Source-
The Athletics Mike Sando article pulling opinions of 50 coaches in QB position poll (The results reflect voting from 50 NFL coaches and executives, including six general managers, eight head coaches, 10 evaluators, 12 coordinators, six quarterback coaches and seven execs whose specialties include analytics, game management and the salary cap. The remaining ballot was put together by four members of one team’s personnel department
TIER 4
A Tier 4 quarterback could be an unproven player (not enough information for voters to classify) or a veteran who ideally would not start all 17 games.
27. Davis Mills
Pre-draft evaluations do not change overnight, but Mills did win over voters to a degree that was not foreseen when Houston used a 2021 third-round choice to select him.
“I love this kid,” a defensive coordinator who faced Mills said. “I think he is so poised. He stands in the pocket, he is able to deliver the ball. I think he knows where to go with the ball. He throws a pretty ball, he throws a catchable ball, he sees the field. He’s a 3.”
Mills had a lower expectations bar to clear than quarterbacks who entered the league as first-round picks, so he could be benefiting from a surprise factor. As in, Mills sure is impressive — for a third-round pick.
“Really like his composure,” a personnel director said. “He makes plays in the passing game. Doesn’t have the best arm but is an adequate passer. He reminds me of a better Andy Dalton.”
Again, if a top-five pick reminded someone of Dalton, it might be seen as a pejorative. A third-rounder becoming Dalton sounds better.
“How about all the hype on Davis Mills,” a former head coach said. “I just don’t see it.”
A personnel director called Mills “pretty interesting” for his anticipation and accuracy, suggesting Mills “is going to surprise a lot of people” this season.
“He’s done some good things,” a former GM said, “but doing good things when your team is no good, that is a whole different thing. He is still a 4 to me. I have yet to see legitimate starter.”
An offensive coach who questioned Mills’ durability and athletic movement entering the draft said he thought Mills had greater upside than Tagovailoa but lacked the support to fare as well this season.
“Liked him coming out in the draft,” a GM said. “If he turns into a Garoppolo, that wouldn’t shock me.”