The 2016 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and the league is filled with teams in need of a strong quarterback.
Many are familiar with names like Carson Wentz, Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch, who are likely to be picked up during the first round of the draft, but a recent study done by Football Outsiders suggests that Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott is not just better than, but “far ahead” of all of these quarterbacks.
How could a quarterback predicted to go in the second- or third-round of the draft be seen as better than numerous first rounders?
The study, using the QBASE system, stated that Prescott had a 45 percent chance of being “at least an adequate starter.” It also claimed that Prescott has “enough upside to make him worth a day two draft pick.”
One aspect of the study praised Prescott’s ability to perform at a high level against top defenses, even without a lot of support around him.
The QBASE system has proved to be pretty credible in the past, predicting the success of numerous star quarterbacks. Among these once-prospects are Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Phillip Rivers and Peyton Manning.
Could Prescott join the ranks?
The quarterback had a successful senior season as an Mississippi State Bulldog, leading the team to 9-4, then to the Belk Bowl where they blew out North Carolina State 51-28. Prescott finished off the year with a spectacular passer rating of 151.0, just seven tenths of a point shy of his 2014 PR. He threw for 29 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions last season.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports