Jake Haener NFL Draft

Jake Haener

  • QB Fresno State
  • Senior
  • #181
  • 6'1"
  • 195lbs
  • Prospect
  • Mountain West

Prospect Summary

Jake Haener 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

  • Davey O’Brien Award semi-finalist (2021)
  • Signed with Washington out of high school before transferring to Fresno State in 2019
  • Briefly entered transfer portal in 2021 but elected to stay at Fresno for final season

System: 

  • Scheme tendencies: Spread
  • 2022 projected role: Starting QB

Pros: Jake Haener returns to college football after one of the most successful seasons the Mountain West has ever seen. Haener briefly considered making the jump to the NFL after 2021 and he reportedly was offered a spot at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Haener is an excellent athlete for the position and utilizes his athleticism in a variety of different ways. He is outstanding in the pocket and is able to slide and maneuver around pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. He uses his athleticism to escape the pocket and extend plays and he shows very good ability to complete accurate throws on the run. Haener has a tight, quick release and puts good zip on the ball. He throws with excellent accuracy, timing, and touch—particularly in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He makes good decisions with the football and is in full command of the offense. Haener displays rare physical and competitive toughness and is best in the most crucial moments of the game. The word “gamer”  fits him like a glove. 

Cons: I love Jake Haener as a player and would take him on my team every day and twice on Sunday, but there will be some pushback as it relates to his NFL projection. First and foremost, Haener has below-average size for an NFL quarterback. At just 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, he is much smaller than you’d want your franchise quarterback to be and his slight frame will be a massive injury risk. Additionally, while Haener shows good arm strength in the short and intermediate areas of the field, his ball does begin to flutter when he tries to push it deep down the field. Because of Haener’s slight frame and his backyard style of play, ball security has been an issue for him and there have been fumble concerns both in the pocket and as a runner.

Jake Haener NFL Draft Scouting Report by Brentley Weissman