Top 5 Bearcats Prospects For The 2016 NFL Draft
By Chris Bains
Nov 13, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel (11) against the East Carolina Pirates at Nippert Stadium. The Bearcats won 52-37. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
1) Gunner Kiel – Quarterback
Best Characteristics
- Size
- Mobility
- Arm Strength
Needs Improvement
- Decision Making
- Health
Way Too Early Prediction On Round Drafted
- 1st thru 3rd Round
Kiel is good enough to not only go early, and be the first Bearcat in a while to be drafted before his senior year, but also get taken in the first round, which hasn’t occurred since the Nixon Administration.
He has the experience, arm strength, size, and mobility that’s ideal for a prototypical NFL quarterback. Even more desirable is the fact that Kiel can operate in multiple systems. He can line up in the shotgun and throw it 40 times a game in the spread. He can play under center in your old school, run ’em behind a fullback offense. He could probably run it out of the even older school veer (just don’t ask him to pitch it).
Kiel can probably put up the numbers to get drafted next season or even in the 2017 Draft. But what will elevate him to a first round pick coming out of his junior year will be his ability to make smarter decisions with the football in his hands, which can be epitomized here, and stay healthy. He really can’t do much about the latter. If he takes another crushing shot to the ribs and he can’t put the same kind of sizzle on the ball, it is what it is. However, Kiel’s ability to identify the open receiver and not overlook him for a covered target further downfield will get him in the good graces of NFL scouts.