2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dorian Thompson-Robinson (QB – UCLA)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dorian Thompson-Robinson (QB – UCLA)

Dorian Thompson-Robinson (QB – UCLA)

6’1″ – 205 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who has been starting for Chip Kelly and the Bruins since his redshirt freshman season, a year in which he threw for 1,311 yards (57.7%, 6.8 YPA), seven touchdowns, and four interceptions over 11 starts. Increased his output to 2,701 yards (59.7%, 7.5 YPA), 21 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions the following season, then threw for 1,120 yards (65.2%, 8.1 YPA), 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions in the shortened 2020 season. Passed for 2,409 yards (62.2%, 8.5), 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2021 (130-609-9 rushing), then enjoyed a strong senior campaign of 3,169 yards (69.6%, 8.3 YPA), 27 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with another 645 yards and 12 touchdowns in the ground.

Positives:

Productive four-year starter with a favorable trajectory. Light on his feet in the pocket. Has a quick release and gets the ball out fast on predetermined reads such as screens. Arm talent stands out, with the ball jumping out of his hand, gets impressive zip on his throws. Still able to pass with velocity when executing off-platform throws. Willing to hit check-downs when his primary read is covered. Able to make throws when rolling out and generally keeps his eyes downfield when scrambling. A true dual-threat who can carry the ball on designed runs/options or pick up first-downs with his feet in the passing game. Surprisingly elusive and physical runner for the quarterback position. Shows impressive toughness.

Negatives:

On the small side for a pro quarterback. Offensive scheme was heavily reliant on screens and other short passes, with roughly two-thirds of the team’s throws this season coming within 10 yards of the line. Struggled when the team wasn’t running play-action, which they used on about 40% of their throws (generally package plays). Can trust his arm too much, leading to risky throws into tight coverage; gets careless with downfield shots. Ball placement forces too many adjustments, which limit yards after the catch. Ball placement downfield is particularly inconsistent, typically sailing deep balls but also missing short or inside. Could do a better job of knowing when to take something off of his throws. Too many back-foot throws when killing the play would have been more prudent. Slightly overaged and will turn 24 as a rookie.

Summary:

A polarizing prospect with very impressive athleticism and arm talent, but whose decision-making and ball placement will need to improve significantly to succeed at the next level. Draft status will likely depend on how much more progress teams think he’ll be able to make after spending five years under Chip Kelly, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he ended up coming off the board in the mid-rounds due to his upside.

Projection: Round 5