By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Purdy spent the last four years as one of the most consistently productive quarterbacks in the nation. He led Matt Campbell’s point-machine offense to have its way with Big XII defenses. In Purdy’s 2018 debut, he completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 2,250 yards, 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Purdy’s best season came as a sophomore, when he completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,982 yards, 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In the shortened 2020 season, Purdy stayed consistent, completing 66.6 percent for 2,750 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
During the 2019 and 2020 seasons, some in the draft media, including Pro Football Focus, started projecting Purdy as a first-round pick. While he produced some big games against Big XII defenses, Purdy does not have the skill set for an NFL starter. In terms of size, arm and athleticism, Purdy has the physical talent of a backup-caliber player.
To start out on the positive, Purdy is an efficient rhythm passer who makes very good decisions overall. He is accurate in the short to intermediate part of the field, throwing a very catchable ball with nice touch. Purdy does a good job of taking what the defense gives him, and he moves the chains through moderate completions. In the pocket, Purdy hangs tough and does not get rattled by the rush coming down around him. With his poise helping him to stay on schedule, Purdy uses nice anticipation to read coverage and distribute the ball.
On the negative side, Purdy does not have a powerful arm and he is not a mobile running threat. Regularly, Purdy can struggle to avoid pass rushers and blitzes. He is not the dual-threat type who is en vogue in the NFL, and his ability to avoid defenders is going to get exposed further by the speed and athleticism of professionals. Purdy is on the short side and seeing the field well could be challenging for him at the next level.
While Purdy does not have a starter’s skill set, he could develop into being a solid pro backup. Purdy looks like a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he could easily go in the early rounds of Day 3.
Player Comparison: Matt Barkley. In the NFL, I think Purdy could end up being a quarterback similar to Barkley. Barkley (6-2, 234) and Purdy are similar in size and have limitations that make them backup caliber.
RELATED LINKS:
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Oct. 10
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 9
NFL Power Rankings - Oct. 8
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4