Cooper Rush (QB Central Mich.) - possible Chiefs 2017 draft target?

[SAGA45]

I know everyone is pretty much on the Patrick Mahomes train and rightfully so. But this kid Cooper Rush ...a lot of traits similar to Alex Smith, particularly the cerebral aspect. Could be a guy that wins over the Chiefs in interviews, especially Dorsey and/or Reid given how much they reportedly love Smith.

So just consider this a heads up. Im not saying the Chiefs should draft him ...just mentioning him as a guy they MIGHT like and end up taking late or as a UDFA.

Below is a scouting report from nfl.com as well as some game footage which, in my opinion, conflicts with the scouting report in some ways.

LINK - http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...ush?id=2557933

OVERVIEW
An actuarial science major with a 3.9 grade point average, Rush should not have any issues learning a new playbook in the NFL. He's started every game for the Chippewas since Week 2 of his freshman year.

He nearly set all-time Mid-American Conference records for passing, coming up just 12 yards short of former CMU passer Dan LeFevour. In fact, Rush's production dropped a bit in his senior year, though he still was a third-team all-conference choice with 3,540 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, but with 16 interceptions and a mediocre 59.8 completion percentage.

He had been on the rise the previous three seasons, first as the team Offensive Player of the Year as a redshirt freshman (2,349 yards, 15 TD, 15 INT, 56.7 completion pct) and a sophomore year (3,157 yards, 27 TD, 13 INT, 63.6 completion pct.) which he finished off by throwing for seven touchdowns against Western Kentucky in the Bahama Bowl.

His best season came in 2015, where he was a second-team All-MAC pick by completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,848 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions.

ANALYSIS


STRENGTHS
Started all but three games during career and was team captain his junior and senior seasons. Defined by cerebral approach. Has bachelor of science degree in actuarial science off-the-field and masters in full-field reads on the field. Juggernaut in film room. Hits the field with well-conceived plans of attack based on his studies.

Makes all the pre-snap decisions rather than looking to sideline. Quick processor able to scan and decide rapidly. Interceptions rarely the result of poor decisions. Overcomes arm deficiencies with outstanding timing and accuracy. Anticipatory thrower with feel for developing windows.

Able to lead receivers on crossing routes and long balls and can throw receivers open underneath. Very good natural accuracy. Completion percentage penalized by excessive drop totals. Good pocket poise. Climbs pocket with eyes downfield when heat comes around the corners and can slide left or right before delivering accurate strikes. Has history from under center in play-action, pro-style attack and works all three levels of the field. Dump-downs are only a final option.


WEAKNESSES
Frumpy body with very little muscular definition. Does not look the part. Slow, plodding setup in the pocket. Throws from narrow platform and generates very little drive on his throws from lower half. Lollipop arm strength allows ball to hang in air too long.

Defensive backs with twitch have time to dart into passing lane and make interceptions despite a good read by quarterback. Struggles to challenge tight windows in middle of the field. Could be limited to timing-based passing attacks. Unable to make sudden getaways from pocket due to lack of athleticism. Strong pocket push from interior short circuits his plans.

SOURCES TELL US "He played in the MAC, not the SEC. If he made some of those throws against NFL cornerbacks and safeties they turn into pick-sixes. He's a great kid, he's smart, but he falls below the minimum standard for arm strength." - Area scout for AFC team
NFL COMPARISON Kellen Moore

BOTTOM LINE His body type and lack of functional arm strength will immediately make him a draft reject on some team's boards, but that could be a mistake. Processes as quickly as any quarterback I've studied over the last five years and has the anticipation and accuracy to counter his lack of velocity. Mental makeup and consistency of production make him a legitimate NFL roster candidate.

-Lance Zierlein

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Edit 2/23/2017 - Central Michigan vs Oklahoma State 2016