2021 NFL Draft: Don’t sleep on rising Nevada QB Carson Strong

Nevada quarterback Carson Strong has caught the NFL’s eye after a hot start to the season.

The race for QB4 in the 2021 NFL Draft is one of the most entertaining parts of this college football season, as Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Ohio State’s Justin Fields and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance have likely nailed down the first three spots on most big boards. While Alabama’s Mac Jones and BYU’s Zach Wilson are the leading candidates to take that role, one of the more interesting Group of Five teams has a gunslinger of its own who could end up in that discussion.

In three games this season, Nevada quarterback Carson Strong has run head coach Jay Norvell’s high-speed offense to perfection, completing 73.5 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and no interceptions. Strong has thrown for 350 yards in all three games this season and led the Wolf Pack to a perfect 3-0 start.

Carson Strong has the physical tools that every NFL GM wants in a quarterback

A redshirt sophomore who could conceivably declare after this season, Strong checks all of the boxes that GMs want to see checked from a physical standpoint. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds with a strong lower body, Strong has prototypical size. What becomes immediately apparent is his explosive arm strength, which allows him to go deep downfield and frequently make off-platform throws most other prospects wouldn’t even attempt. His velocity is easily in the highest possible tier across college football.

Going downfield is his strength, as the combination of an aggressive mindset, strong arm and willingness to take a hit to deliver a throw will play well in the NFL. With ideal mechanics and a snappy release, his touch throws on back-shoulders near the sideline are awe-inspiring.

He does have some flaws, as his lack of athletic ability, propensity for locking onto the first read and starting down targets, and risky decision-making will do a number on his stock. However, if he lands in a situation with great quarterback coaching, those flaws can be ironed out. He’s a touch raw, but that deep accuracy and powerful arm is mouth-watering.

There is a chance that we don’t see Strong until 2022, as he is a redshirt sophomore who could look to stay in college one more year in order to avoid what promises to be a very deep quarterback class. Whenever he comes out, the Wolf Pack’s gunslinger should have plenty of suitors in the pros.