Kyle Trask: System QB?

Could QB Kyle Trask become an elite playmaker at the NFL level or was he just a product of Florida’s offensive system?

You can view my previous rookie profile on Demetric Felton here.

The 2021 NFL Draft has some great top end QB talent. It’s possible that there could be a total of five quarterbacks are selected in the 1^st round. One QB that could be an option after the 1^st round is Florida’s Kyle Trask. Trask had a great Senior season, leading the Florida Gators to the SEC Championship.

In the Cotton Bowl, four of the top Gator receivers decided to sit out against Oklahoma. Trask decided to play anyway and had a horrible showing, causing his draft stock to take a serious hit. So with that, let’s take a look at Trask and see if he was just a good system QB in college or if he could become a solid starter in the NFL.

The Long Road for Trask

Trask was a low end, 3-star prospect out of Texas in 2016. He had no other Power 5 conference offers other than from the University of Florida. In high school, he did not start a game after his Freshman year because he was behind talented QB D’Eriq King (who now plays for Miami).

Trask did not see the field in 2016 or 2017, but played in three games in 2018 before a foot injury in practice ended his season. Feleipe Franks was Florida’s starter from 2017-’18 until he suffered a season ending injury against Kentucky, three games into the 2019 season.

Trask Takes Over

The Trask era at Florida started with an 11 point comeback win against Kentucky in 2019. That year, Trask had a strong campaign, finishing with 2900 Yards, 25 TDs and 7 INTs. In 2020, Trask was thought to be one of the better returning QBs in the SEC and he did not disappoint.

He received some Heisman hype during the season and threw for over 4000 yards, 43 TDs and 8 INTs. During his Senior season, Trask broke the single season record at Florida for passing yards and passing TDs. He also racked up seven games with four or more passing TDs, and eight games throwing for more than 300 yards.

Trask on Tape

When scouting a QB prospect I look at the following traits when watching film:

• Ball Placement
• Pocket Presence
• Mobility
• Decision Making
• Ability to throw outside the pocket/ off platform

Pros from the Tape

• Good Ball Placement on Short and Immediate Throws
  • Leads Receivers so they do not have to break stride
  • Varies throws to allow for catchable balls on contested catches
  • Places ball where only receivers can make a play (back shoulder or high point jump balls)
• Will stand in the pocket and make throws while facing pressure and big hits
• Ability to move around in the pocket to avoid pressure and make accurate throws
• Tough and Willing to Run and give up his body for short gains
  • Gators had 96th Run Game so little help in short yardage situations
  • Questionable usage of Trask with many designed runs
  • Willingness to give up his body for critical TDs or 1st Downs

Props to Kyle Trask sticking in against the Ojulari pressure and throwing with outstanding touch for a big gain here. pic.twitter.com/53wjMdP6ij

— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 1, 2021

Cons from the Tape

• Struggles with mobility at times
• Gunslinger mentality, but is limited by arm strength on certain throws
• Needs work on pocket presence; especially noticing rushers coming from the blindside
• Not going to be successful if he has to make a living throwing off platform

Trask’s Outlook for the NFL

Kyle Trask’s mobility is not going to be looked at very highly. Despite that, he has the ability to throw on the run and move around in the pocket. He is not a dual threat quarterback but he can run for 1st downs and maneuver the pocket to make accurate throws downfield. Per PFF, Trask led the nation in big time throws in 2020. Big time throws as told by PFF.

“is best described as a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window.”

Most big-time throws in 2020:

1. Kyle Trask, Florida – 41
2. Sam Howell, UNC – 33
3. Spencer Rattler, OU – 32
4. Mac Jones, Bama – 32 pic.twitter.com/ig4SdxdDx6

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 11, 2021

Trask’s varied ball placement allows for many big plays, but the lack of arm strength is a concerning. And because Trask has so much confidence, he will try to force throws that he just can’t make. But even with that lack of arm strength, he was still able to put up great numbers on deep throws; comparable to many of the top prospects.

Many would say that Kyle Trask’s huge numbers were because of super talented TE, Kyle Pitts. Pitts made up 14% of Trasks completions, 18% yards and 27% of TDs. This is a good amount, but not much different than a NFL team having a dominant #1 WR.

Kyle Trask is not a generational talent by any means, but he’s smart enough that with the right team and situation, he could become a solid starter for many years. Trask would benefit most from sitting at least a year and learning before possibly taking the reins in 2022.

Trask will need a team with strong offensive line and good playmakers at receiver; and his ability to distribute the ball will help all of his skill position players. I believe with coaching, Trask can improve his pocket presence and decision making when forcing throws in coverage.

Trask will most likely get drafted between rounds 2-4 in the NFL Draft. I think he could be an option for a team focusing on other positions of need in the 1st round who still want a competition prospect in their quarterback room.

Teams I believe that could have interest in Trask are Washington, Pittsburgh, Denver, or Chicago. For fantasy football purposes, Trask will does not need to be drafted in redraft. In Dynasty SF (SuperFlex) leagues, he could be valuable as a stash deep in the 3rd round or later in a rookie draft.

Brandon Haye

Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.