John Rhys Plumlee Draft Profile | UCF, QB Scouting Report

Expectations have risen in John Rhys Plumlee’s second season with the UCF Knights. With the 2024 NFL Draft in Plumlee’s near future, there is an opportunity for him to become a draftable talent. We’re breaking down Plumlee’s scouting report for next year’s NFL Draft.

John Rhys Plumlee Draft Profile and Measurements

• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 200
• School: UCF
• Age: 22

After spending three seasons at Ole Miss, Plumlee transferred to UCF and won the starting job shortly after his arrival. He set a career-high in every statistical category, notably racking up 3,448 total yards and 25 touchdowns. The dual-threat playmaker is in his senior season in 2023.

John Rhys Plumlee Scouting Report

Strengths

• Dangerous runner who has totaled at least 154 rushing attempts, 862 yards, and 11 touchdowns in his two seasons as a starter.
• Effective passer on the move, showing good accuracy even when his base is not aligned or he’s hurried to make a throw. Can also roll out to his weak side with comfort.
• Solid passer on short attempts, peppering defenses with rhythmic, accurate tosses that keep the offense on time.
• Has good arm strength that allows him to beat closing passing windows.
• Reliable RPO operator thanks to his experience and consistency reading key defender.
• Tough competitor who bounces back up from hits.
• Avoided turnover-worthy plays better in 2022 as he gained more experience.

Weaknesses

• Smaller build at just 6’0″, 200 pounds, does not help his durability projection.
• Had a long windup motion that starts by his hip, slowing his ability to release the ball. This needs to be overhauled.
• Accuracy gets compromised on deeper throws because of his elongated arm motion.
• He shows panic in a busy pocket and will rush his reads and throws too often.
• Has only been in an RPO-based offense, leading to questions of his ability to process pre- and post-snap coverage and blitz looks that the NFL features.
• His average yards per attempt has been low throughout his career. He’ll have to be more aggressive chasing intermediate and deeper passes to threaten defenses.

Current Draft Projection and Summary

There was a time not long ago when a smaller quarterback like Plumlee would have no shot at being an NFL quarterback. However, Plumlee’s play style helps overcome being a bit small. He’s truly a dual-threat who wants to throw but doesn’t hesitate to punish defenses who give him a lane to scramble through.

Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy noted that Plumlee has already shown off a more efficient passing motion at the Manning Camp this summer, which would take a major concern off his résumé. Plumlee had previously shown a Tim Tebow-esque windup, dropping the ball to his quad before unloading passes.

MORE: FREE 2024 NFL Mock Draft Simulator

An improvement to his passing motion would give Plumlee a greater chance of being drafted and developed at the next level. If he still drops the ball low and relies on checkdown passes, he’ll be more of a camp arm than a serious threat to make a final roster throughout his NFL career.

He carries a priority free agent grade entering the season, but we’ll be paying close attention to see how Plumlee improves throughout his senior campaign.