Joe Flacco SELECTED BY: Baltimore Ravens Round 1(18)

SI Grade 3.95 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Pittsburgh transfer who totaled 63.5%/4263/23/5 as a senior when he was named CAA Offensive Player of the Year. Junior-year totals included 2783 passing yards when he moved into the starting lineup.

POSITIVES: Strong-armed pocket-passer whose draft stock has been soaring the past six months. Patient in the pocket, poised under pressure, and rarely gets rattled. Buys as much time as necessary for receivers, can withstand the rush, and scans the field to find the open pass-catcher. Throws with a quick, powerful release, zips the outs, and easily drives the long throws. Passes show great speed, leads receivers over the middle, or lets them run to the deep throw. Consistently looks off the safety, displays top field vision and overall awareness. Loses nothing throwing on the run and works to keep plays alive. Does not make the errant throw or force passes into coverage.

NEGATIVES: Does not escape the rush or pick up yardage with his legs. Late on timing patterns. Must improve his footwork throwing the ball.

ANALYSIS: Flacco is an outstanding quarterback prospect with the physical skills necessary to be a starting signal-caller in the NFL. He must improve his mechanics and show that he can compete at a higher level, yet he has all the skills to be a productive starter at the next level.