Cade McNamara NFL Draft Scouting Report (Scouting Reports)
Scouting Reports

Cade McNamara NFL Draft Scouting Report

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Cade McNamara, QB, ETSU

Size:

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 205 lbs

Accomplishments:

Third-Team All-Big Ten (2021)

“Cade McNamara is a QB prospect with the experience and solid NFL tools to be a quality backup on a roster.”

Strengths:

  • Good velocity and zip in the short and intermediate areas

  • Quick, snappy release

  • Toughness

Concerns:

  • Spotty accuracy and ball placement

  • Deep arm strength

  • Decision-making

Film Analysis:

Cade McNamara spent his early years helping run Jim Harbaugh’s run-first offense in Michigan. He operated as the point guard responsible for managing the game and not making backbreaking mistakes. His job was to distribute the football to his playmakers off-play action effectively.

McNamara is an effective short-game passer with his willingness to check the ball down to the early open option. He thrives targeting the short areas of the field and hitting his first read. McNamara displays good velocity and zip in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He has a quick, snappy release and can change his arm slots/angles based on the attempted throw.

He is a timing and rhythm passer with bouncy footwork in the confines of the pocket. He does a solid job scanning the field and working through his progressions when afforded the time. McNamara is a tough player who will stand in the pocket and deliver throws with pressure bearing down.

He is a functional athlete to uses his legs to extend plays outside of the pocket. McNamara is effective at throwing on the move without his feet being set. Although he is not an ideal dual-threat athlete, McNamara can run RPOs and some QB keepers.

McNamara’s accuracy and ball placement are spotty, at best. His passing efficiency declines the further he attempts down the field. McNamara’s arm strength dwindles on deep pass attempts. These throws lose steam and become underthrown as a result. He struggles to effectively attack man coverage deep down the field. His decision-making needs work. He tends to put the ball in harm’s way for potential turnovers. McNamara is coming off a serious leg injury that cost him the majority of the 2023 season. Returning to form will be important, as he will need to prove he can be a catalyst to a passing offense and not only a beneficiary.

McNamara has the build and skill set to be a backup QB for multiple years in the NFL. He is experienced, tough, and a mature leader. All qualities for an NFL backup and spot starter.

Prospect Projection: UDFA

Cade McNamara NFL Draft Scouting Report



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