Why David Fales Will Be A Steal In The 2014 Draft

(Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez)

This year’s quarterback class of the 2014 NFL draft is highlighted by big names such as Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel, and Blake Bortles. San Jose State quarterback David Fales should be in this mix as well.

Now everyone loves a good underdog story, as Fales has already been labeled as one. According to NFL analyst Todd McShay, Fales is the 13^th overall rated quarterback in this year’s draft. While he is projected to go on day three of the draft, it will be a steal for any team who picks him up.

During his two-year career at SJSU, Fales threw for 8,382 yards while throwing 66 touchdowns in the process. Those numbers may not have been as spectacular compared to Manziel and Bridgewater, but they are pretty darn close as far as similarity.

Obviously his only downfall that goes against him having success in the next level is the fact that he played in a weak conference. The Mountain West is no SEC or Big Ten; we all know that. But it did provide us with a very thrilling shootout towards the end of the year.

On Nov. 29 in 2013, San Jose State took on undefeated Fresno State lead by quarterback Derek Carr. Carr is ranked higher than Fales on McShay’s rankings for quarterbacks. But on that day, underdog Fales took down the Bulldogs in a game where finding the end zone was like finding a piece of hay in a hay stack.

Fales threw for 547 yards and six touchdowns while outshining Carr in a 62-52 victory to finish off a great senior season. Fales is a quarterback who played in an offense where most of the plays were ran from shotgun formation.

But when I watch film of Fales, I see a quarterback who can make all the right throws with a strong and accurate arm. He is careful with the football, but at the same time knows when to take a shot when the opportunity comes. He has great pocket presence and doesn’t let pressure faze him when it’s barring down on him.

Now I am not saying he should be thrown into the fire at start as a rookie in 2014. He should watch from the bench behind a successful quarterback and after watching from the sideline in his first year or two, take over and be given a chance. Some possibilities could be maybe going to New Orleans to learn behind quarterback Drew Brees, or maybe to a team where there are quarterback controversies and maybe he can learn to work and succeed in the right system.

Picking a quarterback is always a gamble. If you pick too early and he fails, it is looked at as a bust. Pick later on and he succeeds, you look like a genius. Make no mistake however, wherever Fales is taken, he will shine when he gets his chance.