2023 BCS QB Scouting Report
Player: Dorian Thompson-Robinson
School: UCLA
Year: (RS) Senior
Games Watched: LSU (2021), Stanford (2021), Washington (2021), USC (2021 & 2022), Bowling Green (2022), Oregon (2022), Arizona State (2022), Pitt (2022)
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Accuracy: Gives his receivers enough of a chance to do something after the catch, but that ability wanes in the face of pressure.
Arm Strength: Has some step-and-crank ability to drive intermediate seams/crossers and field-side out routes. Athleticism carries over to his arm talent as a passer who can make the off-platform/altered arm angle throws look routine.
Size: On the shorter and thinner side, but packs a muscular frame at 6’1”, 205 pounds.
Mobility: Arguably his best trait as an athletic passer with speed and quickness to generate offense when he pulls it down. Offers some creativity as a runner whose prep background as a receiver has been on full display with the ball in his hands. Loose and twitchy to quickly find an optimal base and make subtle movements within the pocket.
Decision Making: Generally makes decisions on time, but it wasn’t uncommon for him to invite defenders into a handful of throws because of his tendency to telegraph his decisions.
Out of Structure Ability: Smooth and controlled in his movements. Generally does a good job of looking to make the throw before defaulting to his running traits as he gets beyond the pocket and extends the play. Mobility and athleticism allow him to find success in unfriendly environments.
Pocket Awareness: Eyes remain downfield when traveling within and beyond the pocket. Tends to rush or abandon his process at early signs of pressure rather than hanging in a constricted pocket.
Touch/Placement: Able to blend touch and velocity to hit vertical routes on the run. Placement deficiencies were often the result of scattered footwork or trying to make throws late.
Upper/Lower Mechanics: Motion is smooth, but comes with an exaggerated loop that takes longer to get the ball out and puts his arm behind his lower half. Falls out of his throws far too often, leaving them in the air longer than desired. Struggles to connect his eyes and feet and keep the latter quiet to maintain accuracy.
Progressions: Can scan and work through his options, but had a frustrating numbers of reps where he made pre-determined decisions and lacked full-field vision that ultimately got him in trouble.
Accuracy (15): 9.5
Arm Strength (10): 6.5
Size (5): 3
Mobility (10): 8
Decision Making (10): 6
Out of Structure Ability (10): 8
Pocket Awareness (10): 5.5
Touch/Placement (10): 6
Upper/Lower Mechanics (10): 5
Progressions (10): 6
Grade: 63.5/100 – Day 3
Summary: DTR capped an illustrious career as the Bruins’ all-time leader in total offense and the only player in school history with more than 12,000 total yards (12,236). He’s still relatively new position having played it for the first time as a high school senior and was improving at the collegiate level with live reps before experiencing some regression this past season. A strong showing at the Shrine Bowl will certainly help Thompson-Robinson’s stock, but he has a skillset and upside to warrant a selection.
Report Author: T.J. Randall
Twitter: @TJ_Randall12
