Quarterback Vernon Adams won’t have history on his side for the NFL Draft later this week, battling height concerns over accuracy and arm strength.
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Last season it was Marcus Mariota who was impressive with his skill set when he met with teams prior to the NFL Draft. Move forward a year and it is Vernon Adams Jr. who is showing that his height is not a challenge when getting the ball down field and teams are beginning to take notice of the former Oregon Ducks Quarterback.
Some are considering Adams as a third or fourth round pick, but his workouts could improve that number. Last week the former Oregon Quarterback worked out with the Los Angeles Rams and left coaches impressed with his ability. Being from Pasadena, Adams was considered a local prospect and met with coaches following the workout according to the Oregonian.
Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. worked out for the Los Angeles Rams at local workout today, told he was 'really impressive'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 16, 2016
The San Francisco Chronicle recently did their part on Adams and called it like it is.
"The lone stat working against Vernon Adams possibly finding his way into the NFL is the one he can’t change: his height.From The San Francisco Chronicle Article on Vernon Adams"
While Adams height may be a concern, his accuracy and arm strength are not. Despite a finger injury that hampered part of his Senior season with the Oregon Ducks he still managed to lead the team to a bowl game in 2016 and was impressive in the first half of the Alamo Bowl before an injury took him out of the game and TCU came back to win following his exit.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Adams has met with just two NFL teams during the NFL Combine. Aside from the meeting with Rams, Adams has not met with an NFL teams, outside of the workout with the Rams. The 49ers will likely take a Quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft, and even though the Oregon Connection is there with former Head Coach Chip Kelly, it is not known if his run of going after former Oregon players will continue with his new team.
Jon Gruden, did not have much to say that was positive when it came to undersized Quarterbacks,
"Normally you don’t draft quarterbacks of that stature. I’m going to keep Russell Wilson where he is. He’s the exception.ESPN Analyst Jon Gruden on Adams chance of being selected in the NFL Draft (via the San Francisco Chronicle)"
While history is not with Vernon Adams in the NFL Draft, he is worth the look. His experience at Eastern Washington opened the eyes of Oregon Coaches that brought him to Eugene. There is certainly enough tape on him for NFL Coaches to decide if he is worth a Draft pick. I believe he is.
Does Vernon Adams have what it takes to be a Quarterback at the next level?
Adams talked with USA Today in an article that was published Sunday and he battled back against the critics. He posted solid numbers with Oregon last season wth 26 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and a 65 percent passer rating.
The 2016 NFL Draft is April 28th-30th in Chicago. The first round selections begin on Thursday at 5pm Pacific Time.