Steelers Gab 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report – QB Ryan Mallett

By Abe Munch

Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas, 6’6 238

Games scouted
2009– Texas A&M, Auburn, Troy, Mississippi, Florida, LSU, East Carolina.
2010– Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, UTEP, LSU, Ohio St.

Position Ranking: #1

Technique/Mechanics: Carries the football high, at chest level, and maintains height as he sets to deliver. Shows an over the top release point and stays consistent with his throwing angle with or without pressure. Has a slight loop in his delivery due to the length of his forearm. No windup or overextension, forearm stays near to his body with a fluid motion. Very quick release, football jumps off his hand at the top of delivery. Natural with the play-action fake, as good as you’ll see at any level.

Stands balanced in the pocket with body and feet parallel to the sideline. Strides into his throws with front foot planted, knee bent, and open hips as he delivers the football. Shows an overall smooth drop and set when settling into 5 and 7 step drops. Overall mechanics are good and have continued to progress since 2009. Foot stride in his delivery has shortened up from the previous season, which improved his short and intermediate accuracy. However, due to his height and length (long torso and limbs), Mallett needs a small radius within or around the pocket in order to make consistently accurate throws. He needs a “pitcher’s mound” to properly set feet and maintain a steady launch point- Similar to Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and Joe Flacco in this regard, just more pronounced (bigger feet).

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