Jon Gruden: Bryce Petty ‘might have the best arm’ in draft

By Cory Buck | Mar 4, 2015

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

ESPN analyst and former NFL head coach Jon Gruden said that draft prospect QB Bryce Petty ‘might have the best arm talent’ of those eligible for the 2015 draft.

NFL GMs aren’t the only one with a lot of work ahead of them between now and the 2015 NFL draft in Chicago this May. ESPN analyst Jon Gruden still has to prepare his annual and much anticipated QB Camp series, in which Gruden fixes young quarterbacks with that weird, meandering stare and grills them with the hottest of inquiries.

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In advance of that tour, Gruden made note of one name that sticks out to him: Baylor QB Bryce Petty. Petty hasn’t and likely won’t rise to the top of anyone’s QB rankings for this year’s draft, but that didn’t stop Gruden from dubbing Petty’s arm among the best in his class.

“Petty might have the best arm talent in this draft,” Gruden said per a press release to promote his show. “Last year Derek Carr came to town and put on an aerial display. I would be surprised if Petty isn’t that guy this year. Stereotyped in the Baylor offense, but he’s different. He’s a great passer. He’s a finisher. I love finishers. Gray shirt, red shirt, waited his time. He’s physically and mentally ready to go. I like Petty.”

Gruden definitely called it on Derek Carr, who appears to be a promising prospect for the Oakland Raiders entering his second season. Now here’s hoping for Bryce Petty that Gruden is right for a second year in a row. Gruden knows a good arm when he sees it. He also knows a good thumb, if previous QB Camps are any indication.

Bryce Petty threw for over 8,000 yards with 61 touchdowns and just ten interceptions in two seasons of running the vaunted Baylor offense. Much of the debate around him has surrounded where Petty’s talents end and the high-octane Baylor offense begins in a conference not known for good defenses.

Far be it from us to question Gruden, who can pretty much call a pass play with his mind.

Jon Gruden’s QB Camp will debut its sixth season on April 7 on ESPN. In all, he’ll grill five quarterback prospects this year. Top two candidates Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston will go, along with Petty, Garrett Grayson and Brett Hundley. Whatever any of these guys do, take our advice. Don’t get Gruden started on Blue 80.

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