Scouting Report on Cody Kessler

Cody Kessler, USC, 22 years old, SR, 6'1", 216 pounds:

As I said in the Jared Goff article, deep accuracy is extremely important to me when evaluating QB's. Without it the defense doesn't have to worry about being beaten deep and can play up in the box, making it harder to run the ball and throw underneath routes. And that's my biggest problem with Kessler. His deep accuracy is inconsistent. Deep accuracy obviously requires two things, arm strength and then the ability to place the ball down the field. You can argue that Kessler has average or maybe even above arm strength, but his ability to place the ball down the field is very hit or miss. His WR's often run vertical routes and often times the ball is 15 feet in front of them, or sometimes they have to stop running and catch the ball right there. Luckily his WR's are usually so wide open that it isn't a problem if he underthrows them, but he won't be able to get away with that in the NFL.

Okay, so his deep ball placement is inconsistent. That doesn't mean he can't battle to be a starter in the league. Kessler possesses a couple other desirable tools. He has a quick release, which makes his ball look like it has even more zip on short passes. His release is arguably one of the best in the country. He's also very good at reading and deciphering defenses. USC runs a spread type offense with great weapons, but he runs through his progressions quickly. With his release and ability to read quickly, he has the traits to be successful in short spurts as a game manager. I think that's a key for Kessler though. He needs to play in a quick hitting offense with a good amount of shotgun looks. At 6'1", he'll perform much better in the shotgun. Kessler is a surprising athlete as well. Not just running for yards, but moving around and avoiding pressure from the defense. He moves well in the pocket, but can get antsy if pressured and start rolling out too early. When he gets pressured he also starts to make bad decisions, and with his noodle arm that doesn't turn out very well.

I think Kessler is a mature, pro-ready QB that can come in and battle right away. His ceiling isn't high, but if he's in the right offense he can win some games, sort of in the mold of Kirk Cousins. If a team is looking for a plug and play QB outside the early rounds, I think Kessler is a good option.

Pros: Release, Reads, Mobility, Pro Ready, Smart

Cons: Deep Accuracy, Arm Strength, Height

Grade: 4.8/10 (Back-Up/5th Round Grade)

Where I Would Draft Him: Late 5th Round