2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT

King

Film Watched: Alabama 2021, Pitt 2020, Florida State 2020

Pro's:

  • True dual-threat quarterback with elite running ability
  • Simply cannot be contained – able to squeeze out of trouble and escape pressure
  • Embarrasses would-be tacklers with his speed, accelerating out of reach
  • Remains pocket disciplined on pass plays, only tucking & running when the pass isn’t there
  • Quick, smooth release that generates plenty of zip on the football
  • Dangerous throwing on the move, with little discernible dropoff in accuracy.
  • Composed when flushed out of the pocket, and remains patient on the move waiting for an outlet
  • Confident passer willing to take downfield shots where deemed necessary
Credit: @MathBomb (Twitter) / https://ras.football

Con's:

  • Considerably undersized for an NFL quarterback, with a slight, vulnerable frame
  • Injury prone; season-ending shoulder injury in his final season in Miami. Playing style leaves him open to bigger hits and there are serious durability concerns at the next level
  • Accuracy issues on deeper throws borne out of poor footwork and inconsistent base
  • Arm strength in question – can it improve with better technique and throwing posture?
  • Takes more sacks than you’d care for – disregards internal clock as he banks on his legs to escape

The Verdict:

“In 2018, the world watched as a young kid from Manvel, Texas turned college football upside down. D’Eriq King was the next Lamar Jackson, a transcendent talent whose ability to tear defenses apart with both his arm and his legs had Houston fans delirious. Since then, things haven’t quite gone to script for King, who transferred to Miami following Dana Holgorsen’s arrival in Houston. The Hurricanes have struggled for twenty years to recapture the good times, and King wasn’t able to help them; injury and inconsistency blighted a career that was once so promising and presumably ended in him suiting up on Sundays. That’s far from guaranteed now as he vies to prove to NFL scouts he can stay on the field and work on some underdeveloped mechanics that for too long he masked with his unreal athletic ability. King will likely get drafted late by a team looking to pair a backup with a similar skillset to their starter.”
Mock Draft
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content

NFL COMPARISON: LAMAR JACKSON

PREDICTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

Mock Draft

SIMON CARROLL

HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT

PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.

5/5