A Pratt on the Back: Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane

First Round Mock’s William Yanish tells us about the quarterback (QB) that he put a big grade on, Tulane’s Michael Pratt.

It’s the time of year when things are starting to take shape in college football. The transfer portal has opened and, in record-setting fashion, more have entered than ever before. The portal, along with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is changing the college football landscape.

Players can now do what they feel is best for their careers and their families. They can also pick which program that they feel will maximize their potential. 

Tulane’s QB Michael Pratt decided to go pro.

I wondered what he might do in my initial evaluation of him, and now we know.

Background

Coming out of high school, Pratt had offers from eight schools, including such universities as Brown, Yale, Cornell, and even Harvard. That list speaks for itself on Pratt’s intelligence. 

Pratt picked Tulane.

Maybe he thought they had the best football program out of the bunch since he plays like football is important to him.

Since I first noticed Pratt, I’ve been fascinated by him.

The more that I studied, the more I found to like. I have now watched even more games, and he didn’t disappoint. He kicked down the door on his way into My BIG Three QBs of 2024.

All the QBs in this class to pick from, yet here we are.

The Yanish Report

Student of the game is constantly honing his craft. New age QB. Commandeering, Mobile menace. Navigates the pocket well extending plays. Picks up tough yards when the play breaks down. Mechanically very sound. Stresses practicing rhythm and timing. Great control of the offense. Improved ball-security. Doesn’t make many mistakes. Accurate, zippy passes. Deadly back shoulder. Anticipation. Touch. Throws well on the run. Good tight-end usage. Held back in Tulane’s offense. Show him a brick wall, he will run through it. Field general. Leader. Intangible. A diamond in the rough.

For the win

After whittling down the interceptions (INTs) Pratt had the first couple of years at Tulane, he has only thrown five INTs in each of the last two seasons (compared to eight in each of his first two seasons).

He has also become a much more effective winner in the last two seasons. Pratt’s only defeat this year was a heartbreaking loss to SMU in the AAC Championship game. The SMU pass rush harassed him all day (seven sacks) never letting him get comfortable.

That is any QB’s kryptonite. 

With a touchdown pass in 27 consecutive games, I want to see what he can do with better talent around him. Pratt did not have to face the best competition at Tulane either, facing nine ranked teams in four seasons.

He is now slated to sit the Military Bowl in preparation for the NFL Draft. The next time we will see him is in Mobile, Alabama for the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

I have never put so much time into the film ⎯14 games total over two seasons.

I know who he is and I would draft him. Pratt is a QB I would build around and I would win.

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: First-Round

2023 Game Film Evidence (Jersey No. 7)

North Texas

Rice

East Carolina

Tulsa

Florida Atlantic

UTSA

SMU AAC Championship

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.