I really like Brad Kaaya as a pro prospect. And he has had a very, very good first 2 1/3 seasons as a Canes QB. But if he does come out this year (which isn't a certainty), IMHO he would need to sit a year before being ready to win in the NFL. It's not that he's raw, but he is a limited athlete, and has to win executing the offense with precision. And he's good at that. But I think I'd prefer he sit a year and learn the offense before taking the reigns at this level. Just my 2 cents.
I'd be very surprised if Kaaya declared this year. Borderline shocked.
His frame is unimpressive. I've seen him in person on campus while attending the basketball games. He looks like Dorsey 15 years ago. Definitely needs another year to bulk up, which Dorsey attempted but he lacked Kaaya's overall ability level.
There's also the impression that the Canes are finally building something but 2016 is one year too soon. That may not prove to be correct but there's some logic to it and I think Kaaya will align there. He went cross country to go to school instead of staying comfortable nearby at some place like UCLA so there's a commitment level that not all players share.
Kaaya is a bit like Goff in that he simply lacks athletic ability and there's no method to fix or even deny. It's more than amusing when Miami runs zone read looks out of the shotgun, since Kaaya is zero threat to actually keep the ball. On a poor team Kaaya could get buried in the pocket and seem overmatched.
His arm is better than advertised or generally acknowledged. Very easy intermediate sideline throws. Touch is superior to Tannehill's but not ideal. That has led to some awful red zone interceptions in which Kaaya forced the ball instead of dropping it off the rooftop like collegiate Leinart. For such a cerebral player those red zone picks are alarming.
Kaaya has also been a frontrunner to this point. Very distinct tendency. That's why this season has gone smoothly with the Canes ahead almost without exception. His struggles in 2016 were against Florida Atlantic when Miami started slowly. Last season I attended the roader at Cincinnati. That opponent was psyched for a Thursday night nationally televised game. Still, the defense was small and vulnerable. Kaaya started fine but once the Bearcats assumed an advantage Kaaya's level of confidence and play declined noticeably. He didn't look like an NFL starter in the second half. Likewise as a freshman against Florida State when the first half was smooth sailing but once the Seminoles tightened up Kaaya was more tense, and once behind he threw a late pick to Ramsey to finish the game.
That's another reason I think Kaaya will stay through his senior season, to balance out the troubling aspects of his game. He is aware of them, based on some radio interviews.
My comparison would be to a younger player. I realize that's a twist. Kaaya reminds me of Rosen of UCLA, although not as mobile.
