2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sam Hartman (QB – Notre Dame)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman.

2024 NFL Draft Guide

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sam Hartman

Sam Hartman (QB – Notre Dame)

6’1″ – 212 lbs.

Background:

Three-star recruit who originally attended Wake Forest, Sam Hartman started nine games there as a freshman, becoming the first-ever freshman to start the opener at quarterback. Missed the last few games of the season with injury but totaled 1,984 yards (55.3%, 6.8 YPA), 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions en route to a 4-5 record. Ended up losing the starting job the following year, making just one start. He then started all nine games of the shortened 2020 season, again going 4-5 and finishing with 2,224 yards (58.2%, 8.1 YPA), 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. Had his most productive season in 2021 — 11-3 record, 4,228 yards (58.9%, 8.3 YPA), 39 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while also rushing for 11 scores. Was 7-5 as the starter in 2022 (3,701 yards, 63.1%, 8.6 YPA, 38 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) before he transferred to Notre Dame. The Irish went 9-3 this year, with Hartman totaling 2,689 yards (63.5%, 89 YPA), 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Positives:

Started a staggering 57 games. Played in offenses, especially at Wake Forest, with relatively more deep and intermediate throwing than usual. Ran a lot of package plays at Wake and showed good patience to hold linebackers for throws over the middle. Light on his feet in the pocket, with the ability to climb against pressure. Throws a tight spiral with generally good ball placement and a three-quarters release. Confident enough to throw into tight windows with good precision to give his guy a chance while protecting receivers from incoming defenders. Effectively attacks soft spots in zone coverage. Showed a bit more touch this past season. Moves around well in the pocket and is capable of escaping from pressure to extend the play; does a nice job of keeping his eyes downfield. Follows blocks well as a runner, with good competitiveness to grind out tough yardage.

Negatives:

A bit smaller than the typical quarterback (small hands, too). A lot of predetermined reads with some bird-dogging tendencies. Tends to want to see his receivers open, rather than throwing with anticipation. Arm strength and velocity are closer to adequate. Tries to stick some throws into tighter coverage than you’d like, leading to risky plays. Doesn’t have a great arc on his downfield throws; kind of a single-speed passer. Can turn some bad plays into disasters by lobbing up throws into dangerous situations rather than taking a sack.

Summary:

A highly experienced, productive quarterback who moves relatively well in the pocket and shows good precision and confidence when attacking defenses downfield. There are some very good throws into tight windows on his tape but you’d like to see a little bit more arc and touch on some throws. He can turn negative plays into turnover-worthy plays by trying to force passes against pressure. Looks like a late-round option who could carve out a career as a backup quarterback.

Projection: Round 6/Round 7