2019 NFL Draft: Top 10 Quarterback prospects, ranked

9. Trace McSorley –– Penn State

Trace McSorley falls outside the top 10 in most quarterback rankings for the upcoming draft, but despite this, he deserves a spot on this list for his grit, determination and creativeness.

In three years as a starter, McSorley was championed by the Nittany Lion faithful. He bookended his Penn State career by becoming the program’s all-time leader in passing yards (9,899), passing touchdowns (77) and single-season passing yards (3,614) and touchdowns (29).

The height of his Penn State career might have been in the middle –– during his sophomore and junior years –– as his numbers dipped in 2018.

Even though he only threw for 18 touchdowns in 2018, he had his best season from a rushing perspective with 12 rushing touchdowns and 798 rushing yards. When he carries the ball, he runs like a running back –– unwavering and willing to drop his shoulder to get extra yards.

The running element to McSorley’s game made him much more effective and gave him more escapability in the pocket.

He might not be the most ideal size for an NFL quarterback –– checking in at 6-foot-1 –– but he has tremendous arm strength for his physical stature.

He offers many intriguing intangibles, such as the ability to throw both on the run and grounded in a true dropback.

McSorley also harnesses acute vision, which allows him to read the field and the pressure. When he is flushed out of the pocket, he can push the chains with both his arm and his legs.

Upsides: Athletic ability, competitive nature, creativeness, toughness, good arm for size

Downsides: slight drop in passing numbers in his final year of college, tends to force balls at times