Dec 26, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Tom Savage (7) drops back to pass against the Bowling Green Falcons in the first quarter during the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
5. Tom Savage
School: Pittsburgh
What to Watch: Height, Weight, Medicals, 40-Time
2013 Stats: 238-389 (61.2%), 21 touchdowns, nine interceptions; 76 carries, -(208) yards
Met with Chiefs: No
Deemed the “Best Quarterback Prospect You’ve Never Heard Of” by Gil Brandt in October, Savage is finally making his way to the NFL after a roller-coaster college career. Savage began his career at Rutgers, where he was named to the freshman all-American team and won a bowl game.
A hand injury and missed a game against Connecticut. His replacement, freshman Chas Dodd, performed well enough in his first start to take Savage’s starting spot. This led to Savage transferring to Arizona. However, Savage would never play for the university. Arizona hired Rich Rodriguez to be their new head coach at the end of the 2011 season, which left Savage looking for another university that would better fit his style of play. This led to him transferring to Pittsburgh, where he red-shirted in 2012 and started in 2013.
As you can see from his rushing numbers, his offensive line was terrible. But Savage showed a lot to scouts with the few opportunities he did manage to create. In a game against eventual ACC Coastal champions, Savage threw for six touchdowns, no interceptions, and 424 yards. He was good enough in the game that Brandt boldly stated Savage reminded him of Troy Aikman.
While it is highly unlikely Savage is going to be the next Aikman, there is a lot of upside to him as a quarterback. He’s expected to have prototypical size for the position and demonstrated an ability to make all of the throws. His decision-making also improved as the season went along, throwing only three interceptions in his final eight games.
Savage did miss a game due to a concussion last season.