On a media conference call Monday, ESPN analyst Jon Gruden indicated he personally preferred former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib to any other quarterback in the Class of 2013.
“I like his upside,” said Gruden, who formerly coached the Raiders and Buccaneers.
Earlier in the call, Gruden termed Nassib “a sleeper in this draft.”
Gruden has come away impressed with Nassib’s ability to learn quickly. He noted that Nassib had “a lot of freedom” at Syracuse to switch plays and read the field.
“He’s functioned in a couple of different offenses,” Gruden said. “What they did this year at Syracuse, changing their offense two weeks before the regular season, says a lot about this kid’s ability to adapt.”
Gruden said that Nassib’s size, arm strength and athleticism are assets. He called Nassib “a nuisance runner” and believes Nassib could run the read-option on the NFL level.
Gruden also liked what he saw from Nassib in late-game situations with the Orangemen.
“There were times that Nassib had to make something to happen for Syracuse to win, and I thought he did that. I thought he proved he could do it at the next level,” Gruden said.