BIO: Ivy League Player of the Year last season after connecting on 57.2 percent/1,986/13/6 of his passes. Also added 448 yards rushing and five additional scores. Has played with the first team since his freshman campaign.
POSITIVES: Left-handed quarterback with the athleticism and arm strength to play at the next level. Quickly sets up in the pocket, sells the ball fakes, and displays good zip on passes. Throws with an over-the-top delivery, possesses a live arm and quickly gets the ball out of his hand off a three-step drop. Puts touch on throws when necessary. Looks off the safety and goes to the safe underneath route. Solid field vision. Times the outs well, leads receivers between the numbers and puts the deep passes in front of targets. Can scramble in the pocket or pick up yardage with his legs.
NEGATIVES: Most of his snaps are taken out of the shotgun and must improve the fine points of his set up and delivery. Tries to whip the ball too much and high of the mark. Adversely reacts to pressure and has a tendency to quickly pull the ball down then take off the up the field. Falls out of throws, which negatively affects his accuracy.
ANALYSIS: A consistent producer on the college level, Fitzpatrick must improve his overall quarterback skills and take his game to the next level. Benefited from playing at a low level of competition and will need work and repetition in a pro-style passing game. Worth the investment of a late-round choice and a prospect to develop on a practice squad or in Europe over the next few seasons.