Aidan O’Connell 2023 NFL Draft Profile
As our dive into the quarterbacks in this 2023 NFL Draft cycle continues, we come up to Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell took a step back last season compared to his 2021 campaign, but should that affect his draft profile? Let’s talk about it.
O’Connell was not heavily recruited coming out of Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He had offers from Minnesota and Purdue, choosing the Boilermakers. Trey noted from his combine performance that he was impressed with the zip he had on his balls, but he can be a bit straight-legged. Read the rest of his QB notes here.
Let’s start with the positives with O’Connell. We know that he is more than willing to go out and sling it, as he averaged 41.5 attempts per game and had 64.1% completion. You might want to take those numbers with a grain of salt, as the Purdue schedule was far from difficult. O’Connell should get some love as he will come from a pro-style offense, which is rare in college. Love his accuracy between the numbers. High IQ as he understands to take the check down if he’s in trouble. The arm strength is there, just not elite. His footwork is above average.
I’ll break this into two so it’s a little easier to read. O’Connell does a good job at the line making the proper adjustments. Throws a tight spiral, which I like. Normally in rhythm on the short throws, he excels at throwing the slant. He has the ability to throw receivers open when given the proper time in the pocket.
I have to disagree with Trey from his combine notes on one thing. He noted that his deep ball is his strength. In 2022, he completed only 29.6% of his passes deep down the field. Not ideal. He just doesn’t have the arm strength to let it fly. His balls — pause — lose a little mustard when going outside the numbers. Bad hip rotation, relying on his legs to generate the power. I’d like to see him work through his progressions more. In the Wisconsin game, his worst of the year for interceptions with three, he eyed his first read the entire time, telegraphing his throws.
You have to understand when drafting Aidan O’Connell that you’re getting a 24-year-old quarterback with two years of starter experience. I think he has upside as a backup on your roster. I’d take him before someone like Stetson Bennett, who’s being mocked in the sixth and seventh rounds. O’Connell gets a late day three grade as someone who should be on a roster come training camp.
