Name: Carson Strong
Year: Junior
School: Nevada
Games Watched: San Diego State (2020), Wyoming (2020), New Mexico (2020)
Best Game: Wyoming
Worst Game: New Mexico
Accuracy: Carson Strong has the ability to throw accurate footballs to all levels of the field. But his consistency in this department is a major concern due to issues with his mechanics. The talent is there for Strong to become much more accurate, but right now that’s more of a projection than anything.
Arm Strength: Strong has a strong arm. I’ll see myself to the door … Seriously though, Strong can make every throw on the field. His highlight reel passes are some of the best you’ll see, whether it’s on deep shots, out routes, or over the middle of the field. Strong’s arm generally serves him well, but his confidence in his arm is also the cause for some of his mechanical issues.
Size: Strong is more than tall enough to find success at the next level and generally doesn’t have any issues seeing the field. He’s listed at 215 but looks a tad thin. His frame looks like it will support some more weight.
Mobility: Strong isn’t a statue, but he’s also not going to be a chain mover with his legs. His athleticism allows him to flee the pocket and keep plays alive at times. Overall, this is not a strength of his game.
Decision Making: Decision making isn’t really an issue with Strong. Sure, he’ll let give his guys a chance to make plays down the field in tight coverage, and it doesn’t always work out, but that’s what you want from a big-armed quarterback. He usually finds a receiver with enough space to make the throw, but doesn’t always deliver perfect strikes.
Out of structure: Strong can make plays outside of the pocket and throw the ball from different arm angles. Still, because of his limited athletic ability, I wouldn’t project him to be a playmaker style quarterback like a Patrick Mahomes or Justin Herbert. But he’ll make some wow throws from within the pocket and off platform.
Pocket Awareness: He generally has a good feel for the pocket but has some issues with feeling the pressure coming off the edge. He’ll need to continue to develop that sixth sense. But when it comes to interior pressure, Strong does a good job at detecting and getting the ball out in time.
Touch/Placement: As with accuracy, touch/placement is greatly impacted by upper and lower body mechanics. There are plenty of examples of next level touch and placement, but there are just as many, if not more, negative reps in this area.
Upper/Lower Mechanics: His throwing motion and release are, again, inconsistent. He doesn’t always release the ball from the same arm angle. Sometimes this allows him to make big plays, other times it causes him to miss routine throws. Overall, the lower body mechanics are the main concern here. His footwork in his drop back and throughout his throwing motion needs to be cleaned up. Consistency is key here.
Progressions: Strong is solid when given the time to work through reads. He generally finds a receiver with space around him or takes a shot deep against one-on-one coverage. His offense somewhat limits our ability to scout this area, but there’s nothing on tape here that gives me cause for concern.
76.25 – 3rd Round
Carson Strong is an intriguing, if puzzling prospect. While he has superlative arm strength, and plays smart football, his lack of athleticism and lower body inconsistencies give me pause. He’s not going to make many plays with his legs and his sloppy mechanics lead to a lot of balls that are just a touch off. According to Dane Brugler of the Athletic, Strong’s past knee issues are a potential red flag for NFL teams. If Strong can find some more consistency in his lower half, his ceiling as a thrower could be through the roof. I’ll be watching him closely this fall. He has a chance to be selected in round one if he can continue to develop.
