCU in the Alamo Bowl.

In that sole term with Oregon, Adams displayed a number of key qualities needed to flourish in Kelly’s system. He got the ball out quickly and accurately and demonstrated the mobility to make plays on the run.

These back-to-back plays against Washington serve as evidence of Adams’ ability to make things happen on the run and throw from the pocket. First he escapes pressure, keeps his eyes downfield while rolling out and delivers an accurate dart to his receiver.

He then follows that by displaying good pocket presence and going through his progressions before lofting another on-target throw to the wideout in the end zone.

Later in the same game Adams throws with anticipation to find a receiver for another big gain, again doing so while on the move after escaping the rush.

Adams is able to avoid what looks a sure-fire sack and deliver the ball where he expects his receiver to be, resulting in a huge play.

Adams is also able to make things happen on the ground as well as through the air and does so in this play versus Washington. He steps up and has the speed to get to the edge and out of the bounds after earning a new set of downs.

This final play against Stanford showcases his ability to manage the pocket and his NFL arm. Adams steps up in the pocket, pump fakes and throws a beautiful pass into the end zone, with the receiver only needing to make a minor adjustment to bring the ball in.

Adams has elite arm strength, can throw with accuracy and anticipation in the pocket and on the run and has shown a capability to manage the pocket, go through his progressions and make plays with his legs.

With his experience in Kelly’s system in Oregon, Adams is a better fit for the 49ers’ offensive scheme than Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert and should immediately contend to start if drafted by San Francisco.

Next: 2016 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Should Have Plenty of First-Round Options