Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 220 pounds
School: Washington State Cougars
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.97 seconds
Vertical jump: 33.5 inches (tied for third-best among quarterbacks)
Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches (tied for fourth-best among quarterbacks)
Three-cone drill: 7.14 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.45 seconds
Gardner Minshew 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Gardner Minshew has a story almost as captivating as his mustache. Almost. The journey to the top of college football was a long one for Minshew. After a junior college national championship, Minshew moved on to East Carolina. After two rather unsuccessful seasons, Minshew almost spent last season on the bench. He was close to being the third quarterback at the University of Alabama. Instead, Minshew spent the season as a leading passer in the nation at Washington State University. Minshew threw 38 touchdown passes to lead the Cougars to an 11-win season.
Even more impressive, his personality was enough to match his charismatic coach Mike Leach. Now, Minshew is looking to take his personality, and his mustache, to the NFL. Despite being undersized, Minshew hopes to bring high energy to an NFL roster next year. Although he will be a long term NFL project, there are prospects for Minshew to succeed in the NFL.
Strengths
- personality – Minshew brings an edge to the field that is unparalleled;
- has an advanced pocket presence that allows him to work efficiently;
- nice touch on passes – able to throw with accuracy;
- comfortable working against defensive schemes and manipulating them in-play;
- a natural leader that can bring a unique perspective to a locker room;
- coming from an air-raid offense, Minshew is not afraid to throw the ball often.
Weaknesses
- undersized, especially for a quarterback that is not particularly fast;
- while accurate, Minshew lacks arm strength;
- because of a lack of arm strength, most deep balls hang in the air;
- bad in weather (see highlights from 2018 Apple Cup);
- will take some time to adjust to NFL offensive system after playing in air-raid offense;
NFL Comparison: Chase Daniel
Teams With Need at Position: Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers
Projection: Sixth round
Bottom Line
Minshew is in no way, shape or form an NFL ready quarterback right now. However, his charisma and deep ball accuracy show a chance to succeed down the road. Minshew would be a great late round pick up for a team that needs multiple quarterbacks. He will be best served in a system where he can adjust to the NFL. There, he can establish himself as a locker room and community leader while waiting for his chance to prove himself as a starter. With his background, his personality (and yes, his mustache), he might just do that.
