Dorian Thompson-Robinson Better Than Anthony Richardson

No wonder Chip [Kelly] holds him in such high regard and says he’s the toughest player on the team.

Television announcer on Dorian Thompson-Robinson during the Washington game

Expect Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) to be one of the biggest surprises in the NFL starting this pre-season.

Up until now, draft platforms (consensus fifth-round) and official NFL Combine projections have not been showing DTR the respect his game film commands, but that is now changing.

This Bruins’ QB is every bit the runner Bears’ QB Justin Fields, and he will have a better NFL career than Florida QB Anthony Richardson.

Did I really just say that?

You bet your Trey Lance football card I did.

Fitting the NFL’s timeline

DTR has shown up on the NFL’s timeline at the perfect moment. This isn’t your Dad’s NFL anymore. It’s no longer three yards and a cloud of dust with a big rocket-armed dinosaur sitting in the pocket like a statue.

No…

It’s become a dual-threat QB game, that’s predicated on a lot of quick short ball control screens and intermediate passes.

It’s now a league that esteems the likes of Baltimore’s QB Lamar Jackson, Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Arizona’s Kyler Murray and Fields, and 2023 NFL Draft top QB prospects Bryce Young, and Malik Cunningham – – guys who can go off-script while creating and extending plays.

Guys that make the game exciting.

Enter DTR.

People knock his size, but DTR (6-foot-2, 203) has better size than Murray (5-foot-10, 207 pounds) and Young (5-foot-10, 204 pounds). Watson ran a 4.66 (40-yard dash) at the NFL Scouting Combine and DTR ran a 4.56. Fields was recorded at 4.46.

Back-up with winning starter ceiling

DTR is the ideal developmental No. 2 QB who’s capable of coming in and providing the biggest spark of any backup in the league.

When I was growing up, developmental QB with high upside meant third-round.

Being selected outside the first round allows for time to adjust to the differences between the college and pro game. Not only is the size of the regulation football different, but so is the speed and complexity of the game.

DTR is the perfect high second-round value. I’m willing to go out on a limb on this one because of his dynamic ability.

Inconsistencies

Nothing will get a team beat and hold back a QB more than inconsistencies.

This is another reason DTR is the perfect back-up. He needs time to adjust and develop.

As risky as it is to assume anything in scouting, I believe he can become consistent based on his high football IQ, extreme competitiveness, and he showed he’s capable of doing the things that he sometimes struggles with.

It’s in him.

Ball security

There were too many defended throws, interceptions, fumbles, and bobbled snaps.

Ball security is huge at the next level – – nothing will promote or demote him faster.

He has to correct this.

#1 Dorian Thompson-Robinson 6-foot-1, 205 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: Second-Round (I would select him)

Bust Probability: Moderate

Projected by 0% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 17, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2021 game film reviewed: Oregon, LSU, and ASU (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 game film reviewed: USC, Oregon, Washington, Utah, CAL, and LSU

Level of Competition: High

2021 passing stats: 176/283, 2,409 yards (8.5 avg.), 21 TD, 6 INT, long-70, 20 sacks

2022 passing stats: 266/382, 3,154 yards (8.3 avg.), 27 TD, 10 INT, long-75, 16 sacks

2021 rushing stats: 130 carries, 609 yards (4.7 avg.), 9 TD, long-35

2022 rushing stats: 117 carries, 646 yards (5.5 avg.), 12 TD, long-68

Note: Five-year starter

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Dynamic inconsistent passer with elite running skills. Runs offense with high energy and aggressive tempo. Mean option type with excellent ball handling skills. Poised. Stares down the barrel of the rush and fires. Good escape under pressure. Relative quick decisions. Can make defenses adjust to him. Inconsistent going through his progressions and inconsistent setting his feet. Accurate rolling out. Inconsistent ball placement at all three route levels (short, intermediate, and deep). Can throw intermediate beauties. Arm strength to lace it into tight spots. Not seeing underneath coverages is a problem. Below-average ball security. Elusive and tough runner with dangerous acceleration. Sets up defenders in the open field really well.

Final words

Just the fact DTR is being represented by Leigh Steinberg’s Agency tells me everything I need to know.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.