Josh Freeman SELECTED BY: Buccaneers Round 1 (17)

SI Grade 3.93 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: "Three-year starter who passed for 58.6%/2,945/20/8 as a junior after 63.3%/ 2,353/18/11 as a sophomore."

POSITIVES: "Big, strong signal caller with the physical skills to play in the NFL. Patient in the pocket, stands strong against the rush, and displays great stature. Takes the big hit in order to get the ball away, loses nothing throwing on the move, and easily drives the passes. Zips the outs, powers the ball through the tight spots, and quickly gets the pass into receivers? hands. Throws some beautiful deep passes, hitting receivers right on the money. Scans the field going through receiver progressions, and finds the open wideout. Tough to bring down in the pocket. Flashes the ability to hit receivers as they leave their breaks, and places passes where only his target can make the reception."

NEGATIVES: "Inconsistent in his all-around game. Looks away from covered receivers, and takes the safe underneath outlet, yet he does not do enough of it. Scatters passes, inconsistent with his accuracy, and misses wide-open targets. Does not do a good job moving the chains for the offense. Does not consistently step into throws, which affects his accuracy."

ANALYSIS: "Freeman possesses the physical skills to play at the next level, and he has flashed brilliance, but for the most part, he is a work in progress who needs to develop a complete game before being NFL-ready. His pass placement, decision-making, and defensive reads all need a lot of work, and Freeman is very much a hit-or-miss quarterback prospect. He offers great upside for a team willing to be patient in helping him develop his game."

PROJECTION: First/Second Round