🏈 Jake Coker: NFL Prosect

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Early on, I was tough on Jake. Was not a fan. But man, he just grew on me. Even with his mistakes in the Ole Miss game, his heart, determination, and ability to run when the play wasn't there won me over. I said after seeing the throw he lasered between 3 defenders in the SECCG to Mullaney on a TD in the red zone, that he had NFL potential, and that someone might give him a shot. That was an NFL throw. He looked the covering LB off just enough to give him enough of a small window to cannon an 80 mph fastball for the score. And my assessment proved to be pretty accurate a few days later when he got a Senior Bowl invitation. Keep in mind, that invitations were sent out the last week of the regular season, and talent scouts saw enough in the SECCG to earn him a last minute invite. Another NFL throw he made in the Iron Bowl was when he avoided 3 potential sacks, escaped the pocket, kept his eyes downfield, and threw the ball across his body 30+ yards while rolling out, with just enough touch to loft it just over 2 defenders to find Stewart in the back of the end zone for a score.

He's got prototypical size and arm strength. His decision making has vastly improved since the season progressed. He's got tons of upside, this being his first year with real action. His occasional slower than desired release can be fixed with more coaching, but that has gotten better over the course of the season as well. I used to call him a "trebuchet" because of his slow release. But again, I've seen enough improvement since the Ole Miss game to be pleasantly proven wrong about his abilities as a QB.

This evaluator on NFL.com feels the same way, after Jake having his best game on the biggest stage last night.

Alabama quarterback Jake Coker had the game of his life. He was very patient and accurate underneath early on in the game before cutting it loose and hitting several vertical throws later in the game. I was most impressed with his escapeability.

More on Jake and the Cotton Bowl's other prospects (Mostly our guys...lol) at theLINK

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[bcracker]

his heart, determination, and ability to run when the play wasn't there won me over

Not to mention that voice.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Not to mention that voice.

Endearing reminder for a lot of Elvis fans...lol

Seriously, during his post-game interview, when answering questions about his long journey to earning the job, he looked to be tearing up a little. You could hear his voice quiver slightly when talking about his dream of QB'ing the Tide being finally realized. Very touching moment.

So proud for the kid.

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[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Another bit of evaluation in the article for Ryan Kelly that I found encouraging:

Alabama center Ryan Kelly is one of my favorite players in the upcoming NFL draft. Kelly plays with excellent technique and balance. He showed the ability to work up to the second level and wall off linebackers. He should have a long, productive career as a starting center at the next level.

He's come a long way even since last year, when a lot of people questioned his strength holding point in the middle. Some said he was still soft because he seemed to whiff on blocks too often. Drastic improvement from last season to this one.

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[jryanw]

Jake reminds me a lot of Big Ben.

 

[alabama mike]

I think Coker has a shot at hooking up with an NFL team. He has the height and arm strength to play in the league. One thing that could hurt him is only having one year of playing time under his belt. I just hope he gets the opportunity.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Jake reminds me a lot of Big Ben.

A poor man's version, but yeah. I actually was thinking the same thing while compiling thoughts for the OP.

Big and hard to bring down, but with deceptively quick feet for his size that allow him to extend plays outside the pocket.

That TD bomb he threw to Ridley in the 3Q was a thing of beauty. Trusted his pocket, stepped up just enough to avoid the backside rush, and delivered a beautiful 50 yard strike that hit Ridley in stride.

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[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

I think Coker has a shot at hooking up with an NFL team. He has the height and arm strength to play in the league. One thing that could hurt him is only having one year of playing time under his belt. I just hope he gets the opportunity.

That's a potential downfall, but also could be a positive because of his incredible upside. Only one season under his belt, but look how much improvement he's made in just 11 games. We know he's very coachable.

Here's the thing also: the Senior Bowl isn't just about performance in the game itself. A great weight of his evaluation will come from his position coach and O.C.: How he grasps NFL terminology and concepts, and how coachable he is during practices.

Remember the Matt Cassel "project"? He was Matt Leinhart's BACKUP at USC, never playing any significant snaps. At all. But, he got a shot. All based on his QB intelligence and his potential that someone saw. Patriots signed him, be became Brady's backup. Brady goes down a few years ago, and Cassel steps in and does well enough to earn a contract as the starter in K.C. for the following season. Not sure how well he fared after The Chiefs. Haven't kept up with them much (or the rest of the NFL, for that matter) the last couple years. I know he struggled early on his first year, but anyway. You get my point.


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[bcracker]

So proud for the kid.

Me too, sarge. Me too.

 

[rocknthefreeworld]

I think Coker has a shot at hooking up with an NFL team. He has the height and arm strength to play in the league. One thing that could hurt him is only having one year of playing time under his belt. I just hope he gets the opportunity.

I see his lack of playing time more to mean that he will at best be a late round pick in the draft, more likely going undrafted and getting an opportunity to work out for a team (or 2 or 3). If he plays as well against Clemson as he did against Michigan State that could all change.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

I see his lack of playing time more to mean that he will at best be a late round pick in the draft, more likely going undrafted and getting an opportunity to work out for a team (or 2 or 3). If he plays as well against Clemson as he did against Michigan State that could all change.

