North Carolina QB TJ Yates, The Draft Study
What They’re Sayin
positive: Good with short and intermediate throws… Improved his accuracy as a senior, completed a career high 66.8 percent of his passes… Does a good job of hitting his receivers in stride… Has a quick, compact release… Throws a nice deep ball
negative: Average arm strength, can make most NFL throws, but won’t impress you with his arm… Has a tendency to throw out of a three-quarter arm slot… Has some mental lapses, really struggled at times this year, notably against Virginia Tech and Miami (FL)… Inconsistent performer, will look great one game, and completely off the next…
positive: His size, albeit slightly exaggerated, is a big plus. Listed at 6-4 and a product of a coaching staff with NFL experience, Yates can step into a backup role right away and that is not a bad deal for a team who can use a fifth or sixth round selection on a quarterback who can be a solid backup for many years.
negative: Yates was back and fully healthy in 2009, but again he felt a lot of pressure and was consistently forced to throw the ball earlier than he wanted. The result was 15 interceptions and 24 sacks
positive: Taking a snap from under center is an area where Yates has a lot of experience. Unlike a lot of other quarterback prospects, Yates is comfortable with the center quarterback exchange. After receiving the snap, he works quickly to his hitch while keeping his eyes down-field.
negative: Yates has an average NFL arm and will struggle to be effective in the intermediate passing game. He doesn’t spin a clean football as the ball appears to flutter to its target. This flutter will come into play in poor weather games.
size: 6’3″, 219 lbs
Quoted and Noted
"“You learn from the veterans in front of you. And I look forward to doing that,” Yates said. ” The closer it gets, the crazier it gets. A couple of years ago, it seems like I was just a young kid playing football. … I always thought I might have a chance at the next level, but now, it’s actually here.”(link"
- 2010 Honorable-Mention All-ACC
- Owns 37 Carolina records, including career and single-season passing yards
- Earned UNC Coaches’ Player of the Week honors after wins over Rutgers, Virginia, Florida State and Duke in 2010
- Earned UNC Coaches’ Player of the Week honors after the win over East Carolina in 2009