Publicly lauded by NFL people like Jim Nagy, the Kansas State offense is certainly different when Skylar Thompson is on the field. The Wildcats enjoyed the mobile ability of Thompson, who was very competitive and fought to keep his team in the game. While his skillset is intriguing, Thompson doesn’t look like an NFL quarterback, at least not long term. 

The Measurables

Skylar Thompson

QB – #7 Kansas State

HT: 6014
WT: 219
WING: 7478
ARM: 3100
HAND: 848
DOB: 6/4/1997

Year: Redshirt Senior
High School: Fort Osage (Independence, MO)
HS Rating: 3 star (0.8783)
Phil Steele: PS#30

Skylar Thompson scouting report

Arm talent is very intriguing. Would be about average among NFL starters, but throws well off platform as well. Drives the ball well into the short and intermediate areas of the field. Doesn’t drive the ball to the perimeter very well. Doesn’t show consistency with his touch ball, but does throw a good, catchable football. Release is slightly elongated, tries to push the ball through his arm’s release.

Accuracy is typically between box and pinpoint. Throws into a smaller box than most. Tends to slightly underthrow the long ball. Accurate while off platform and works well through pressure. Has the placement ability to throw that ball on in between layers of coverage and still keep it away from defenders. Thompson has a very natural feel for the pocket. Maneuvers in the pocket very well. Tends to keep his eyes downfield. Works through pressure well. Excellent footwork. Stays prepared to throw. Very quick feet. Has an excellent quick set.

Very strong athlete. Capable runner. Intriguing set of skills. Good quickness and tough running ability. Very impressive improvability. Extends the play very well. Deals with pressure without panicking and keeps the play alive. Struggles with simple pre-snap reads. Not particularly adept at reading coverages. Doesn’t see the field as well as I’d like him to.

Pre-Combine projection

It’s hard to see where Skylar Thompson has NFL value at the next level outside of a potential long-term backup role. He’s mobile, he has a decent skillset, but his lacking arm strength, small hand size, and overall inconsistent touch and accuracy spell problems in that long term development. Thompson could be one of these quarterbacks that we see playing in Spring Ball over the next few years and sitting as a backup quarterback for a season or two in the league.

At best, Thompson looks like a seventh-round pick but is more than likely an undrafted free agent. Thompson should bounce around the league for a couple of seasons, despite testing well at the Combine, but ultimately lack the proper tools to stick around very long.