Also, he'll have a chance to prove his worth at the Senior Bowl. If he does well there, he may just get a draft combine invite.

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[Tidestalker]

Yesterday was more of the exception for Jake... Generally speaking, his release is just too slow and long for the NFL. When he throws those screens it takes forever. Also he's usually pretty late on his deep ball passes.

I'm with SLO that his improvement has been really impressive. I could have never foreseen him playing like this, in a game this big, but he looked great. Finally getting a chance to play has done him wonders.... But I don't think he's physically or mentally ready to be a successful NFL QB. The talent around him, our gimmicky offensive style, and the Heisman RB behind him have helped him start to look the part.

 

[pasadena pachyderm]

Yesterday was more of the exception for Jake... Generally speaking, his release is just too slow and long for the NFL. When he throws those screens it takes forever. Also he's usually pretty late on his deep ball passes.

I'm with SLO that his improvement has been really impressive. I could have never foreseen him playing like this, in a game this big, but he looked great. Finally getting a chance to play has done him wonders.... But I don't think he's physically or mentally ready to be a successful NFL QB. The talent around him, our gimmicky offensive style, and the Heisman RB behind him have helped him start to look the part.

I honestly didn't think Jake had a performance like this in him. Still dont think he gets drafted but would not be surprised now if he gets signed to a camp and makes a practice squad. Big ups to him for improving to a point where scouts take notice.

 

[RhinoGuy]

I honestly didn't think Jake had a performance like this in him. Still dont think he gets drafted but would not be surprised now if he gets signed to a camp and makes a practice squad. Big ups to him for improving to a point where scouts take notice.

Jake had a great game and he has really improved over the last year.

His ass probably won't get drafted though. It takes a lot more than a couple of good games to get into the NFL.

 

[TheChief]

Jake had a great game and he has really improved over the last year.

His ass probably won't get drafted though. It takes a lot more than a couple of good games to get into the NFL.

Matt Cassel might disagree. He never even started a game in college, sitting behind Leinart at USC and playing other positions.

 

[BigCrimson]

My guess is he will probably get an opportunity as a free agent. I simply do not see any time using a draft pick on him. The Michigan St game is the only game where he looked like he had legitimate pro potential from beginning to end. If someone would take a chance on him, really work with him and catch him up from simply not playing a lot he could very well make it as a backup or if the stars align just right maybe start. It could happen.

 

[KoKoPuf]

I expect 3rd or 4th round. Lots of upside, size and strong arm. NFL teams are desperate for QBs right now, see Colts, Browns, Cowboys, Texans, Bills, and others. QB draft pool is pretty slim this year, Paxton Lynch? Jared Goff? Dude from ND?. Please! Coker could go even higher depending on CG, Senior Bowl & combine.

 

[Che Boludo]

QB draft pool is pretty slim this year, Paxton Lynch? Jared Goff? Dude from ND?. Please! Coker could go even higher depending on CG, Senior Bowl & combine.

There's also Cook, Dak Prescott, Kevin Hogan, Brandon Allen, Jeff Driskel (who produced well after transferring), and now Hackenburg.

Cardale Jones is also entering the draft.

Personally, I doubt Coker would go over any of the above.

He has great size, arm strength, and great heart. But, no proven consistency. He has made tremendous improvement in all areas this year, thanks in large part to CLKs tutelage and play calling to suit his ability.

I very much appreciate his efforts and contributions to the team this year both on the field and in the lockeroom. He has had glimpses of brilliance this year, most recently vs Sparty. However, I think he is late round at best. I agree with the above that that is contigent on his play in senior bowl and potentially at the combine should he earn an invite. I think teams msy see his size, tools and take a gamble on his upside.

 

[RollllTide!]

I would take a gamble on him in a flash. He has a rocket arm when he throws it hard. He has also not had the ball batted down very much. He scrambles very well outside the pocket. What is the risk? Just a couple of million. Wait till they ask him how could he handle a stadium full of 50,000 people.

 

[Tidestalker]

There's also Cook, Dak Prescott, Kevin Hogan, Brandon Allen, Jeff Driskel (who produced well after transferring), and now Hackenburg.

Cardale Jones is also entering the draft.

Personally, I doubt Coker would go over any of the above.

He has great size, arm strength, and great heart. But, no proven consistency. He has made tremendous improvement in all areas this year, thanks in large part to CLKs tutelage and play calling to suit his ability.

I very much appreciate his efforts and contributions to the team this year both on the field and in the lockeroom. He has had glimpses of brilliance this year, most recently vs Sparty. However, I think he is late round at best. I agree with the above that that is contigent on his play in senior bowl and potentially at the combine should he earn an invite. I think teams msy see his size, tools and take a gamble on his upside.

Very well said.

IMO if you'd put any of the above mentioned QB's in a Bama uniform, they would be doing what Jake has done or more. (With the exception of maybe Driskel)

Off the field, being the Bama QB is ridiculously stressful. On the field, the staff and team have made it really simple for Coker.