Preston Stone QB SMU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Preston Stone QB SMU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (34%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.11 DOB: 10/16/2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (34%*) | |
| Age: 22.11 DOB: 10/16/2001 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 79.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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72% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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70% |
| Short Passing: |
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76% |
| Medium Passing: |
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83% |
| Long Passing: |
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86% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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64% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
7th
Overall Rank:
#227
Position rank:
#22
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| College Games: 23 College Snaps: 982 | ||
ESPN RATING: 84/100
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247 RATING: 94/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Skylar Thompson - Kansas State |
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80% |
| Jake Haener - Fresno State |
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79% |
| Sam Hartman - Notre Dame |
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78% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Preston Stone, SMU's redshirt sophomore signal-caller, emerged as a dual-threat playmaker in 2023. The Dallas native was a blue-chip recruit out of Parish Episcopal, where he amassed over 13,100 passing yards and 145 touchdowns. Stone's high school pedigree attracted offers from several Power Five programs.At SMU, Stone climbed the depth chart methodically. After redshirting in 2021 and limited snaps in 2022, he seized the starting role in 2023. Stone lit up the stat sheet, throwing for 3,197 yards and 28 touchdowns in 12 starts. He topped the AAC with a 161.3 passer rating and ranked fourth in passing yards.
Stone's breakout campaign earned him three AAC Offensive Player of the Week nods and a spot on the Davey O'Brien Midseason Watch List. His performance was instrumental in SMU's 10-2 regular season record, showcasing his ability to elevate in crucial situations.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Plus arm talent with the ability to drive the ball vertically and fit throws into tight windows
- Exhibits a quick trigger and compact release, allowing for rapid progression through reads
- Displays functional mobility to extend plays and pick up chunk yardage on designed runs
- Demonstrates advanced football IQ, adept at diagnosing coverages and making pre-snap adjustments
- Natural leader who commands the huddle and elevates teammates' performance in critical moments
- Shows touch and anticipation on intermediate routes, particularly on seam throws and crossing patterns
- Executes play-action with conviction, creating separation for receivers downfield
- Proven performer in pressure situations
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks prototypical NFL quarterback height, potentially leading to obstructed throwing lanes
- Mechanics break down under duress, resulting in erratic ball placement and reduced velocity
- Tendency to lock onto primary targets, telegraphing intentions to defensive backs
- Overcompensates on deep balls, creating too much arc and allowing defenders to recover
- Displays gunslinger mentality at times, forcing throws into coverage and risking turnovers
Scouting Report: Summary
Stone currently profiles as a developmental prospect with starter upside. His vertical passing prowess and mobility make him an intriguing fit for modern spread offenses. Stone's success in SMU's up-tempo system showcases his ability to process information quickly and deliver with accuracy.As Stone faces stiffer competition in the ACC, scouts will scrutinize his performance against more complex defenses. His ability to maintain efficiency while refining his mechanics will be crucial. Offensive coordinators who emphasize quick decision-making and off-platform throws will find Stone's skill set appealing.
While his stature may concern pro-style offenses, Stone's quick release and pocket awareness could mitigate this issue. With continued development in reading NFL-level defenses and improving consistency under pressure, Stone has the tools to develop into a capable NFL backup.
Written By:
Andrew Moore (The American)
How other scouting services rate Preston Stone (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
467.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
36.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.