After spending one year at Notre Dame, Jack Coan looks to become the second consecutive Irish quarterback selected in the NFL Draft. Coan threw 25 touchdowns this season and seven interceptions. His 72.8 quarterback rating ranked 27th in the country. Here’s a look at Coan’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential draft landing spots.
Jack Coan Strengths
Coan enters the draft as a pure pocket passer. With that in mind, he’s a very solid prospect. Coan displayed the ability to win games from the pocket and go through progressions. In particular, his ability to run the 2-minute offense at Notre Dame shined. Coan’s ceiling is probably not exceptionally high, but his poise and command of an offense should entice an NFL team to spend a selection.
Jack Coan Weaknesses
It’s pretty much the well-known weakness for Jack Coan. Both Wisconsin and Notre Dame fans can and will complain about his lack of mobility. He is a borderline liability under pressure and can’t extend plays with his legs. Few pure pocket passers have been drafted in recent rounds. The NFL is trending towards the dual-threat, scrambling quarterback, and Coan simply doesn’t fit that mold. He’s a safe, low-ceiling, high-floor pick.
Best 2022 Game Film: North Carolina
In Notre Dame’s first game without Kyle Hamilton, they needed a big offensive effort against UNC. The Tar Heels’ offense required the Irish to score a lot, and Coan put forth his best game of the year. Coan was crisp and efficient, completing 16 of 24 passes for 213 yards. He displayed deep-ball touch with a 40-yard pass and delivered a 21-yard scoring strike. He even scrambled for a season-long 21-yard rush and a touchdown. Ultimately, Coan played like the NFL prospect he is. He didn’t drop any jaws, but he took just one sack and didn’t turn the ball over. His intermediate passing game and decision-making shined in a fantastic and clean effort.
Worst 2022 Game Film: Cincinnati
Coan only played the first half of this contest before being benched. It was easily his most atrocious half in the blue and gold. Although he completed 14 of 22 passes, Coan didn’t lead the Irish to a single point and threw an ugly red-zone interception. Coan threw several passes away and couldn’t take advantage of generally improved offensive line play. Toledo also stands out as a tough game for Coan, as he took six sacks and threw an interception. All that being said, the majority of Coan’s season was great. After the Cincinnati game, Coan’s quarterback rating dipped below 70 just once the rest of the season. He posted ratings of 80 or more in five of his final six contests.
Best Draft Fit: Indianapolis Colts
This would be a nice landing spot for Coan. He’d settle into a battle for a roster spot with a handful of backup quarterbacks. If on the roster, Coan then earns the opportunity to work in the same quarterback room as Matt Ryan. As far as a veteran, pro-style quarterback to learn from, Ryan’s a top-tier option.
Draft Prediction: Washington Commanders, Round 6, Pick 10
The Commanders’ quarterback situation still feels in flux, despite Carson Wentz making his way to D.C. However, having invested in Wentz, Washington is unlikely to spend a high draft pick. Picking Coan is a relatively safe pick to grab a potential backup who could develop. If he pans out, great. If not, it’s a sixth-round pick. They rarely do.
