Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois (HT: 6’2¼”, WT: 226 lbs)

New England Patriots

Second Round: 62nd Pick

Positives

• Extremely quick release. The ball comes out of his hand very fast.
• Throws with good accuracy and velocity to the intermediate level of the field, delivering over the middle and outside the numbers.
• Looks the part of an NFL franchise face. Is built well at 6’2”, 226 pounds and carries an air of confidence.
• Displays some anticipation and touch. An accurate passer.
• Upper-half throwing mechanics are very good, has a compact delivery.
• Possesses an adequate NFL arm, spins a nice ball. Can drive the ball with enough velocity.
• Capable of dropping the ball into a bucket up to 45 yards downfield.
• Demonstrates light feet and enough functional mobility to get by as an NFL pocket passer. Is an adequate athlete.
• Has a quick pump-fake that he uses to manipulate coverage.
• Efficient in the red zone, throwing the ball where only his receiver can get it.
• Slides to protect his body in the open field and does not take many shots outside of the pocket.
• Earned the chance to impress scouts and decision-makers at both the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. Took every opportunity leading up to the draft to prove he is on the same level as the big-school quarterbacks.
• An experienced four-year starter.
• Incredibly productive college career, especially during his senior season. Shattered numerous school records at Eastern Illinois.

Negatives

• Is too easily fazed by pressure, must show more poise staring down the barrel of the gun at the next level.
• Can be very quick to pull the ball down and take his eyes off his receivers downfield.
• Poor pocket awareness, does not have a good feel for defenders and the space around him. Has happy feet, occasionally perceiving and reacting to an invisible pass rush.
• Appears to lack the patience to go through his progressions.
• Footwork will need to be a focal point in his training. Very raw in that regard coming from a pass-happy shotgun offense. Wastes movement.
• May be mobile enough, but will not usually scare opponents with his scrambling ability.
• Average deep ball, lacks a cannon arm to threaten opponents vertically. 50 yards is where he appears to max out.
• Does not improvise well.
• Looks awkward rolling to his left and generally does not make many plays on the move.
• Questionable toughness. Tends to shield his body prematurely when pass-rushers are bearing down on him.
• Had fumble issues in college, must be more aware of how far he lowers the ball.
• Was surgical against FCS defenses, but how will he adjust to the tremendous jump in level of competition?

Personal Notes

• Offensive MVP at the East-West Shrine Game.
• Walter Payton Award as the top player in FCS football 2013.
• FCS ADA Offensive Player of the Year 2013.
• First team FCS All-American 2013.
• Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year 2013.
• First team All-OVC 2013.
• Second team All-OVC 2012.
• All-OVC Newcomer team 2010.
• Management major.

Ratings Chart

Overall

A highly decorated four-year starter at Eastern Illinois, Jimmy Garoppolo caught the attention of scouts with a record-breaking senior season. His success at the FCS level earned him a chance to participate at both the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, where he certainly proved he belonged.

An accurate passer with a quick release and the arm strength to make NFL throws, he looks to have starter upside if he can improve his footwork and poise.

While upside exists, pocket presence issues and struggles against pressure mar his tape.

In the long run, he would be best-served as a backup early in his pro career. He fits most naturally in a West Coast offense that would emphasize his abilities to get rid of the ball quickly and deliver accurately to the intermediate level.

Draft Projection

Fourth-round pick.