Notre Dame Football: How can Irish draft prospects improve their stock?
By Andrew Hall
Ian Book – Quarterback – Graduate Student
Ian Book lacks the ideal size and arm strength that might impress NFL general managers. However, as college schemes infiltrate the pro ranks, the prototypical Quarterback becomes less important. Irish Breakdown analyst Bryan Driskell predicted in April that an NFL team likely selects Book between the 5th and 7th rounds. Mel Kiper weighed in similar fashion, stating:
"“Ian Book is just a good college quarterback. I think, as a backup in the NFL, that’s what you’re hoping maybe he can develop into. He’s not Jake Fromm. Look where Jake Fromm went, fifth round. Is he as good as Jake Fromm? No. His grade is not going to be as high. Jake Fromm went in the fifth round to be in Buffalo backing up Josh Allen. Ian Book is just a good college quarterback, consistent week in and week out.” “I have him at nine in terms of the quarterbacks. He’s in that mid-round to late-round type of guy.”"
In his first abbreviated season as a starter, Book completed 68.2% of his passes for 2628 yards and 19 touchdowns. Last year, he threw for 3034 yards and 34 touchdowns. He increased his overall production while decreasing his touchdown to interception ratio but his completion percentage lowered to 60.2%.
Book’s stats and measureables compare favorably to former Penn State Quarterback Trace McSorley who was selected in the sixth round. Barring a large jump during his final season, Book appears destined for the third day of the NFL Draft.
What can Book do to improve: At his best during 2018 and most of 2019, Book failed to hit the deep ball constantly. His pass to Braden Lenzy against the Naval Academy prove that Book can throw the deep ball. If he flashes more of this arm strength and deep ball accuracy, in addition to increased completion percentage, he might climb a little higher.
Projection: 6th Round
High-Low Range: 5th Round to UFA