2019 Prospect Peek: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Strong-armed Lock still has issues to solve.

Drew Lock, QB, 6-3, 225, 4.89 (40 yards), senior

Expectations for 2018:

There are few questions about Lock's physical traits, most notably the arm strength to deliver ropes to all levels of the field. Last season, the Missouri offense was among the best in college football at generating plays of 40-plus yards, largely due to Lock's willingness to target vertical routes and unleash his NFL-level arm.

However, there are plenty of concerns with Lock's decision-making and accuracy. The highlights look pretty, but the consistency from snap-to-snap hasn't been there up to this point. Yes, drops and route errors by receivers contributed to his 57.8-percent completions last season (up from 54.6 percent in 2016), but a large share of the blame falls on Lock.

The production has been off the charts for Lock, coming off a season in which he set a single-season SEC record with 44 passing touchdowns. He already ranks in the top three in Missouri history in passing yardage and needs 3,821 passing yards as a senior (3,964 passing yards last season) to pass Chase Daniel as the school's all-time leading passer.

Will he improve his timing, touch and placement as a senior? As long as he shows improvements in those areas, Lock has a shot to put himself in the first round, similarly to Josh Allen (drafted seventh overall by the Buffalo Bills) from the 2018 draft class.

What the 2017 tape says:

Lock is a good-sized athlete with obvious physical gifts. The ball comes off his hand like a rocket, using a smooth, easy load-and-deliver motion. Lock shows light feet in the pocket to evade pressure and find functional throwing platforms.

While the passing numbers have been impressive, Lock is often too willing to test heavy coverage, leading defenders to the intended target. His touchdown-to-interception ratio the past two seasons looks great (67-to-23), but that second number will go up in the NFL unless he improves his timing and defensive reads.

From the ground up, Lock must also hone his fundamentals, starting with his footwork. The breakdowns in his mechanics were too common on film, often leading to errant throws and negative plays. While he needs to improve from a consistency standpoint, Lock has the presence and NFL mind to make the necessary improvements. His evolution as a passer throughout his senior season will determine his draft grade.

Background:

A four-star recruit out of Lee's Summit, Lock was born into a Mizzou family. His father (Andy) lettered four seasons for the Tigers as an offensive lineman, and his grandfather (Jerry) played at Missouri during the 1960s. After an impressive prep career, including 2,731 passing yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior, Lock held offers from national powers like Ohio State, Texas and others. However, the Columbia native decided to stay home and continue the family legacy, signing with Missouri.

More Prospect Peeks

-- Kentucky LB Josh Allen

-- N.C. State QB Ryan Finley

-- Boston College DE Zach Allen

-- Washington LT Trey Adams

-- Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham

-- Iowa State RB David Montgomery

-- Ohio State DE Nick Bosa

-- Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell

-- West Virginia QB Will Grier

-- Stanford RB Bryce Love

-- Alabama RB Damien Harris