The Indianapolis Colts entered the offseason with a lot of question marks at the quarterback position. Despite solid numbers, 2021 starter Carson Wentz caught the ire of team ownership and fans alike thanks to his left hand throws and late season collapse in Jacksonville. Soon after, Chris Ballard and the Colts dealt Wentz and brought Matt Ryan to the team. Despite this move, Ryan is on the backend of his career and is not the long-term solution in Indianapolis. With that in mind, we’ll be taking a look at potential quarterback targets in the 2022 NFL Draft for the Colts. Today we take a look at Brandon Peters from Illinois.
MEASURABLES
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 230
40 Yard: 4.72
10 Yard: 1.57
Arm Length: 31 1/8″
Hand Size: 10
Vertical: 36″
3 Cone: 7.53
Broad Jump: 10’04”
Bench: –
POSITION SPECIFIC
Positives in Pass Game: Peters possesses the prototypical size desired in an NFL quarterback, allowing him to see over his line to survey the field easily. He displays solid mechanics with good footwork and a textbook follow-through during his throwing motion. He processes the game at an adequate speed and uses his check downs effectively.
Negatives in Pass Game: He struggles at times in the pocket to get rid of the ball and holds onto it for far too long. There are times in which he will lock onto a receiver and force throws into places they should not be thrown. He will never consistently take the top off of a defense without being given time to set up and establish a steady base to throw from or a running start. It appears his arm tops out around 50 yards.
Positives in Run Game: When forced to take to the ground, Peters is deceptively athletic and can hurt defenses with his legs. While he won’t win many foot races, he will routinely capitalize on space when the defense gives it.
Negatives in Run Game: It is true that Peters will extend plays with his legs when needed, but it comes at a price. He tends not to avoid contact, placing his body at risk when unnecessary.
THE WRAP-UP
Summary: Peters is a quarterback prospect that flashes at times and shows glimmers the true potential that has yet to be fully unlocked. Despite this, there are other instances in which he does not inspire much hope. Peters could benefit from time behind a star quarterback and coach with experience developing quarterbacks after subpar coaching in college. Peters offers a low-risk option the team could have for a late day three selection or a UDFA signing as a hometown guy.
Injury Concerns: Peters was sidelined with a concussion at Michigan, leading to new recruits taking over on the depth chart. He was then knocked out of several contests in 2019 due to injury. In 2020, Peters missed time with Covid. Finally, 2021 saw the quarterback miss even more time due to injury. Medical history is a massive concern for Peters.
Character/Off-Field Concerns: By all accounts, Peters is a great teammate and phenomenal leader. He never takes plays off and will risk his own body in an effort to make a play.
Projected Role: Developmental Prospect
Strong Points: Leadership, Sneaky Athleticism, Size
Weak Points: Pocket Awareness, Injury
Exposures: Michigan State (2019), Wisconsin (2019), Rutgers (2021)
