Quarterback Dwayne Haskins led Ohio State's pro day on Wednesday ahead of April's 2019 NFL draft. He is currently my No. 1-ranked QB prospect and No. 8-ranked prospect overall. Sure, pro days are scripted and controlled, but Haskins looked impressive in Columbus, showcasing his ability to hit various types of throws.
Here's what we learned from Haskins' workout, with some added notes about the Buckeyes' Nick Bosa and Parris Campbell.
What did Haskins focus on most in the workout?
A week after Oklahoma's Kyler Murray drove home his capability of making throws in the pocket, Haskins went the other direction, showing his ability to make throws on the run. He is the best pocket passer in the class, but he needed to display what he can do when getting off the initial spot. As is the case with most pocket QBs, Haskins is less consistent in terms of accuracy and efficiency when on the move, especially out to his left.
But with added emphasis this afternoon, he impressed in that area. He was climbing the pocket, making the off-balance throws, getting the ball out on the move and using many different arm angles.
Haskins isn't fast, but he does have short-area quickness. He wisely chose not to run the 40-yard dash again -- it's not that important -- but he looked light on his feet moving around behind the line of scrimmage.
What was most impressive about his throws?
Of all the throws he made at the pro day, I'd say he missed on just two. That pair were a bit off target, but weren't even that bad. The rest were placed right where you want to see them. The deep throws found the outside shoulder. The red-zone throws were kept high and away from hypothetical defenders. Haskins reads it, sees it and gets the ball out accurately. There's a tremendous combination of touch, timing and trajectory on his passes.
And though he might not be in that elite class of arm strength, he has more than enough. You can see it on the deep balls and you can see it on the short zip throws. An NFL quarterback doesn't need any more arm strength than what he has.
Haskins looked great today, as expected. Three things stood out: 1. Best shape of his life (As Bosa said, "He has grown to appreciate the process"). 2. Working hard on off-platform throws (and he showed it off today). 3. Natural charisma. pic.twitter.com/qhObBtgTSe
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 20, 2019
At this point, what makes Haskins stand out in comparison to Murray?
It's a real struggle to pick which guy belongs atop the quarterback draft rankings. They have very obvious style differences and will obviously fit better in different schemes. Teams with a traditional pocket passing game will be more enamored with Haskins and his big sturdy frame, while Murray brings more twitch. But there really isn't too much separating them in throwing accuracy, both in workouts and on film. And both guys seem self-aware of the perceptions and concerns about them, and both addressed those concerns as well as they could have in these pro day settings.
The biggest thing in Haskins' favor right now is his ability to dial it up when he needs to. He has another gear on his throws, and he can get the ball out and there quickly with some heat on it. There seems to be more life on his ball than Murray's. But again, there isn't much separating these two right now, and even that is not a big difference.
What does Haskins need to continue working on?
I was struck by how he keeps getting into better and better shape. Even since the combine, just three weeks ago, Haskins looks a little leaner and tighter. He looks good out there. It took him a while to really buy into the weight room stuff -- like most quarterbacks, he'd rather be in the film room or throwing the football. But it's important. And with his body type, he's going to need to keep at it.
But otherwise, there are no concerns following his pro day. He's going to be a good NFL starter. I was impressed with him as a leader, and he possesses good football intelligence. He's charismatic, and he carries himself well. When he walks into a room, people collect around him. He is someone you'd want to be the face of your franchise.
What's next for Haskins, and what is the buzz about where he might go in next month's draft?
He reportedly met with the Giants the night before his pro day, and he said that he has workouts set for all of the QB-needy teams atop the draft board. He is reportedly scheduled to work out for the Raiders and Dolphins while in Columbus, and visit with the Redskins, Broncos and Giants, too. I had Haskins heading to the Giants at No. 6 in my most recent mock, but there remains a real possibility that one of these teams trades up to get him in the top five.
OK, what about Bosa and Campbell?
Well, Bosa didn't work out on Wednesday, choosing to stand on his times from the combine. Though his 4.79 40 wasn't terrific, the rest of his combine workout was actually pretty good. His 4.14 short-shuttle was quicker than that of most wide receivers, and to be honest, he doesn't need speed to win. His power-to-speed combination at the line is fantastic. He just needs to continue training on his own, but there was nothing more for him to show in a workout. Bosa will meet with the 49ers on Wednesday night. With his talent and the fact that all the top teams need pass-rushing, I'd be surprised if he's not the first defensive player selected, and equally shocked if he makes it to pick No. 3 in April if there aren't any trade-ups.
Campbell, meanwhile, had his day come to an end early. While running an out-cutting route, he tried to break on his wrong foot and tweaked his hamstring. He did not return, but early indications are it was minor and precautionary. He remains a potential Day 1 or early Day 2 pick.