STRENGTHS - The most technically sound quarterback in the Draft, Nassib's quick and compact release combines with his footwork so that he can consistently set-up and get rid of the ball in a flash. Light on his feet, Nassib slides within the pocket, strides into his throws and makes accurate passes to all areas of the field. He has consistently shown the ability to step-up to avoid the deep rush, the quickness and agility to avoid pressure up the middle and can re-set and throw accurately. Not one who will win any arm strength battles, Nassib clearly has enough arm strength to make every NFL throw with zip and accuracy. I am confident that he has the arm to be effective throwing in some of the tougher stadiums, like Buffalo and New York. A consistently accurate passer, he does an excellent job of hitting receivers right as they come out of their cuts so that they can pluck the ball, tuck it away and get started up the field fast. Always poised within the pocket, Nassib does not get rattled as the pocket gets squeezed, which is good because he was constantly pressured and would not have been so productive at Syracuse if he could not deal with constant pressure. Able to make strong and accurate throws with pressure in his face and willing to throw the ball away rather than force passes into dangerous spots, Nassib does not make the errors that many quarterbacks do when the pocket purity is breached.
WEAKNESSES - At 6020 and 223 pounds, Nassib has just adequate size and does not look like the big, strapping quarterback that NFL teams prefer. He has a tendency to put too much air under his 25+ yard throws down field, which allows the cornerback to recover to get in position to make a play on the ball. He will need to improve his deep ball passing to become a premier NFL quarterback because being able to threaten deep opens up the defense and creates bigger windows for the passer.
SUMMARY - While watching practice at the East West Shrine Game I was asked by more than a few people what my thoughts on Nassib were and I told them I had not charted him yet. However, on the Friday and Saturday after the East West practices and before the Senior Bowl I charted out five games and within the first half of the Northwestern game it was clear he was top quarterback. Although he lacks the great size NFL teams prefer, he has enough size at 6020 and combined with his excellent mechanics, strong arm and accuracy, he has all the physical traits necessary. His consistent ability to maintain his poise within the pocket despite constant pressure is impressive and I believe he will be even better in this area in the NFL because he will get better protection than he had at Syracuse. Overall, I am sure I have Nassib rated drastically higher than anyone else does, but I am confident that he will develop into a high end starting quarterback in the NFL. Do not be surprised if he makes a late move up draft boards and ends up being a Top 10 pick despite being viewed as more of a second / third round prospect heading into the Combine. ***While some may start talking about Nassib lacking ideal size at 6020 and 223, here are some other high draft picks that are similar in size and others who have become successful NFL quarterbacks with similar size. Robert Griffin III 6023 and 223, Andy Dalton 6020 and 216, Russell Wilson 5105 and 204, Matt Stafford 6022 and 225 and Christian Ponder 6020 and 228.