On Matt Barkley and why he is the toughest quarterback to evaluate in the 2013 NFL Draft

Throughout his inconsistent senior season, Barkley has been referred to as the most “pro-ready” quarterback in the draft due to his four years of experience in a “pro-style” offense. While Geno Smith is criticized for being in a spread system, Barkley is praised for the system he plays in. But the only thing about USC’s offense that is more “pro-style” than other offense around the league is that Barkley was playing under center consistently.

Other than that simple fact, USC’s offense hasn’t necessarily prepared Barkley for the NFL, and it has actually made it really difficult to evaluate him as an NFL prospect.

When evaluating a quarterback prospect, it’s important to see him make a wide variety of throws, especially difficult throws down the field and into tight windows. That’s tough with a lot of college quarterbacks, given the quality of the defenses and the style of offense some teams play.

Evaluating Barkley has been particularly difficult, though. While many label the Trojans’ offense as a pro-style scheme, the majority of Barkley’s passes were screen passes or quick routes within ten yards of the line of scrimmage. Barkley doesn’t have a huge arm, and it’s even tougher to get a read on his arm strength when the sample size of deep passes is so limited.

Barkley definitely has redeeming qualities as a passer. He has sound throwing mechanics and gets good placement on his throws. His footwork on his drop backs could use some work, but Barkley is a solid athlete capable of maneuvering around the pocket and making plays on the move.

However, some of the key components that go into NFL quarterback play are the hardest ones to evaluate with Barkley. Can he fit the ball into tight windows? Can he make all of the throws? How will he handle less than ideal circumstances in the NFL?

None of this is to say Barkley can’t be successful in the NFL. It’s just really hard to tell, and that’s what makes him such a risky pick.