A quarterback who finished his college career with a .800 winning percentage, and Academic All-Conference selection, and a prospect who was looked at as more of a solid college player than one who could have great success.
That was the brief version of Tom Brady’s scouting report out of Michigan.
Great McElroy finished with a slightly better winning percentage as a two year starter, 24-3, while at Alabama, and a National Title on his resume. Of Brady, McElroy said that “He’s the most fun guy to watch…His control, balance, the way he sets up, its a joay to watch. He’s a hero of mine.” McElroy also spoke of his willingness to be Brady’s back-up and learn under him.
And while just about every other young quarterback would say the same thing, McElroy and Brady are similar quarterbacks. Sure, Brady has 6’4 size while McElroy is closer to 6’1, and Brady has a better arm than McElroy.
But as far as raw quarterback talent is concerned, they are much closer than most think. Both are proven college winners who weren’t viewed as consistent game changers going into the draft. Both were considered not future franchise quarterbacks, more likely potential solid back-ups.
Both have great understanding of the system they are/were in, and both can take advantage of defenses because of that great football IQ. Both are confident, not cocky, in their ability. Both are very well-spoken and notable leaders on their teams. And both are able to let the bad throws not sink in and have short memories as quarterbacks, yet never make the same mistake twice.
I’m not ready and confident enough to say that McElroy is the next Brady (closer to a Matt Flynn of the Packers)as I think he’ll need at least 2-3 years in a particular system to be potentially an above average back-up or even a fringe starter. But part of drafting successfully is remembering and comparing to the past, and if Tom Brady’s scouting report is comparable to McElroy, team’s need to and should take note of it.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
