2017 NFL Draft: A complete look at quarterbacks for the Chiefs

The following quarterbacks I value as second day or later prospects. They are not first round caliber players and should not be considered as such. I keep them in order as the players that fit the Chiefs needs long term best.

Brad Kaaya, Miami, Junior (6-4, 215 pounds)

A three-year starter at Miami, Kaaya is a solid prospect that should come off the board in the early rounds. Hamstrung perhaps by a poor offensive line and a coaching change, Kaaya’s skill set is best analyzed pre- and post-throw. Perhaps the smartest and most intelligent quarterback in the draft, Kaaya’s potential is hindered by a below average arm.

Strengths:

• Very intelligent
• Experience taking snaps under center
• Played in pro-style offense
• Can work progressions during a pass
• Does a lot of the ‘little details’ well
• Can move around/slide around the pocket

Weaknesses:

• Arm strength/velocity is not good
• Accuracy not consistent
• Not a runner
• Needs more weight on frame

Kaaya is a difficult case study at quarterback in my opinion due to what he can do from the snap to throwing the ball and then what happens after he throws the ball. It’s obvious Kaaya is intelligent and moves well around in the pocket, though he certainly is not a runner. He also appears to have a solid understanding of defense and schemes. He is highly effective when throwing in a rhythm, especially the short and intermediate throws, and in a clean pocket, is generally accurate.

He also does a lot of the little things really well. The details, such as looking off linebackers and safeties, selling a play action, good footwork and a consistent release point, help in creating opportunities for playmakers.

The big issue with Kaaya is his arm, and more to the point, a lack thereof. His arm graded tied with Pitt’s Nathan Peterman as the second weakest in the draft, and you can see that on film, especially on deep balls. There just isn’t much juice on the ball. With limited arm strength, one has to wonder about the true potential of Kaaya. While at Miami he made all the throws, often times the ball just hung up in the air. While I firmly believe Kaaya can be a solid backup immediately, unless Kaaya can add some juice to his throws, I’m not sure he can be a long-term, reliable starter.

Accuracy can also be a concern with Kaaya, though it often is with quarterbacks, especially not at the top of the draft. His accuracy can come and go when he’s trying to throw the ball harder then he normally would, which can alter arm angle and release points, causing the ball to sail. When Kaaya throws in rhythm and with timing, he can be very accurate.

Why Kizer is a fit for the Chiefs

Kizer has the most playing experience of any of the top quarterbacks, being a three year starter at Miami. He’s also extremely intelligent, and could conceivably learn the Chiefs playbook well enough to be the backup for the 2017 season. He can make a majority of the throws the Chiefs ask for from their quarter

back. The question again is whether or not Kaaya’s arm strength hinders his ability to become a starter in 2018, which is what the Chiefs so desperately need.

Will the Chiefs draft him at No. 59? Maybe

Will he be available at No. 59? Yes

NFL Comparisons: Eli Manning, Giants; Cody Kessler, Browns