From now until the 2023 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today, I’ll be profiling Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell.
#16 Aidan O’Connell/QB Purdue – 6033, 213 lbs. (Senior)
Senior Bowl/NFL Combine
MEASUREMENTS
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Aidan O’Connell | 6033, 213 | 9 3/4 | 32 1/4 | N/A |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| DNP | DNP | DNP |
THE GOOD
— Good frame with solid hand size
— Impressive touch passer able to throw over underneath defenders
— Gets the ball out on time, able to beat zone coverage by hitting short to intermediate windows
— Able to hitch and climb the pocket, shows subtle pocket movements to buy an extra second
— Capable of going through his reads, working the progression, and willing to hit checkdown
— Keeps eyes up and downfield
— Shows some anticipation to lead receiver against zone
— Quick release at the ear, good motion
— Spins a good ball to all levels
— Bounces back from mistakes, short-term memory
— Commanded offense well
— Has experience under center and working off play-action, reading defense on the fly after turning his back
— Offense ran through him and his arm
The Bad
— Struggles much more against man coverage and throwing into tight downfield windows
— Too much arc and loft on throws, even on screens, and has difficulty cutting the ball on a rope
— Lacks mobility to avoid unblocked and free rushers
— Loses accuracy throwing to his left
— Will force throws underneath on slants against man
— Cornerbacks can sit and jump on his throws to the flat
— Occasionally will try to do too much and make mistakes, threw too many college INTs
— Will make poor decisions against the blitz, doesn’t have arm if he can’t transfer weight and step into throws, and doesn’t handle interior rush well
— Stats waned senior season
— Older than typical prospect
Bio
— Turns 25 in September
— 27 career starts for the Boilermakers
— Career: 1239 career pass attempts (66.