2021 NFL Draft: Potential late-round steals at quarterback

Feleipe Franks, Arkansas

Feleipe Franks had a fairly interesting college career. The former four star recruit had 20 offers out of high school and ultimately chose the Florida Gators. He played well, but not overwhelmingly great. He then dislocated his ankle, missed the remainder of his junior year and lost the starting job to Kyle Trask.

Franks then transferred to Arkansas (a program he didn’t have an offer from out of high school) who was the worst program in the best division in the SEC. Despite that, not only did he improve significantly, he also led the Razorbacks to a 3-7 record, which doesn’t sound impressive, but Arkansas was a popular pick to not win a single game.

Arkansas hadn’t reached three wins since 2017 and hadn’t had three conference wins since 2016. That’s a long winded way to say Franks has what it takes to have at least earned a shot in the NFL.

Franks finished his college career with a 61.6% completion and 6,700 yards with 55 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. It’s worth noting that 14 of those picks came as a freshman and sophomore.

Franks has solid arm strength, probably the best Arkansas has seen since Ryan Mallett. He’s also quick, and while he’s nowhere near the runner Lamar Jackson or Russell Wilson are, Franks can keep the play alive if his offensive line lets him down.

Franks does need to work on making a quicker throw. He tends to hang onto the ball while looking at his target too long. It’s something he has improved, but Franks fell back into bad habits against Georgia last season. His desire to make a big play sometimes leads to unnecessary sacks because he holds the ball for too long.

Franks showed enough improvement from 2019 to 2020 to hear his name called at some point this year’s NFL draft.

He’ll need to work hard in NFL camp, but he’s a lead by example player that coaches will love.