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PFF scouting report: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Nathan Peterman #4 of the Pittsburgh Panthers scores a touchdown during the New Era Pinstripe Bowl against the Northwestern Wildcats at Yankee Stadium on December 28, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Name: Nathan Peterman

School: Pittsburgh

Position fit: Backup QB, starter potential

Stats to know: Had the nation’s No. 2 passer rating when pressured at 114.7.

What he does best:

  • Not necessarily a pure/smooth thrower, but possesses a quick release.
  • Consistent footwork. Plays with a good base in control and throws on balance.
  • Great understanding of defensive recognition and where to go with the ball with the given passing scheme.
  • Good ball placement on short/intermediate timing routes.
  • Anticipates windows in zone very well.
  • Sees the field clearly. Consistently shows the ability to get through progressions, eliminating a read quickly and moving on to the next with relative ease.
  • Great overall feel and discipline in the pocket.
  • Athletic within the pocket and can burst to pick up key third downs with his legs.

Biggest concerns:

  • Arm is limited.
  • Doesn’t possess natural power to drive the ball. Needs to coil up to gain zip.
  • Ball tends to finish low on the receiver the further down the field you get.
  • Lacks pocket poise at times tending to bail out right when unnecessary.
  • Feet can get a little frenetic when facing pressure.
  • Inconsistent decision making outside of the pocket or late in the down at times.

Bottom line: Peterman has seen his stock rise the more people find out about him. He is a very solid, steady player with a limited ceiling – but shows a great understanding of the passing game. His arm is just OK, but with his ability to see the field clearly and work through progressions combined with his natural feel in the pocket, he has a chance to develop into a middle of the road starter. He played in a system with a lot of jet sweep gimmicks, but has experience under center and working full field progressions in both the drop back and play action pass game. Peterman can step in and be a backup on most teams right now, with the hopes there can be tweaks with a few things mechanically and as he gets older to gain more strength in his arm.

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