Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 225 pounds
School: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 5.09 seconds
Vertical jump: 27 inches
Broad jump: 8 feet
3 cone drill: 7.40 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.40 seconds
Mike White 2018 NFL Draft Profile
Quarterback Mike White could be the steal of this year’s NFL Draft. White has been rising up the charts since January. Additionally, the performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl really put him on the map.
White is going to get his shot in the NFL for sure. That being said, it was the Toronto Blue Jays that first called him about five years ago to come play baseball. White starred in South Florida as a hard-throwing pitcher that looked to be primed to make a career in baseball. With a 0.43 ERA and a fastball that broke the 90 mph barrier, White had all the skills to make a run into the Major Leagues. But there was something about football that sucked him in. Western Kentucky was glad he made that choice.
After a couple of rough years at South Florida, White transferred to Western Kentucky where he blossomed. His best season came during his junior year when White threw for 37 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. As a senior, his numbers were astronomical too, just not as gaudy. He threw for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Both years, White eclipsed 4,000 yards and 65 percent passing accuracy.
Additionally, Western Kentucky went to back to back bowl games in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, the Hilltoppers went 11-3 and finished the season with a bowl win over Memphis. The 2017 season wasn’t as successful, but still respectable, with a 6-7 record after a bowl loss to Georgia State in the Auto Nation Cure Bowl. Regardless, White still performed consistently under a new coach.
Strengths
- Consistent starter with no injuries over his career;
- Arm strength that can fit passes into tight windows;
- Precise throws on long passes that gives receivers a chance;
- Solid body frame with sturdy distribution from top to bottom;
- Able to read defenses with clear vision.
Weaknesses
- Struggles to go to through reads to find another option besides first target;
- Does tend to hint to defenses where he’s going to throw before release;
- Needs to work on protecting the ball when blocking protection breaks down;
- The obvious point of the quality of his opponents from a weak conference;
- Has dealt with fumbling issues throughout his college career.
NFL Comparison: Zach Mettenberger
Teams With Need at position: New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos
Projection: Late third round to early fourth
Bottom Line
White can make the long throws with his rocket arm. Delivering the ball with that type of velocity will help on the next level by fitting into the tight windows scouts like to see. Also, White does have a feel to throw well ahead of the receivers break. On the other hand, his speed is not going to remind anyone of Michael Vick. Regardless, White has the tools to be an effective starter eventually in the NFL. If White can sit for a year or two and learn, he could be the “steal” of this draft for a team that’s looking to groom someone for the future.
