By Adam Aniba
With the college regular season wrapped up, NFL Draft hopefuls are making their announcements on social media, in regards to sitting out Bowl games in order to prepare for the draft. One particular Top 10 prospect never considered sitting out.
Matt Corral
6'2" 208 lbs | QB | Ole MIss
Draft Proj Top 10
Career Stats (36 games)*Passing- 610/904 8,271 yds 57 tds & 22 ints
*Rushing- 327 att 1,321 yds 18 tds
2021 (12 games) *Passing- 258/378 3,333 yds 20 tds & 4 ints
*Rushing- 145 att 597 yds 11 tds
In a recent interview with Rick Cleveland of Mississippi Today, Corral was asked about his decision to play in the Sugar Bowl vs #7 Baylor
“It’s a legitimate question, and I can understand why some people do it,” Corral said. “But that’s just not me. That’s not who I am. I am going to play. We’ve been through too much and come too far as a team for me not to play. I owe it to my teammates and my coaches and, really, myself. There’s no way I wouldn’t play.”
Accolades
Spire Conerly Trophy Award Winner (Ole Miss most outstanding college football player of 2021)
2021 Maxwell Award Semifinalist
2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 10
2021 Davey O’Brien Award Watch List
2021 Walter Camp Award Watch List
2021 Manning Award Watch List
2021 Preseason All-American Third Team (Phil Steele)
2021 Preseason All-SEC First Team (Media, PFF, Phil Steele, Athlon)
2020 All-SEC Third Team (Pro Football Focus)
2020 All-SEC Fourth Team (Phil Steele)
2020 Manning Award Finalist
2020 Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist
2020 Maxwell Award Watch List
2020 CFPA National Performer of the Year Trophy Watch List
For most of the 2021 season, Corral played with on two bad ankles, but still lead Ole MIss to a 10-2 record regular season record, and did it in style. The setback didn't slow Corral down and he displayed his ability as a run threat, rushing for 97 yards and 11 tds through 12 games.
In 2020 Corral had multiple games with at least 2 ints, but in 2021 he made huge strides protecting the ball, only throwing 4 ints all season (14 ints in '20). When NFL scouts evaluate a prospect's year-to-year growth, reducing turnovers while putting up career numbers, is what teams look for in a franchise signal caller.
In fact, prior to the 2021 season, NFL draft evaluator Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, predicted Corral would would have a season comparable to Jets 1st-round selection Zach Wilson, as long as he reduced the interceptions. Jeremiah also noticed similar instincts and playmaking ability to Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, especially in clutch situations.
Although he was quick to point out that Corral's arm talent does matchup to Wilson, the Ole Miss quarterback's scrambling ability would have come in handy for the Jets signal caller this season.
Pros
Shows no fear in the pocket and will take the big hit in order to find his target
Quick release and accurate on short & intermediate passes
Efficient utilizing RPO and Zone-Read concepts
Accurate when throws on the run, while displaying touch
Effectively sells play-action
Knows when to go to his checkdown
Can be effective as a dual-threat quarterback, but is a pass first signal caller
Excellent pocket & situational awareness
Displays moxie with a never quit attitude (multiple come from behind wins)
A field general with an in-depth understanding of defensive concepts
Tough as nails and it routinely requires multiple defenders to bring him down on scrambles
Pump fake is the best in college football and routinely manipulates DB's/LB's to bite
Cons
Arm strength is a slight concern, especially when facing the elements
Bad habit of throwing off his back foot, causes balls to sail at times
Overall footwork needs work, especially when setting his base to throw downfield
Not viewed as a prototypical NFL signal caller and could limit suitors
Needs to take some heat off his wind-up at times
Although a run threat, NFL defenders are much faster and he won't be able to sustain hits long-term if playing in a purely RPO/Zone Read based scheme
Overall measurables will give some teams reason for pause
Needs to add some bulk to his lean frame, in order to sustain hits from NFL defenders
Final Thought
Corral displayed tremendous strides in his overall game this season, showing how far he's come since his 14 int 2020 season. Many believe Corral could be the first quarterback off the board in April, despite whispers about his less than desirable measurables and overly aggressive gunslinger style.
Some fans have scoffed at the idea of prospects like Corral, Willis, Pickett etc going in the top 10-15 selections in the upcoming draft. Projecting quarterback prospects, more than any other position is about supply and demand.
Free agency is a legit avenue to upgrade other positions, but it's rare to find a franchise quarterback, unless off-the-field or durability concerns are factors. Franchise signal callers can be extremely expensive, but even harder to develop.
The Ole Miss quarterback could have sat out the bowl game, considering his high draft status, but he returned for his teammates and the love he has for Ole Miss. Corral's ability to manipulate defensive backs with his eyes, situational awareness, quick release and his ability to use his legs in clutch/red-zone situations make him the most versatile signal caller in this draft.
*Games Watched- 9/6/21 vs Louisville, 9/11 vs Austin Peay,
9/18 vs Tulane, 10/2 vs Alabama, 10/9 vs Arkansas, 10/16 vs Tenn, 10/23 vs LSU, 10/30 vs Auburn, 11/6 vs Liberty and 11/13 vs Texas A&M
*Team Fits- WFT, HOU, PHI, DEN, DET, CAR, Saints, ATL, MIN, SEA, LV
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