Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Carson Wentz of North Dakota State (11) throws while under pressure from South squad defensive end Dadi Nicolas of Virginia Tech during first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
majority of NFL teams, including the highly visible Cleveland Browns, flocked to Fargo on Thursday for North Dakota State’s pro day with all eyes on quarterback Carson Wentz.
He didn’t disappoint.
In the Fargodome with his former receivers, Wentz went through a 65-throw script, completing 63 passes with one drop and one overthrow. Similar to Jared Goff’s pro day last week, NFL quarterback Ryan Lindley helped design the workout.
And also similar to Goff’s pro day, Browns’ assistant head coach/offense Pep Hamilton had Wentz make several additional throws, using a water bottle to wet the ball at the snap. His first pass with the water-soaked ball bounced to the receiver, but Wentz rebounded well and got into a rhythm.
Wentz’s strengths as a passer were on full display at the workout, showing off a strong arm and the mobility to make throws on the move. He has a NFL-style skill-set and delivers a very catchable ball with timing and touch. Based on film study, the main concerns for Wentz are his internal clock and ability to work through progressions, but those questions won’t be answered in a pro day setting.
While all 32 teams were represented, Browns’ head coach Hue Jackson was the only head coach in attendance.
The Browns announced the signing of quarterback Robert Griffin III on Thursday, but that won’t alter their thinking with the No. 2 overall pick. If there is a quarterback in this draft, presumably Goff or Wentz, that Jackson and the Browns’ braintrust believe can be a long-term starter, he will be the pick second overall.
Nothing transpired at the pro day that NFL teams didn’t already know about Wentz and his talent, but it was another setting for him to show off his skills, as he did at the Senior Bowl and Combine.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder at the quarterback position, but he is the favorite to be the first quarterback drafted for many around the league.
