Returning quarterback Trinidad Chambliss impressed with his abilities for the Ole Miss Rebels on Sunday night, leading the team to a thrilling 41-38 victory. As he continues to play well this season, he's likely to remain one of the Heisman Trophy favorites along with contenders like Notre Dame's CJ Carr and Miami's Darian Mensah. However, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, a former college and NFL quarterback, explained what hinders Chambliss' potential to be a high draft pick.
"They can beat anybody because of Chambliss. I think if Trinidad Chambliss was 6-foot-3, he would be the clear favorite to be the No. 1 pick in next year's NFL Draft, and I love Arch Manning, CJ Carr, and Dante Moore," the 6-foot-5 Orlovsky said on ESPN's "First Take." He praised Chambliss' "pure throwing ability" as "so different" from most other college quarterbacks except Oregon's Moore. More news: Trinidad Chambliss Calls Out ‘Bad Decisions’ After Close Ole Miss Win "This kid throws the ball before guys are open better than anybody in college football.
Anticipation, which is not necessarily a huge calling card for some of the college quarterbacks nowadays, he's got it in waves and I think that's what separates him," Orlovsky said. Orlovsky compared Chambliss to Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, for being a "special, smooth athlete" who "does everything incredibly well." Ward was a 6-foot-2 quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy and led Florida State to a National Championship in 1993. Because he was projected to be a mid-round pick in the NFL Draft, he chose to pursue a basketball career and went to the NBA instead.
In the win against Louisville last night, Chambliss completed 21 of 36 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns, with just one interception. Several of his touchdown passes were bombs down the field to teammate Deuce Alexander. According to ESPN, Chambliss is a 6-foot, 210-pound senior.
That's why Orlovsky doesn't think he's the best quarterback for the higher-up teams to choose in the draft next year. Kyler Murray, another Heisman Trophy winner, was No. 1 in the 2019 NFL Draft for the Arizona Cardinals, but some have criticized or joked about his being 5-foot-10 as an issue. According to Orlovsky, the Rebels have no chance of winning this year's National Championship due to their defensive issues.
Still, with a quarterback like Chambliss, they have the potential to "beat anybody." Regarding the NFL Draft, Chambliss isn't currently among the top 10 picks in most mock drafts, with those aforementioned quarterbacks like Texas's Manning and Oregon's Dante Moore currently considered top-five picks. As of this report, Scouting Grade tracker lists Chambliss at No. 54 on its Big Board as the season is now underway. More news: Kyle Whittingham Sends Cryptic Message About QB Bryce Underwood’s Job Security For more about Ole Miss and college football, visit Newsweek Sports.
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