Class: 2008 Big Board

Pros: The New Jersey native may have improved his draft stock more than any other player since the start of the 2007 season with a strong senior campaign that included an impressive 8.3 yards per attempt and a solid week at the Senior Bowl, as well as the Scouting Combine. Flacco has a cannon arm, has shown the ability to make all the throws and has displayed great accuracy in completing 63 percent of his passes the past two seasons as a starter. The Blue Hens signal caller stands tall in the pocket, has good touch and knows how to lead his receivers. Flacco has no injuries of major significance on record and is known to be durable, not a surprise considering his prototypical size. He is accurate on slants and intermediate passes and can also throw the deep ball. His footwork appears awkward on tape but he can move around in the pocket better than he’s given credit for, enough to be able to create extra time. At the Combine, Flacco had the best three-cone time amongst quarterbacks, so he can move a little bit.

Cons: One major flaw that Flacco will need to be corrected is his tendency to lock-in on one particular wide out. He will need to be more deceptive in order to be successful in the NFL. Rather than stay at the University of Pittsburgh and battle then-starter Tyler Palko for the starting job, Flacco shied away from the competition and decided to head to lesser-known Delaware, which is why some question his presence in the huddle. The lack of competition is a major concern amongst pro scouts when evaluating Flacco, as is the level of talent he played against at the Football Championship Subdivision level. He will need to make better decisions, as he sometimes forces the ball into tight spots—something he will not get away with at the next level. He worked primarily out of the shotgun formation, so he must prove he’s capable of getting back into his drops in a timely manner and make reads while moving backwards.

X-Factor: Flacco benefited from playing behind a superior offensive line, which allowed him to take 7-step drops and take his time making reads and releasing the football. That luxury will not exist at the next level and the difference in game-speed could make Flacco a bit of a project as a pro prospect.

Overall: Prototypical size and arm strength make him an intriguing prospect and a fast riser as draft day approaches. While he did not star at the Senior Bowl, Flacco showed he belonged among the Football Bowl Subdivision players. He is raw and may have a larger learning curve than some of the other quarterback prospects vying for day one status—his measurables simply cannot be learned.

Murphy’s View: The Pittsburgh transfer brings excellent size and above-average arm strength to the field. He moves well in the pocket. Flacco has skyrocketed up draft boards everywhere and is receiving heavy pro attention.

Mogollon’s View: Because of his size and arm strength Flacco’s upside is undeniable. However, one must wonder how he will adjust to the speed of the NFL game, as well as operating in a more conventional offense. It is unclear if he will be able to get up to speed in order to fully take advantage of his strengths. Would have liked to see him stay at Pitt and win the starting job.

Factoid: Flacco became the tallest quarterback in school history, one inch taller than former pro Scott Brunner, who has worked out with Flacco at TEST in preparation for the Senior Bowl and the scouting combine.

Highlights of Accomplishments:

• 2007 Colonial Athletic Association Co-Offensive Player of the Year

• 2007 Eastern College Athletic Conf. Player of the Year

• 2007 The Sports Network Third Team All-American

• Single season records for completions, attempts, yards and total offense at the University of Delaware

• Career mark for completions at Delaware

High School: An athletic and academic star at Audobon (NJ) High School, Flacco earned Colonial Conference Athlete of the Year honors, was the South Jersey Touchdown Club Offensive Back of the Year and the Courier Post Scholar Athlete of the Year. He also lettered in baseball and basketball.