In the crowded field of high-level quarterback prospects that make up the 2023 NFL Draft class, one could find it easy to ignore UCLA's Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
The Bruins star can't match the on-field accolades of his higher-profile counterparts like Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. Nor does he possess the tantalizing physical gifts of fellow NFL hopefuls Anthony Richardson and Will Levis. He's a tweener, an immensely talented gunslinger for a UCLA team that fell just short of competing for the Pac-12 crown during his time in L.A.
That doesn't mean Thompson-Robinson doesn't have NFL admirers. With good mobility, a strong arm, a fairly quick release and decent mobility, Thompson-Robinson has the makings of a modern NFL quarterback. The dual-threat talent is all the rage in today's game. Perhaps Thompson-Robinson can add his name to the growing list of versatile QBs taking the reins of professional offenses. He certainly has the pedigree to do so.
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So, just what are DTR's professional prospects? Is he a starting-caliber talent? Or more of a bench dweller? The Sporting News details Thompson-Robinson's unique skillset, as well as provides realistic player comparisons as he makes his leap into the NFL.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson NFL Draft scouting report
At 6-1, 205 pounds, Thompson-Robinson isn't the most physically imposing of this year's crop of quarterback talents. He does, however, possess a rather lively arm, recording a 62 mph throw velocity. That was better than any other quarterback in this year's class and matched Josh Allen's record mark from 2017.
So he has explosive arm strength. What else? Well, Thompson-Robinson made big strides in his accuracy, bumping his completion percentage from 59.7% in 2019 to 69.6 % in 2022. Much of that improvement can be attributed to his strong footwork and balance in the pocket, although he has shown a tendency to overthrow receivers at times.
When he tucks the ball and runs, there are few in this year's draft class capable of matching DTR's creativity and fluidity. He's not Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields or Anthony Richardson, by any means. He is, however, an elusive option out of the backfield, one capable of keeping the defense on its toes with the occasional designed run or scramble.
Thompson-Robinson is by no means a perfect prospect. He may have too much confidence in his arm strength, says former NFL coach Marc Trestman, a recipe that led to plenty of interceptions in the back half of his final year in Westwood. Nevertheless, with a little polish, Thompson-Robinson could represent the "best value at the quarterback position", one scout told Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline.
MORE: Ranking the top 10 QBs in the 2023 NFL Draft
Dorian Thompson-Robinson NFL comparison
Thompson-Robinson is mighty raw. However, assuming he goes in Day 2 or Day 3, he's likely to be entering a quarterback room largely bereft of the pressure to start right out the gate.
His floor is fairly low, especially when compared to players like Richardson, Stroud and Young. But he's got some traits that should translate to the pro game. And he has plenty of experience playing in a pro style offense, having spent all five years as the starter under Chad Kelly.
It's tough to get a gauge of just how good Thompson-Robinson could be. He looks like one of those high-ceiling, low-floor players whose entire NFL future hinges on just what franchise selects him.
DTR's skillset is enticing, but leaves something to be desired. He won't be a godsend for any of the teams rumored to be interested in him, at least not out the gate. However, he has the tools to stick around in some capacity. Perhaps he can model his game after longtime backups like Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson, players capable of stepping in every now and then but still lacking that top-end production to keep the starting job for too long.
In fact, Thompson-Robinson's 7.71 RAS score compares favorably to Johnson's 7.72 mark from 2008.
Stardom may not await DTR. But consistent NFL paychecks could.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson NFL mock draft
Sporting News' latest seven-round mock draft has the Titans scooping up Thompson-Robinson with the 147th overall pick. That could be just the situation DTR needs to thrive; Ryan Tannehill has proved himself to be an above-average starting quarterback and stands to continue to fill that role over the next few years.
The franchise is clearly moving in the opposite direction, having dealt A.J. Brown last offseason and being rumored to be shopping around star tailback Derrick Henry. Assuming the fire sale continues, it could prove valuable for Tennessee to have a low-cost prospect it can pin a few of its hopes on. Malik Willis really struggled in his first year in the pros. If the organization isn't feeling the Liberty product, a move for the former UCLA star Thompson-Robinson could be in the cards.
