While the NFL seems to be leaning toward the more mobile quarterbacks, there still seems to be a home for pocket passers. However, there are a few starters left who don’t often leave the pocket. Pocket passers are becoming a dime-a-dozen in college, but NC State’s CJ Bailey is more old-school, with a prototypical build who stays in the pocket but has sneaky upside in short-yardage carries. What does his summer scouting report look like? Let’s talk about it.
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Recruiting rank: Three-star recruit, no. 24 QB nationally in 2024
- Hometown: Hollywood, Florida
- Games watched: Wake Forest, Duke, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Miami, FSU
Strengths:
- NFL coaches will drool over his frame, especially if he adds 10-15 lbs
- Does a great job working through progressions
- Footwork is a plus. His ability to climb the pocket is among the best in the class
- Drives the ball down the field with ease, dropping deep passes in the bucket
- Six rushing touchdowns were a surprise last season
- Played arguably his best game against #8 Georgia Tech, throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns
Weaknesses:
- Must work on the short-area accuracy
- Tends to be overly aggressive when down, as shown by his three interceptions against Notre Dame
- Brings very little in terms of play creation. Very limited playmaker
- He *can* extend plays when needed, but he does not look to do it often
- Could use those 10-15 added lbs this season
CJ Bailey has a ton of potential. His massive frame will have NFL teams interested, and his ability to read a defense post-snap is great. However, the accuracy must improve, and he should trust his legs a little more. As things stand, Bailey gets a fourth-round grade and would be a very intriguing camp quarterback to have compete for a QB2 spot.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft summer scouting report: CJ Bailey, QB, NC State
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