Redskins Rookie Enemies: Carson Wentz

Carson Wentz
School: North Dakota State
Conference: Missouri Valley Conference
College Experience: Senior (Age 23)
Height/Weight: 6-5/237 lbs
Projected Draft Round: 1st round/Actual: 1st round (2nd overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles

College Stats

Player Overview

Carson Wentz became somewhat of a household name for the North Dakota State Bision and even though he didn’t play top schools in the power five divisions very much during his career he did make it to the FCS Division I national championship game in 2014 and 2015. He lead the Bison to a 29-27 win against Illinois State. He completed 15 passes on 22 attempts for 237 yards and one touchdown in addition to rushing for 114 yards and one touchdown.

In the 2014 championship game, North Dakota State beat Jacksonville State 37-10. In that game, Wentz threw for 197 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and rushed for 79 yards and two touchdowns. He has received a number of accolades throughout his career at North Dakota State. You can see them on his school profile here. CBS Sports’s Rob Rang gave two strengths and two weaknesses of Wentz’s play that can be seen below:

The Strengths

Looks the part with a tall, workable frame. Good arm strength to deliver downfield with above average velocity, using his body rhythm and touch to accurately control the placement. Tight release, especially for a player with his long arms. Shifts his weight well in the pocket to work through the noise and keep his hand on the trigger, maneuvering under duress with improved footwork.

Functional athleticism and coordination in the pocket and as a scrambler, avoiding rushers and extending plays. Has a pre-snap plan and moves efficiently from target-to-target, making sound decisions. Shows the ability to recognize defensive coverages and change the play at the line - reliable field vision pre and post snap.

The Weaknesses

Locks onto reads and needs to develop his eye use, staring down targets and leading defenders. Needs to improve his passing anticipation and feel for timing routes. Downfield accuracy is inconsistent, often leading receivers too far.

Bad habit of pre-determining throws and forcing the ball into tight coverage. Needs to understand when the play is over and throw the ball away (10 fumbles the last two years). On the move too much, even with a clean pocket, and will attempt throws without setting his base or coming to balance.

You can see my profile on him here.

Recent News

How He Makes The Eagles Better and Creates Problems For The Redskins

Carson Wentz makes the eagles better because he gives them a solid third string quarterback on the roster. Although he is a rookie, he could be a successful backup to Sam Bradford, should he become the second string quarterback by preseason’s end. He is a pocket passing quarterback who can run the football. That’s an edge he has over Sam Bradford.

Carson Wentz is going to create problems for the Redskins over the course of his career. That is, if he becomes the number one option at quarterback for the Eagles one day. He’ll definitely present matchup problems because he’s not the typical pocket passer. He can throw the ball, use his legs, has a quick throwing release among other things.