The reports I’ve been reading have been confirming my worst fears; that the speed and athleticism at the NFL level will catch up to the slow pitch passes.

If Kellen can have a good game in the Senior Bowl then it will go a long way towards disproving that fear. In all actuality, I consider that to be a “skin deep” kind of fear that is in the same ball park as knocking him for his lack of height. It’s a tangible concern but one I, in all reality, expect him to defeat.

My biggest concern right now is that the NFL’s penchant for FAR BETTER preparation, much deeper pools of experience, combined with the significant step up in average physical talent and speed will be too much to overcome with a weak arm. Looking off coverage and deciphering defenses can do a great deal for you but, at some point, you have got to be able to throw a laser to a guy even if you have bought some room with your eyes. Elite NFL secondaries are way too smart, athletic, and prepared for your specific gameplay to be looked off very far or for very long on a routine basis.

The question is, can Kellen throw it hard enough? It doesn’t have to come out like a rocket but there is a requisite amount of velocity it will need and it will be higher than at the college level. That can only be known when we see him get some snaps in the NFL. Scouts will probably know but not a guy like me or most any of us. If Kellen has enough oommph on that ball to cut the mustard at the NFL level then he would be a nightmare in a place like Baltimore where they have killer defense and a strong running game with talented WR’s.

At the NFL level…that’s why its the next level. Kellen is better right now…and he will have even better offensive lines, receivers etc, at the next level. People seem to have forgotten 2009 and 2010, and how different the offense was then…largely based on the receivers. Remember the highlights – the long pinpoint passes for TD’s to Young and Pettis. This year it was different – think about the laser he threw back shoulder out pattern to Matt Miller in the Maaco Bowl, or the dart to Tyler with two rushers hanging onto him…the entire Georgia game, etc. He does what needs to be done to win the game – deft touch, long throw, whatever…TO ANY RECEIVER.

Last year he had game breakers…and got the ball to them. This year it was more 20 yards and in, because he rarely had anyone break free beyong the coverage. If I ran an NFL team who needed a good QB, it would be nice to get one who could play right away and not have to draft 3 great receivers to make things happen.