[Saccopoo]

On Ponder:

Decision making: Ponder possesses an excellent feel for the quarterback position. He has a lot of savvy in his game especially when executing screen plays. His ability to effectively decoy on screens allows for his target to pick up an extra couple yards. Ponder was calm and collected as he made his pre snap reads and showed he could identify potential blitzes. I was pleased to see that Ponder was comfortable going through his progressions. He routinely set and reset his feet while going across the field looking to his secondary targets. While a lot of quarterbacks tend to lock on to their primary target, Ponder is able to influence the defense with his head and eyes.

Field vision:Ponder does a good job diagnosing what the defense is trying to throw at him. He has the presence to identify pre snap alignments and potential blitzers. After the snap he is comfortable going across the field with his progressions. He doesn’t panic when his first read is covered and quickly looks to his secondary reads. The most important skill Ponder possesses is the way he anticipates his throws. He gets the ball quickly out of his hands and before his target makes their break. He trusts that his wide receivers will run the correct route. His anticipation is going to be the key to his NFL success because of his limited arm strength. While he does a nice job reading the defense this is still an area he could improve. In the past, he has shown that he will make poor decisions and force a ball or two. Overall he does a nice job processing post snap information.

Mechanics: Florida State’s offensive system allowed Ponder to get comfortable taking snaps from under center. On his drop back, Ponder takes solid balanced steps while keeping his head on a swivel. He holds the ball tight to his frame and above his breast plate which avoids wasted motions and results in a quick release. Ponder does a great job setting his feet and body towards his target which allows him to deliver an accurate football. The one word that describes Ponder is consistency as he regularly has sound technique.

Pocket awareness: Ponder is calm and unflappable under pressure. He feels the rush and can move around the pocket while remaining focused down the field. Ponder does a good job resetting his feet and body after he is forced to navigate the pocket. Defensive coordinators also need to be concerned with Ponder’s ability to use his feet to pick up yardage. He has the athletic ability to escape the pocket and pick up big chunks.

Pocket presence and ability to go through the pass progressions. That would be a change.