College: Washington
Ht: 6’1
Wt: 202
Redshirt Senior
2013 Statistics
216 completions on 330 attempts for 2843 yards and 20 total touchdowns including five interceptions.
Positives
In the Huskies’ offense, Price is simply the distributor. In many of their games, he will throw the ball short and get rid of it quickly. Price is a mobile quarterback, but is not a “runner”. If need be, he can escape and pick up a few yards. His accuracy inside ten yards is very good, and he leads his running backs well on wheel routes and motion plays in the flat. Price has a slightly above average arm, but he should with his elongated release. One thing he does well is throw the ball away. Price will rarely take a sack, and in the NFL, coaches like to see that.
Negatives
Throwing Motion
As mentioned above, he has a decent arm, but his arm motion is something to worry about. He brings the ball down and around before releasing it, which is an additional tenth of a second or more. That extra time is the difference between a completion or an interception or pass defensed.
Accuracy
Most of Price’s throws downfield are delivered AT his targets, rather than leading them. On some routes this can help him, but in the NFL, a quarterback must be able to “throw” his receiver open. Price also lacks consistent deep ball accuracy and will overthrow his target. Price will either throw a dart or miss his target. He lacks touch, which is a big negative.
Mental
Price, like many other quarterbacks in college, looks at his first read and if he does not throw, he immediately tucks the ball and lowers his eyes to scramble, and will not bring his eyes back up to look downfield. In the NFL, chances are your first read is not going to be open every play, and going through progressions is what separates the best from the rest. In addition, Price will stare at his target before throwing. Defensive backs in the NFL will prey on that.
NFL Player Comparison: Jake Locker
In terms of physical tools, Keith Price shows a lot of Jake Locker. It is not a coincedence that both quarterbacks played for the same program as both have similar tendencies and tools. Price does not have near the upside that Locker does, but should Price improve his accuracy, the closest comparison is Jake Locker.
Draft Outlook
Late round pick, maybe a project for a team who has a legitimate starter for the nest few seasons. Personally would not draft him before the fifth round. Price needs to improve in an NFL organization before he comes close to the field.
Best Fits:
Price would best fit as a backup quarterback for a team who uses the west coast offense. While Price is extremely limited, he may be able to help an NFL team in a backup role in the right situation.