Cade McNamara NFL Draft

Cade McNamara

  • QB Michigan
  • Senior
  • #325
  • 6'1"
  • 212lbs
  • Prospect
  • Big Ten

Prospect Summary

Cade McNamara 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

  • Two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Nevada (2017 and 2018)
  • Consensus four-star recruit
  • Father, Gary, was an outfielder at Fresno State and was an assistant baseball coach at Nevada
  • 2018 Elite 11 finalist

System: 

  • Scheme tendencies: Fast-paced, up-tempo with elements of a spread offense
  • 2022 projected role: Starting QB

Pros: Cade McNamara was a highly-touted high school recruit. He helped guide the Wolverines to the CFP. His game is predicated on being safe with the football and taking what the defense gives him. McNamara operates best as a timing and rhythm passer. He throws with good touch on downfield and over-the-shoulder attempts. He can make throws on the run with good ball placement and accuracy. He displays an even-keel demeanor, never getting too high or too low. His play style falls within the “game manager” category. He has sufficient velocity and zip on short-to-intermediate throws. He will do what the play-caller asks of him and gets the job done. 

Cons: Michigan’s offense has a good collection of talent around the quarterback. Cade McNamara has not taken advantage of all the tools at his disposal. His “safe” and game-manager style of play only completes the minimum requirements of success. He misses open receivers being gun-shy and is not willing to test certain windows down the field. As a result, he leaves points and yards on the field with poor decision-making. His accuracy and ball placement are inconsistent. His overall field vision causes him to miss open receivers. He struggles to hit progressions after his first read is covered. He will hold the ball waiting for a target to work free from the coverage, resulting in unnecessary pressure. McNamara struggles to complete the deep ball, completing 39% of his attempts over 20 yards. Although he makes throws on the move, he is not a threat to run the football and force defenses to remain honest. His overall aDot drops without the threat of play-action. When pressured, his eyes drop down to the rush instead of finding an open option in the route. He has poor pocket presence, consistently bailing from clean pockets instead of trusting protection and delivering passes to his receivers.

Cade McNamara NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson