![Better NFL QB Dak Prescott or Chad Kelly?](https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Better-NFL-QB-Dak-Prescott-or-Chad-Kelly.jpg?w=650&h=450&crop=1)
Better NFL QB: Dak Prescott or Chad Kelly?
Ole Miss and Mississippi State both had tremendous 2015 seasons, and it isn’t hard to figure out why.
The two most important players for each team were Dak Prescott for the Bulldogs and Chad Kelly for the Rebels. Each QB had an outstanding season, and both should receive a chance in the ensuing years to play in the NFL.
But which one would you choose if you were an NFL scout or general manager? Let’s compare the two Mississippi quarterbacks.
Prescott and Kelly emerged as two of the best QBs in the SEC. Both signal callers finished in the top three in nine different passing categories in the conference. Prescott finished first in the conference in attempts, completions and completion percentage while Kelly was first in passing yardage.
Although Prescott entered the season as the conference’s best dual-threat QB, Kelly certainly gave him a run for his money. Each signal caller rushed for 10 scores. In total, Kelly amassed 4,176 total yards and 27 total TDs while Prescott posted 3,954 total yards and 35 total scores.
Even with former SEC QB Cam Newton winning the NFL MVP award, it is vitally important that Kelly and Prescott continue to develop their passing skills and not rely upon their running abilities at the next level. Running quarterbacks, who can’t pass for accuracy, don’t last long in the NFL.
Michael Vick and Robert Griffin III are prime examples. Newton’s success in 2015 came from his improvement in the passing game.
And for that reason, Kelly is better suited to succeed in the NFL. He has a rocket for an arm and has proven he can make all the throws. His decision-making was questionable at times, evidenced by the 12 interceptions he threw, but it improved as the season went. Kelly had one interception in the final four games.
Prescott has great decision-making, however, NFL scouts are questioning whether his accuracy can improve enough. He was particularly inaccurate on deep throws at times in college.
Ironically, Prescott actually had a higher completion percentage (66.2) than Kelly (65.1), but keep in mind 2015 was Prescott’s third year starting and just Kelly’s first. In Prescott’s first season, he completed just 58.4 percent of his throws.
Another factor to consider is the length of each quarterbacks’ throws. Kelly posted a significantly higher yards per attempt average (8.8) than Prescott (8.0).
One thing favoring the Mississippi State quarterback are the intangibles. Prescott is an excellent leader and would be a great locker room presence. Although Kelly became a leader in 2015, he has certainly had his fair share of off-the-field incidents.
Prescott has the work ethic and character to make it in the NFL, but at this point, he has to be viewed as a project. Kelly looks more ready for the next level and will have another year to develop before the 2017 draft.