Can Iowa QB Cade McNamara be a Starter in the NFL?

First Round Mock’s William Yanish puts Iowa quarterback (QB) Cade McNamara under his evaluating microscope and answers this question.

There are three teams that epitomize tough, hard-nosed football in the NCAA. They are Utah, Iowa, and Michigan. At the beginning of each season, I have to scan their rosters. I need to see who is new, and who is starting at QB (quarterback), TE (tight-end), and LB (linebacker).

It’s as simple as that.

As far as what I find at these schools, sometimes it’s interesting, sometimes not so much.

Background

As you can see above, Cade McNamara’s former QB Coach at Michigan offered some strong words and a past projection on this 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior from Reno, Nevada, who started his college career playing there but then transferred to Iowa this past December.

One of his favorite targets, TE Erick All, made the transfer from Michigan to Iowa, as well. That’s not the only thing they have in common. They were roommates at Michigan (but reportedly will not be with the Hawkeyes) and are both coming off surgery from serious injuries. A tough, hard-nosed, QB that has previous chemistry with their TE? That could make for an interesting potential connection on the field.

The man of the hour, McNamara suffered a serious knee injury in week 3 last season against UConn.

The Yanish Report

Slim, athletic body. Rhythm-based footwork, as he bounces throughout the pocket. Tough. Stands tall in the face of defenders. Scans through progressions. Shorter, quicker, throwing motion. Anticipation and timing are keys to his throws. Arm strength questions pop on deeper passes. Short and intermediate throws are serviceable. Accuracy is up and down. Same with ball placement. Not much of a runner. QB J.J. McCarthy was brought in for that. Still enough mobility to run RPOs (Run-pass option). Utilizes multiple TEs. Football IQ is there. Shows good maturity and leadership. Needs to finish off opponents.

For the win

Popping up at two schools with reputations like this says something.

That’s when I have to break out the pick and start digging.

Losing a QB competition in week two and then suffering a season-ending knee injury in week three almost deserves a mulligan. Almost.

At the NFL Combine, it seems like every QB loses an inch in height. The reason I bring that up is in my first three games watching McNamara, I witnessed at least six passes tipped at the line of scrimmage. That’s a problem.

Granted, due to his early 2022 exit (season stats 14/25, 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) there wasn’t much in the way of game film to look at except in 2021 when he played for the Wolverines. Arm strength was a problem then too. For every dime he dropped, there was a pass that the receiver had to slow down or stop for. He also has a penchant for throwing behind receivers crossing the field. All of this leaves me questioning his ability to adjust to the speed of the NFL.

If this expected starter at Iowa learns his limitations, he can adapt and improve. Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune was a similar-type prospect last year, but McNamara isn’t there yet. He can reasonably make a decent backup in the NFL and could get some playing time.

Iowa can be a breath of fresh air, and a place to hone his craft. Iowa is known for churning out TEs. McNamara brought his own.

I can’t wait to watch them grow.

My BIG three questions

1. Can he put together an entire season as a starter at Iowa?

2. Will Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz feature him in Iowa’s offense?

3. What will his ceiling look like in 2023?

How McNamara stacks up and game film reviewed

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: Fifth-Round

Game Film Evidence

2021 (Jersey No. 12)

Washington

Wisconsin

Michigan State

Penn State

B1G Championship Game vs Iowa

William Yanish III is a lifelong 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.