Nathan Peterman is not a name that immediately comes to mind when referencing top quarterbacks in this draft. Despite overseeing one of the most productive offenses in college football this past season, Peterman is viewed as more of a game manager who benefited from an excellent ground attack. Easy to say when the team racked up 2, 926 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. Besides that there are some who remain critical of his game.
Between the Virginia Tech and Miami games, Nathan Peterman had 2 INTs and 5 more dropped. Probably the worst QB vs. pressure I’ve seen, too
— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) January 21, 2017
Then again he may not be getting enough credit for what he can do. Peterman threw 27 touchdowns to just seven interceptions in 2016 and also holds an honor that no other quarterback has. He’s the only one who successfully defeated eventual national champion Clemson. It wasn’t in a messy defensive affair either. Pitt had to put up 43 points to do it, and Peterman led the way with 308 yards and five touchdown passes.
Peterman comes across as one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in this class. He’s played in a pro-style offense at Pitt where he logged plenty of time under center. At 6’2″ he has decent height and underrated mobility. Four times this past season he rushed for at least 30 yards in a game and also scored twice. Of course that won’t be the primary discussing point. The question always comes down to how hard can he throw and can he throw it accurately?
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Peterman is not a gunslinger. Make no mistake of that. He won’t be firing 60-yard passes down the field through the air. Nonetheless he’s got a better arm than people give him credit for. Playing in that run-oriented Pitt offense just didn’t ask him to go down the field much. Even so, there were moments that allowed him to showcase his ability to throw deeper strikes with timing, anticipation and accuracy.
The Chicago Bears Nathan Peterman connection wouldn’t be about showcasing a once-in-a-lifetime arm. This team is looking for somebody who can protect the football, keep the offense on schedule and make a few plays every week to put up some points. Above all? Avoid turning the football over. Peterman showed he could do all of that at Pitt.
He’s 22-years old but already a married man. He overcame a difficult moment in his football life when he had to transfer from Tennessee after failing to gain the starting job. Pro offensive schemes won’t overwhelm him thanks to his two years of experience with the Panthers. If ever there was a “later” pick the Bears could take advantage of that might pay huge dividends down the road, it’s him.
