Seattle Seahawks Draft Target Profile: QB Collin Klein

My third (of 4) possibilities for the Seahawks in April’s draft for the backup QB spot isn’t one I think will make a lot of Seahawk fans happy. Kansas State’s Collin Klein is a guy who’s well known for being a runner who has little in the way of passing skills.

Jan. 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein (7) against the Oregon Ducks during the 2013 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas State 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I almost didn’t include the Heisman Trophy finalist in my list of possibilities. Klein would be better at another position, but he’s determined to try and make it as a QB. While his determination is admirable, that doesn’t make him a QB.

While Klein was listed as a QB on the roster, he was essentially the tail back in the “Wildcat” on every play. He led the entire Big 12 in rushing attempts in 2011, which should tell you a lot about the offense they ran at Kansas St.

Klein is a former WR with decent speed and quickness. If he really wanted to make it in the NFL, he’d go back to playing receiver or add some weight and convert to a “joker” type TE.

As a QB, Klein has serious mechanical issues. His odd windup leads to a very slow release and definite accuracy problems. He also doesn’t have elite arm strength, which makes his slow release even more apparent.

The one thing he does having going for him as a QB is that he does read the field well. He works through his progressions and often is able to find his 3rd option even when his 1st and 2nd options have been taken away from him by the defense.

Klein isn’t an obvious target, but he could be a nice fall-back option if the draft doesn’t fall in a way where the Seahawks can get a guy like Matt Scott in a round where it makes sense. Klein will likely be available late in 7th round where the Seahawks have 5 draft picks, which makes him a possibility.

Draft Projection: 7th Round or Undrafted Free Agent

Pros

• Physical runner who has break tackles to avoid sacks
• Leader that other players follow
• Works through progressions wells
• Smart decision maker

Cons

• Funky deliver
• Poor Accuracy
• Slow release