The same university that produced Carson Wentz might be producing yet another extremely talented passer – his name is Easton Stick. The New York Giants might be wise to look into the North Dakota State star as a potential quarterback option in the upcoming NFL draft.
What does Easton Stick have to offer?
Last season, Stick threw for 2,752 yards and 28 touchdowns. He recorded seven interceptions on a 62.3% completion rate. While these numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page, his rushing stats add a little “wow” to his digits – 677 rushing-yards and 17 rushing-scores.
Stick is a dual threat signal caller with immense athleticism. He seems to be a poor-mans Kyler Murray but towers over the Oklahoma quarterback at 6-foot-2. He has prototypical NFL size, while also having the skill-set to escape the pocket and utilize his legs to pick up first-downs.
The NDSU passer has dominated FCS football since the departure of Wentz. He’s earned two National Championships in three years and was the MVP in 2017. Stick doesn’t have the raw fundamentals and arm-strength that Wentz does but he certainly has the ability to extend plays and make the throws necessary at the professional level.
Looking into the strengths and weaknesses of Easton Stick:
Strengths:
- Solid mechanics and footwork
- Good velocity and accuracy – above-average deep ball
- Experience in the pro-style system; plays from under center a lot, play action
- Has a winning mentality – 49-3 as a starter with two national championships
Weaknesses:
- Competition was much worse than the professional level, will need to adapt to elevated strength and speed
- Can be too risky with throws and trying to extend plays
- Needs to stay in pocket and keep eyes downfield before running the ball
These are the plays that make you excited about Easton Stick’s future.
-On 3rd and 8 his Initial Read is covered.
-Looks to the flat for the checkdown but it’s covered.
-Rolls to his left keeping eyes up in the process.
-Drops a perfect touch pass on the run across his body. pic.twitter.com/k6hY3HOpy9— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) January 5, 2019
Here’s a clip of Easton escaping the pocket with great quickness and releasing a perfect touch-pass downfield for the touchdown. This pay alone is a huge indicator of his potential and what he could be capable of at the NFL level.
If you want to see a pretty deep-ball, take a look at this clip:
This is a remarkable deep throw by NDSU QB Easton Stick in a difficult situation in the National Championship Game, with the other team threatening to claim momentum off a big TD run. The more closely you analyze this throw, the more remarkable it gets. pic.twitter.com/2HnkzrlRvp
— Chris Kouffman (@ckparrot) January 7, 2019
In the heat of the national championship Stick unleashed this deep-ball, hitting his man in stride for the score. This was a fantastic play that adds to his value. After seeing some of his clips, it’s fair to say that his stock might be raising with every passing day.
Come draft-day, Easton could be considered a top quarterback option and a stellar fit for the Giants’ scheme.