He Can Be Purdy Good – Jake Haener, Fresno State

First Round Mock NFL Draft Analyst William Yanish studied the game film and he sees Fresno State’s quarterback, Jake Haener developing into a starter in the NFL.

There’s not much better than hearing a good old fashioned story of an underdog.

The NFL has been full of these this year, especially from those rookie quarterbacks (QB) who have gotten their shot at the big time.

From Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett in the Steele City to Atlanta’s Desmond Ridder in the Dirty South – – to New England’s Bailey Zappe in Beantown to Miami’s Skylar Thompson in South Beach they have been noticeable.

Then there’s “Mr. Irrevelant,” San Francisco’s last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Brock Purdy, who has shined under the brightest of lights. It’s like a movie script being written out and I love being witness to it.

Every QB who was drafted, and on an active roster, got a chance to start.

Not bad for what was being hailed as one of the worst QB classes in recent memory. Of course, there were mixed results and only time will tell.

This off-season will be Purdy

Expect the story this off-season to be centered around Purdy, as everyone will be making their predictions who they think could become that next big story.

The mystique of being an underdog can cause overwhelming things to happen. Some thrive in it, and it’s belief that drives it. That is the whole point, if one person can do it, then anyone can. Seeing something with your own eyes does it like none other.

So let me shoot my shot…

Love at first sight

The first QB that caught my attention for the 2023 NFL Draft was Fresno State QB Jake Haener.

His name was the first that I brought to my Editor-In-Chief at First Round Mock, Daniel Kelly.

Haener is a 6’1” 195-pound classic underdog that is doing everything in his power to get noticed in this draft. After completing the biggest in-season turnaround in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history by putting a 29-6 lickin’ on Washington State in the LA Bowl, he is now headed to the Senior Bowl to showcase his talents.

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, he currently has a 0.6% shot at being a first round pick. He is a sixth round consensus QB.

*Cough*TB12*Cough*

What are Haener’s characteristics?

Relax, totally kidding. Haener does have that “It” factor written all over him though. All he does is win. Not bad for a kid that needs a few cheeseburgers to crack 200 pounds. With his slight build aside, It is the game film that matters.

Haener’s toughness and efficiency standout. He benefits from getting the ball out quickly, but yet he doesn’t force throws. He also has enough athleticism that gives him the ability to extend plays. His footwork has good rhythm and timing.

This Fresno State signal caller operated primarily from shotgun formation. Don’t expect to be blown away by his arm strength, because while he has some decent zip on stop routes and out patterns, he will not wow anyone. He shows good ball-placement, especially in the red zone. There was also the fact he could hang in there against high tempo teams. I don’t think he’ll get rattled at the net level. He plays his best versus the best competition.

The kid has heart.

All-in-all Haener shows good rapport with teammates, and has a quiet confidence about him. The Scouting Combine isn’t going to do much, but make him look small. He does have a chance to set himself apart at the Senior Bowl, though.

I think he has a real chance to become a NFL starter.

My BIG three questions

1. Can he standout from the crowd during practice at the Senior Bowl?
2. Will durability be an issue with his slight frame in the NFL?
3. Can the progress he shows year-to-year continue to the next level?

How Haener stacks up and game film reviewed

Draft projection: 4th round (I would take him)

Pro comparison: Brock Purdy, of course 😉

Game film reviewed:

UCLA ’21

Oregon ’21 (worst)

Boise State ’22 (best)

San Diego State ’22

The author, William Yanish, has been a football fan since he was knee high to a grasshopper. He played football until his body wouldn’t let him any longer at the tender young age of 17. He is an aspiring sports writer and author, who covers the NFL Draft for firstroundmock.com. Yanish attended Colorado Mesa University on the western slope of Colorado.