With the 32nd pick in the sixth round (207th overall), the San Francisco 49ers selected Louisiana Tech QB Jeff Driskel. He is just the third quarterback that 49ers general manager has selected in 66 total picks.
Driskel spent time with Florida from 2011 through 2014. He played for Louisiana Tech in 2015 where he completed 62.3-percent of his passes for 4,026 yards, 27 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a rating of 154.1 in 13 games. Kelly values accuracy and Driskel had that during his one year at Louisiana Tech.
Ironic: #49ers drafted a quarterback (Jeff Driskel) with a pick they acquired from #Broncos, as part of Vernon Davis deal last season
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 30, 2016
Following the selection, Driskel was asked which NFL quarterback he compares himself too. He mentioned both Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers. "I look forward to competing with whoever is in the meeting room with me," when asked about the 49ers' quarterback situation.
Driskel is now the fifth quarterback on the San Francisco roster. The others are Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert, Dylan Thompson, and Thad Lewis.
NFL.com projected that Driskel would be selected in rounds 5 or 6 of the NFL Draft.
Analysis
Lance Zierlein of NFL Media, who compares Driskel to Drew Stanton, had the following to say in his scouting report:
Driskel still has the size, arm strength and athleticism that made him the top-rated quarterback coming out of high school, but he hasn't experienced enough growth at the position due to his rocky path to the draft. A positive 2015 helped Driskell regain some confidence, but he's not where he needs to be yet. With his upside and traits, Driskel is worthy of a day three selection and could yield dividends with patience and coaching.
DraftInsider.net had the following to say about Driskel in their scouting report:
After three unimpressive seasons at Florida, Driskel transferred to Louisiana Tech then displayed flashes of next level ability. He possesses the size, arm strength and overall athleticism to play in the NFL but must be more consistent with his mechanics and pass placement if he's to if he's to develop into a starter on Sunday.
Measurables
Height: 6-4
Weight: 234 lbs.
Arm length: 33 1/2 inches
Hand length: 9 3/4 inches
NFL Scouting Combine
40-time: 4.56 seconds
Vertical: 32 inches
Broad jump: 122 inches
3-cone drill: 7.19 seconds
