The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with quarterback talent.
Amidst all the popular names being discussed, there’s a Day 2 selection that isn’t getting enough attention: Michael Pratt of Tulane. This former three-star recruit from Florida chose Tulane over schools like Bowling Green, Harvard, and Toledo. In 2022, he was named to the AAC’s All-Academic Team while being listed as a preseason candidate in 2023 for multiple awards such as the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, and the Manning Award.
Pratt has started in 43 games over his four-year career, putting up a solid career total of 9,240 yards, 61 percent completion percentage, 87 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions so far.
Player Bio
Name: Michael Pratt
Jersey: No. 7
Position: Quarterback
School: Tulane
Class: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 220 lbs.
Games Watched: Houston (2020), Oklahoma (2021), Ole Miss (2021), Cincinnati (2022), UCF (2022)
Major Injury History: None
Player Breakdown
Arm Talent (6.5/10)
Pratt is more effective in the passing game when he’s on the run or on a designed rollout. His shoulder freedom and velocity off the ball allow him to stay consistent as a mobile thrower. Has enough arm strength to stay on schedule on short and intermediate throws inside the pocket. When it comes to the deep ball, he lacks elite arm strength, needing considerable strain to drive the ball downfield.
Accuracy (7.5/10)
Great anticipation allowing his receivers to run after the catch. Best on the run throwing towards the boundary while showing zip and accuracy on those throws. Consistent short- to intermediate-level accuracy, demonstrating good ball placement. When he can set his feet with a solid base or clean pocket, he’s able to widen some windows on his deep balls. Able to anticipate receivers breaking open through seams and zones and getting the ball out early.
Decision Making (9/10)
One of the best in college football with quarterback instincts and football IQ. Not afraid to throw it away and has great situational awareness. Steady decision-maker and good processing skills that allow him to read the field, anticipate windows, identify mismatches, and manipulate defenders with his eyes. His ability to get the ball out quickly translates in his game of making split-second decisions.
Progressions (8/10)
Has a high-level IQ that gives him the ability to progress throughout all levels of the field (short, intermediate, and deep). He knows how to use eye manipulation to draw corners and safeties out of zones to open throwing lanes. Following that, he has good field vision and can quickly recognize deep opportunities at the top of his drop. Great at keeping his eyes up and active when extending outside the pocket.
Mechanics (8/10)
Smooth rotational thrower with great hip fluidity. Great overall mechanics with a solid foundation to drive through. He is a disciplined quarterback on his dropbacks with quick feet and a natural feel for his base. His mechanics are the main reason for his success even when he’s flushed out of the pocket.
Mobility (7/10)
He is more of a pro-style quarterback, pending the scheme, but is enough of a threat as a runner to make the read-option game effective. Has the athleticism to move out of the pocket and create plays out of structure. Not afraid to tuck it and run and move the chains.
Leadership (9/10)
A well-known respected leader who has gained praise for his leadership qualities since his first few starts as a true freshman. Not afraid to be vocal about both the positives and the negatives. During his games, he’s demonstrated leadership through adversity on and off the field. His deep experience in college football helped him develop that leadership role which will be a great factor heading into the draft process.
Composure/Poise (7/10)
Not afraid to sit in the pocket until the last second and deliver an accurate ball. Demonstrated composure and poise in multiple performances such as the Oklahoma game in 2021. With that being said, he sometimes gets caught rushing his throws off base against interior blitzes.
Touch (7/10)
Great at putting touch on sideline throws to his receivers. Able to layer passes into tight buckets throughout every level of the field. His mechanics are beautifully sound which makes his touch passes more consistent.
Injury History (4.5/5)
No major injuries. 2023 knee sprain.
Versatility (3/5)
His ability to move effectively and fluently makes him versatile in an offense. He can throw on the run and the way he can throw with accuracy outside the pocket allows offensive coordinators to expand their offense. He can be an effective quarterback in a pro-style system, up-tempo, west coast, and more. Has good athleticism and decent speed to excel in the NFL.
Player Summary
Pratt doesn’t have the elite physical tools as some quarterbacks in the draft, but his IQ and upside are very intriguing. His elite competitive toughness will always be a plus, and he does have the arm movement to work off-platform. Has one of the best operational frameworks in the entire 2024 NFL Draft quarterback class. Pratt is mechanically sound, disciplined, and displays exceptional accuracy and situational ball placement. A commander and true decision-maker who can read the field, anticipate his wide receivers at the break of their route, identify mismatches, and manipulate defenders with his eyes. He’s a timing and rhythm passer and has the physical tools to be a sufficient NFL starter in the right system.
Rookie Projection: QB2 (mentored)
Third-Year Projection: Starting Caliber Quarterback
Final Grade (76.5/100): Late Third-Round Pick
Player Comp: Brock Purdy
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