Connor Shaw is the cornerstone of the success of the University of South Carolina in 2013. The three year starter posted an other-worldly stat of 24 touchdowns versus just one interception. In 2013, he threw for 2,447 yards and completed over 63 percent of his passes. With all of that, where will the senior go in the 2014 NFL Draft? The answer is not until the third round, or fourth round, but anything below that and he’s a steal for some team. Watch this:
The reason Connor Shaw’s a steal in the 2014 NFL Draft and at below the 3rd round is he was not in an offense that showcased what he does best: downfield passing. What Connor Shaw is really good at is hitting a receiver about 15 to 20 yards downfield and in the middle of defensive back traffic. He’s also great at long-ball placement.
Connor Shaw’s problem wasn’t his fault at all, it was Steve Spurrier’s. Coach Spurrier perhaps saw him as too much of a running quarterback, and not enough of a downfield passer, like Drew Brees. Thus, Shaw was asked to throw a large number of wide receiver screens, and run read-option concepts.
That combination, plus the fact that he spent part of the 2013 season injured, kept his total yardage numbers lower than they should be.
The other problem is Shaw spent a lot of time being rushed out of the pocket. But in those situations, from film study, he has performed well. Shaw’s completed some impressive throws while being rushed.
But given what I have seen of Connor Shaw, if I were Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs, considering the kind of offense he runs, or Sean Peyton, over at New Orleans, I’d really draft Shaw in rounds 3 or 4. He’s got a lot of Drew Brees in him. I like his crisp, efficient way of throwing, and his quick-trigger.
Stay tuned.