A Thorne in the State: Payton Thorne QB, Auburn

First Round Mock’s William Yanish studies a quarterback (QB) on the move, Auburn’s new signal caller, Payton Thorne

As a quarterback who is trying to make it at any level, one of the most common and best moves is a change of scenery. A new coach and different teammates could have all the advantages in the world. Before the transfer portal, players had to sit for an entire year before playing.

Who knows how many careers this actually had an effect on.

Payton Thorne spent his first three years with the Michigan State Spartans. This year, however, he took advantage of the transfer portal. He touched down with the Auburn Tigers after his last-minute jump on the college football chess board.

I think this is a very underrated move.

Never fully blossoming at Michigan State, he has one helluva live arm and some traits that just don’t appear at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box.

Let me state my case. Then you decide.

The Yanish Report

Dynamic zip when threading the needle. Neutralizes defenders. Heart to hang with anyone. Gunslinger in every sense of the term. Plagued by drops. Arm strength is not over the top. Accuracy and placement will not hang receivers out to dry. Can throw cross-body. Doesn’t playground dance. Footwork could improve. Sells play-action. Next level improv. In tune with his receivers. Needs to get the ball out quicker and learn to fight another play. Takes sacks he shouldn’t. Uses his tight-end. Smooth progressions. Can run. Keeps his eyes downfield at any cost. Steps around defenders.

What else do I need to know?

Thorne’s heart barely fits in his chest.

He has everything that a NFL QB thrives for. Now that he has the opportunity to be one of the best in the country.

I can’t wait to see him this year.

You might not know his name, but you will.

Thorne is like a jigsaw puzzle. All of the pieces are there, they just need to fit together.

Would I draft him? Hell yeah I would. He would be a great piece to put on a roster to sit and learn.

Thorne is dripping with potential.

Undoubtedly, this is a make it or break it year for Thorne.

He needs to show the NFL that he can play. That dink and dunk offense at Michigan State stifled him. All defenses had to do was keep the action in front of them. He can take the Auburn program up a notch if they turn him loose.

My BIG three questions

1. Can he put it all together for Auburn?

2. Will Auburn’s offense be suitable?

3. Can he beat Alabama in the Iron Bowl, like he did Michigan in 2021?

How Thorne stacked up and game film reviewed

My Draft Value: Second-Round

Game Film Evidence:

Michigan’21

Nebraska ‘21

Miami (FL) ‘21

Wisconsin ‘22

Minnesota ‘22

Washington’22

William Yanish III is a life long football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.