Name: Chris Bonner
College: Colorado State - Pueblo
Class: SR
Position: QB
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 235
Background/Character | Leadership: 9 | Experience: 7 | Off-the-Field: 10 |
| Mental Capacity: 8 | Mental Toughness: 8 | Durability: 10 |
A former junior college player, Chris Bonner spent two seasons at Colorado State-Pueblo. He led his team to a 14-1 record and Division II title in his second season. He has zero medical or off field concerns. Bonner comes off extremely intelligent in his interviews, and is self-aware of his game.
Final Grade: 8.66
Athleticism | Balance: 8 | C.O.D: 7 | Explosiveness: 6 |
| Flexibility: 7 | Coordination: 8 | Body Type: 10 |
Standing 6’6” and 230+ pounds, Bonner has elite size for the quarterback position. He’s able to operate well both inside and outside of the pocket, a testament to his pure athleticism. Bonner is a fluid runner and has no issues flipping his hips and working on rollouts and boots.
Final Grade: 7.66
Arm Talent | Arm Strength: 9 | Velocity Control: 8 | Touch: 7 |
| Arm Adjustment: 6 | Release Quicks: 7 | On the Move: 8 |
Bonner really shines on rollouts because of his athleticism and arm talent. He has a very strong arm and great velocity. There are times when he throws it too hard, however, and the ball will either sail or be behind his target. He needs to slow down in these instances. His windup is a little long, but not a big deal. Would like to see him shorten it when pressured.
Final Grade: 7.5
Passing Technique | Mechanics: 7 | Release: 7 | Under Pressure: 5 |
| Drops: 8 | Movement: 7 | Throwing Base: 6 |
The area where Bonner can most improve is standing tall when pressure is coming, and following through his throwing motion. He can seem hesitant and rattled after multiple pressures in a short time. That’s where he starts missing throws that he routinely makes. Bonner does move well for his size and has a good lower body when throwing. Again, it’s consistency that can be solidified, but he does show the ability to be a highly effective downfield passer.
Final Grade: 6.66
Passing Instincts | Football IQ: 9 | Pre-Snap Reads: 7 | Field Vision: 6 |
| Decision Making: 7 | Pocket Presence: 5 | Poise: 6 |
For the most part, Bonner takes care of the football effectively. He will force some throws short and intermediate when his receivers aren't getting open, but there’s not much he can do about that. More concerning is that he will stare down his receivers throughout their route. This isn't all of the time, but does show up. He gives the defense too much time to react to his eyes right now. More snaps can help his pre- and post-snap reads improve.
Final Grade: 6.67
| Player Comparison: | Joe Flacco/Ryan Mallett |
| Projected Draft Position: | Late Day 3 |
| Best Scheme Fit: | Vertical passing |
| Injury History: | Minor hand injury in MoH Bowl |
| Career Accolades: | 2014 D-II National Champion |
| Career Stats: | 57.8 completion percentage, 6,704 yards, 63 TDs, 17 INTs |
Final Analysis
Considering his elite size, strong arm, athleticism and accuracy on the move, Chris Bonner is my favorite developmental quarterback in this draft class. He throws a tremendous deep ball with the flick of his right wrist, often hitting his receivers in stride for a touchdown.
His ability to stay accurate and move in space on rollouts is highly effective, and makes Bonner a fit for multiple schemes. He’s got traits that can transcend the system if the mental part of the game develops. Pocket presence, poise, and touch are the three areas that Bonner needs to improve upon. He needs to stand tall and deliver throws despite chaos around him because the NFL often requires it.
Bonner is easily worth a Day 3 pick for a franchise looking to invest a few years into a physical project that needs reps.
Final Grade: 6.85- 5th Round Value