Matt Corral is not reassuring in all areas, but has shown notable development over the past two seasons.
matt corral – Quarterback – 23 years old – Junior – ole miss
Cut : 1m88
Weight : 96 kg
Estimated draft position: 1er tower
Stats 2021: 3,349 yards for 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, 614 yards and 11 TDs on the ground
NFL Comparison: Dak Prescott
Strong points
- Quick and precise throw in the intermediate zones
- Mobility and throwing in motion
- good arm
The symbol of a rebirth. Personal and collective. Highly rated quarterback, out of high school, Matt Corral has experienced ups and downs on the side of Oxford before becoming one of the most prominent quarterbacks in the country. Initially barred by injuries and competition in an unsuitable system, the Californian ended up bouncing back at the start of the 2020 season, under the thumb of Lane Kiffin, to effectively put Ole Miss back on the map. Over the past two years, Corral has been responsible for nearly 7,800 yards and 64 cumulative touchdowns, leading the Rebels to a major bowl in 2021. It must be said that the 23-year-old has valuable tools to make a difference. Certainly, like many other prospects in this class, he does not have the “standard” size (over 1.90m) but his good arm, his quick reading and his gunner profile have enabled him to gain strength Over the month. Blessed with devilish precision in the middle zones, Corral isn’t afraid to play in tight windows to provide optimal position for his receiver after reception. The effectiveness of his collaboration with Elijah Moore, future second round draft pick and rookie emeritus with the New York Jets, was in this a model of its kind. But reducing the Mississippi player to a simple pocket pass would be a big mistake. A real athlete, his mobility allows him to be a real danger in short-yardage situations or to save time when passing to get out of the pocket and find his moving target in a fluid way.
Weak points
- Reading to improve
- Management of the pocket under pressure
- Must know how to protect themselves
Many boxes therefore seem to be checked regarding Corral. But the usual reluctance of NFL scouts has something to be exacerbated given the profile of the player. In addition to the size, already discussed above, it is the preferential system, made of RPO and uptempo play, on the sidelines of the pro-style formations found mainly in the NFL, which questions the adaptability of Corral among the pros. In this logic, is he able to read all the defenses effectively and to adapt in the event of setbacks? His pocket management, under pressure, has puzzled at times, and many observers are anxiously reviewing his complicated 2020 exercise (see stat). Last important element: the health of the player. It has been said: Matt Corral suffered a few injuries, the latest of which was his ankle during the Sugar Bowl. An injury which is not fatal but which can cool certain franchises, the size of the player being perhaps not able to take as many shocks in NFL as in College Football. His future team will have to know how to channel and protect him to avoid a Robert Griffin III scenario…
The stat: 5
Or the number of interceptions conceded by the person concerned in 2021, in 13 matches played. For comparison, he had given up 14 picks in 10 matches the previous season. Proof that Matt Corral was able to limit gratuitous errors, often preferring to take a sack or send the ball out of bounds rather than return the ball to the opponent in bad shape. Avoiding reckless risks will be the first mission of the quarterback so as not to think too quickly among the professionals.
Possible destinations
Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers
An effective passing game, but with a limited panel. A lethal ground game, but one that must be mastered. It is undoubtedly these contradictory aspects that can send Matt Corral into the top 10 as in the second round on some big boards. If the quarterback shows a lot of promise, he must demonstrate that, like his 2021 season, he can continue to erase the imperfections inherent in his game. If the coaching staff seems to have an importance in short or medium performance term of the Oxford prospect, his style of play and his maturity could allow him to face up and take the steps little by little to become a solid holder at the top level.
