I'm going to champion my new realistic sleeper prospect
Kirk Cousins
6'3, 210 pounds | Quarterback | Michigan State
Kirk Cousins Stats, News, Videos, Pictures, Bio - Michigan State Spartans - ESPN
First word: Cousins joins a long list of promising quarterback prospects and is a sleeper pick of many different evaluators. The fact that he has played against good Big 10 competition and has experience undercenter makes him an attractive prospect. He has an opportunity to really improve his stock with a solid season.
There is a lot to like about Cousins from his good arm strength to his on field leadership. The ball jumps out of his hand and arrives to his target with zip. There is no doubt that he can make all the necessary NFL throws. His ball placement and accuracy is good on all levels. He can read a defense and is able to locate secondary targets. Cousins has good anticipation which allows him to avoid turnovers and batted balls.
While Cousins has a lot of positives there are still some significant concerns. His technique is less than ideal which impacts the delivery of the football. Cousins doesn't step into his throws often throwing off of his back foot resulting in less power. He can get away with this in college but in the NFL with tighter passing windows he could struggle to complete passes. Cousins also doesn't set his body and feet towards his target impacting his accuracy. While he is accurate improved footwork will only make him better.
Overall, Cousins has enough talent and potential to warrant the attention he is receiving. He needs a productive season while leading Michigan State to a few more wins. Improving his technique and footwork will only help his draft stock.
Bold statement: Kirk Cousins will be a 2nd round pick in 2012
Games viewed: Wisconsin ('10), Iowa ('10), Michigan ('10), Penn State ('10)
Notes:
Cousins is a decent athlete with the ability to escape the rush
Michigan State has a pro style offense that likes to feature play action
His experience and success in the Michigan State offense is a positive
He possesses a strong arm generating good zip on passes to all levels
Cousins keeps his eyes down the field when faced with pressure
As he drops back he keeps the ball above his breast plate avoiding wasted motions
He has a quick release that allows him to get the ball out on time
His accuracy is good on all levels as he leads his targets and also has the touch to drop in a bucket pass
The ball jumps out of his hands and arrives to his target on a line
He is able to go through his progressions and find the open man and secondary targets
Cousins needs to improve his technique as he often throws off his back foot and doesn't align his feet and body towards the target
He struggles to get rid of the football as he holds the ball to long and often takes sacks
Cousins has a tendency to force the ball when faced with pressure resulting in turnovers