ANALYSIS
In comparison to other highly regarded quarterbacks, Leidner's statistics are hardly eye-popping. He completed only 56.3 percent of his passes over his career with just four more touchdowns (36) than interceptions (32). He hardly ended his career on a high note, tossing just eight touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He was at his worst in the fourth quarter, throwing just one touchdown over 12 games with six interceptions during that time.
Passing statistics, however, do not tell the entire story with this quarterback whose opportunities were limited due to a successful running game and dominating defense. At a strapping 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Leidner certainly looks the part of an NFL quarterback. Further, he possesses exciting traits to develop, including a rifle for a right arm, raw athleticism and the intangibles scouts seek at the position.
STRENGTHS: Possesses a country strong frame with broad shoulders and good overall weight distribution. Leidner shows timing, body control and velocity on more difficult throws, such as deep balls after play-action and designed roll-outs. He possesses the light feet to slip past defenders in the pocket as well as good speed, core strength and toughness for the position to continue as a running threat in the NFL. At times, he runs like a fullback, barreling over would-be defenders with brute strength and the fierce determination that can win over teammates. He showed impressive toughness playing through a nagging foot injury as a junior which ultimately required surgery to reconnect torn ligaments and shave parts of the bone. Leidner earned his degree in kinesiology last year (as a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree) and is now pursuing his master's in sports management.
WEAKNESSES: Like many college quarterbacks, Leidner takes most of his snaps out of shotgun and often determines where he's going with the football before he gets it. Leidner has a tendency to stare down his primary target and too often throws into coverage, showing an elongated over-the-top delivery, which gives opponents a split-second reaction advantage. He shows only average accuracy at this time, consistently forcing receivers to adjust their routes to track his passes, which often come in wobbly rather than a pure spiral. Leidner has to speed up his internal clock, too often allowing the pocket to collapse upon him before electing to simply tuck the ball and attempt to bulldoze defenders as a runner. Comes with some medical concerns. Underwent surgery on his left foot prior to the 2016 season. Missed one game (Maryland) in 2016 due to a concussion suffered the week before against Iowa.
IN OUR VIEW: With just 36 passing touchdowns over 41 career starts (47 total games), Leidner may seem like an unlikely candidate to generate much interest from the NFL. His raw tools, however, are enough to warrant late round or priority free agent consideration, especially if he impresses during pre-draft workouts and all-star games.
COMPARES TO: Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos: While certainly lacking in the 6-foot-3, 236 pound Tebow's fanfare, Leidner shows a similar combination of size, arm strength, competitiveness and, unfortunately, inaccuracy, at least to this point.
