T.J. Yates Scouting Report
Position: | QB |
Conference: | ACC |
School: | North Carolina Tar Heels |
Year/Status: | Drafted |
Jersey Number: | #13 |
Height & Weight: | 6'4 - 220 lbs. |
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina
Yates was back and fully healthy in 2009, but again he felt a lot of pressure and was consistently forced to throw the ball earlier than he wanted. The result was 15 interceptions and 24 sacks. While Yates' completion percentage continued to climb, the interceptions were a big problem. In 2010 Yates was again spending a lot of time picking himself up from the turf. However, he had grown a lot and emerged as a leader. Despite being sacked 34 times, Yates made smart passes and only threw eight interceptions. His 18 touchdowns and 3,184 yards through the regular season were among the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Perhaps the most impressive number from the 2010 season was Yates' 67.6 completion percentage. Even with all the pressure, Yates did a great job of making the smart pass and not forcing anything. His size, albeit slightly exaggerated, is a big plus. Listed at 6-4 and a product of a coaching staff with NFL experience, Yates can step into a backup role right away and that is not a bad deal for a team who can use a fifth or sixth round selection on a quarterback who can be a solid backup for many years.