Sam Ehlinger NFL Draft Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6” ½”
Weight: 222 lbs
School: University of Texas
Sam Ehlinger 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Sam Ehlinger is a senior out of the University of Texas. He began his college football career as a freshman. He first played backup to Shane Buechele. Ehlinger quickly earned playing time starting in Week 2 against San Jose State. He then made five more starts in nine total appearances. During his freshman season, Ehlinger logged 158 completions on 275 attempts passing for 1915 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ehlinger also threw 7 interceptions for the Longhorns.
As a sophomore, Ehlinger earned the starting quarterback position before passing for 3,292 yards with 25 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Ehlinger’s stellar season was capped by the Longhorns defeating Georgia 28-21 in the Sugar Bowl on January 1st, 2019. This was a high point for the Texas Longhorns as the Georgia Bulldogs were controversially left out of the college football playoffs. Ehlinger shined in this game rushing for three touchdowns and leading the Longhorns to victory against Bulldogs in Ehlinger’s signature win as the Texas quarterback.
Sam Ehlinger was a threat on the ground in the red zone during the Sugar Bowl. pic.twitter.com/mS7PoKYdWk
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 2, 2019
Ehlinger’s success continued into his junior and senior seasons passing for 6,200 yards and 58 touchdowns over 2 seasons with only 15 interceptions. The former Texas quarterback sealed each of his last two seasons with bowl wins over Utah 38-10, and Colorado 55-23. Ehlinger’s tremendous leadership and nose for the endzone proved to be too much for opponents in the biggest moments. Ehlinger’s leadership and ability to get the ball into the endzone led to four straight bowl game wins for Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns.
The former Texas quarterback proved to be an excellent runner in addition to a highly productive passer. Sam Ehlinger was never one to shy away from contact, running between the tackles frequently. The Texas signal caller rushed for over 1,900 yards and 33 touchdowns in four seasons. Ehlinger’s tough running was a constant for the Longhorn’s offense while he commanded the offense in the Big 12.
Despite Ehlinger’s knack for finding the endzone, he is an underwhelming passer. The former Longhorn lacks NFL strength and velocity and he relies on strength and toughness avoiding sacks as opposed to elusiveness. Ehlinger’s long tenure in the Big 12 and his competitive nature make him an asset to any locker room, despite some potential talent shortcomings on Sundays. Ehlinger’s leadership and on-the-field experience spells career backup in the NFL.
Strengths
- Great leader;
- Tough player willing to play through painful hits;
- Plenty of experience at the college level;
- Smart quarterback that can read a defense;
- Dual-threat runner.
Weaknesses
- Below Average Arm Strength;
- Poor Elusiveness;
- Below Average Speed;
- Below Average Accuracy;
- Propensity to hang on to the ball;
NFL Comparison: Colt McCoy
Projection: Day 3/5-7th Rounds
Bottom Line on Sam Ehlinger
The senior signal caller and former Longhorn could have a long career as a backup quarterback in the NFL. His toughness, leadership, academic success, and off-the-field poise highlight his ability to command a locker room. Ehlinger’s team-first mentality contribute to his potential role as the second or third-string quarterback. This mentality will unlikely result in Ehlinger making waves as the backup. Ehlinger was a tremendous quarterback at the University of Texas whose arm skill and dual-threat nature simply do not translate to a starting role long-term in the NFL, but rather should spell a long and comfortable career in a quarterback room.
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