Preston Stone QB SMU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Preston Stone QB SMU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 06/29/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (34%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.8 DOB: 10/16/2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
| Last Updated: 06/29/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (34%*) | |
| Age: 22.8 DOB: 10/16/2001 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 59.2 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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72% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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63% |
| Short Passing: |
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67% |
| Medium Passing: |
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77% |
| Long Passing: |
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78% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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54% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#325
Position rank:
#37
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| College Games: 20 College Snaps: 885 | ||
ESPN RATING: 84/100
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247 RATING: 94/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy - Iowa State |
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88% |
| Kenny Pickett - Pittsburgh |
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75% |
| Spencer Rattler - South Carolina |
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72% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Preston Stone from Parish Episcopal High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and received a 4-star grade from 247 Sports. Stone chose to join SMU after high school, where he redshirted in 2021, saw limited action in 2022, and became the starting quarterback in 2023. Stone led the Mustangs to a 10-2 record in the regular season, finishing 11th in the FBS in touchdown passes and earning third-team All-AAC honors.
Stone's freshman season saw him throw for 24 yards over three games. As a sophomore, he passed for 388 yards and two touchdowns in five games. His junior year was a breakout season with 3,192 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 110.0 QB rating over 12 games. Stone also contributed 241 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including AAC Offensive Player of the Week and inclusion on several preseason and midseason watch lists.
Stone's path to becoming SMU's starting quarterback was shaped by patience and perseverance. He waited two years behind Oklahoma transfer Tanner Mordecai and used this time to develop his understanding of the game. Now, with the Mustangs entering the ACC, Stone is poised to lead the team into a new era.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Effortless deep passer with NFL-level arm strength, capable of making all throws required at the professional level.
- Effective outside the pocket, using his athleticism, vision, and elusiveness to gain positive yardage as a runner.
- Confident passer with good rhythm accuracy, showing improved ball placement and the ability to throw catchable passes.
- Quick decision-maker who can get the ball out rapidly, aiding short to intermediate accuracy and allowing for run-after-catch opportunities.
- Demonstrates good pocket awareness, stepping up and resetting his feet to deliver accurate throws.
- Versatile arm angles and willingness to throw under pressure, aiding his effectiveness in off-schedule plays.
- Strong leader with a high football IQ, understanding both defensive schemes and his own team's game plans.
- Proven winner with a history of leading his team to championships and performing well in high-pressure situations.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Decent but not elite arm strength, with a tendency to lose accuracy when not setting his feet properly.
- Marginal height, which could be a disadvantage in offenses that require frequent drop-backs from center.
- Inconsistent mechanics, particularly with his stride, leading to sporadic accuracy issues.
- Needs to improve trajectory on deep throws to avoid putting too much air under the ball.
- Occasionally takes unnecessary risks, which could backfire against higher-level competition.
Scouting Report: Summary
Preston Stone has demonstrated solid progression and resilience during his tenure at SMU. His ability to quickly process defenses, coupled with his athleticism and arm talent, makes him an intriguing dual-threat quarterback prospect. Stone's leadership and football IQ are key assets that translate well to the NFL level.
Despite his strengths, there are areas of concern in Stone's game. His arm strength, while serviceable, lacks the elite zip needed for some NFL throws. Inconsistent mechanics and a tendency to lose accuracy under pressure could limit his effectiveness. Additionally, his marginal height may pose challenges in a pro-style offense. However, his capability to extend plays and perform in high-pressure situations remains a significant plus.
Stone's upcoming transition to the ACC will be pivotal for his draft stock. If he continues to refine his mechanics and maintain his productivity, he has the potential to develop into a pro player. His ability to handle the increased competition will be closely monitored by scouts and NFL personnel, making the 2024 season a critical evaluation period.
Written By:
Andrew Moore (The American)
How other scouting services rate Preston Stone (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.