2020 NFL Draft position rankings: Top 10 quarterbacks – Burrow, Tua sure-fire studs

9. Cole McDonald, Hawai’i

Finding a developmental quarterback late in the draft isn’t a risky proposition, it’s just that usually the prospects don’t hit. The 2020 NFL Draft could be different this year. Hawai’i quarterback Cole McDonald could be that guy. McDonald has had an up-and-down career for the Rainbow Warriors, having been benched during a few games.

As a prospect, there are some traits that warrant late-round consideration. He has crazy arm talent and flashes some great accuracy on tape, especially on deep throws down the field and outside the hashes. McDonald has improved with his poise and awareness in the pocket and has no issue standing and delivering under pressure. He’s a good athlete who can make plays with his legs and you can trust him to throw on the move.

McDonald’s mechanics and processing are the major reasons that he’s a late-round developmental player. He has a very odd throwing motion where he dips his shoulder and has a long, rounded motion. That motion contributes mightily to his stretches of inaccurate throws. Underneath defenders give him issues in the decision-making department, and he trusts his arm to make every throw, which leads to bad interceptions. McDonald needs to work on his anticipation as well. His arm often compensates, but it won’t in the NFL.

The developmental upside is there with McDonald but he’s a project that will take several years. You’re betting on the arm talent, but it can’t be with an early pick. He’s a day three selection.

• Grade: Seventh Round
• McDonald pro comparison: More-refined Tyree Jackson