Tanner McKee, QB Stanford: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

McKee was a four-star recruit from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif. in the class of 2018

Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee is one of the oldest prospects eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft. The one-year starter flashed plenty of pro-caliber physical traits in 2021, but he’s lacking development. Another season at the helm could make a big difference for the California native.

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Tanner McKee, QB Stanford: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Junior quarterback from Corona, Calif.

Background: McKee was a four-star recruit from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif. in the class of 2018. He was the No. 46 recruit according to 247Sports, No. 78 for Rivals, and No. 58 for On3.com. ESPN ranked him 76th in the nation with an 85 grade out of 100. As a high school senior, McKee produced 2,150 yards and 23 touchdowns through the air and 675 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. The previous year, he threw for 3,755 yards and 39 touchdowns while rushing for 539 yards and 17 touchdowns. McKee was invited to the 2018 Army All-American Game and was the MVP of the 2018 Polynesian Bowl. He also played basketball and volleyball in high school. McKee spent two years before joining the Cardinals on a mission in Brazil for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has three siblings and married his wife (Lauren) in June of 2022.

2021 Production: 10 games, 315 attempts, 206 completions, 2,327 yards, 15 touchdowns, 7 interceptions + 4 rushing touchdowns

2020 Production: 1 game, 7 attempts, 3 completions, 62 yards

Injuries & Off-Field: Spent two years on a mission in Brazil before reporting to Stanford, missed two games with an injury in 2021

Awards: 2021 Honorable Mention All-Pac-12, 2021 Honorable Mention Pac-12 Offensive Freshman Player of the Year, 2021 Pac-12 All-Academic Honor Roll

Pros: Time to throw fits NFL standards, Stanford’s offense featured a limited number of screens, only four fumbles in 2021, brings NFL size to the table, active footwork in the pocket that looks precise and smooth, shortens his release for quick throws, loves back shoulder throws, varies release angle, enough mobility to navigate the pocket and threaten defenses in short yardage situations, flashes of nice touch and ball placement on intermediate throws, the ball springs out of his hand, plenty of velocity that lets him sling passes into tight windows, moments of high-end accuracy even when the receiver creates little to no separation

Cons: Age, one-year starter, small number of attempts 20+ yards downfield, seven passes batted at the line in 2021, long arms create an elongated throwing motion which gives defenders time to react, not accurate throwing on the run, he panics when pressured, his throwing motion is naturally a little side-armed, needs to put better touch on short passes (right now he’s throwing missiles at guys six yards away), trusts his arm too much on tight window throws, pocket awareness is hit or miss, doesn’t create much off platform or off script, has his fair share of overthrows, throws lots of 50-50 balls into tight coverage, accuracy on deep passes comes and goes

Overview: McKee is unofficially listed at 6'6", 226 lbs. The California native has plenty of NFL qualities, starting with his frame. He possesses high-end velocity and arm strength that won’t create many limitations at the next level. McKee uses excellent footwork and varies his release angle and speed to meet the needs of the ongoing play. He has moments of impressive accuracy and ball placement, especially on intermediate throws. However, McKee has limited production on passes 20+ yards downfield and had several overthrows to that area of the field. The junior loses his composure too quickly when under pressure and doesn’t consistently apply touch on his short passes. One of the more worrisome parts of McKee’s game is his tendency to target players in tight coverage, which creates opportunities for defensive backs to make interceptions.

Overall, McKee mixes the good with the bad at high levels. His inexperience as a one-year starter shows. The former four-star recruit could develop into a first round pick with another year of starting snaps. However, McKee’s game currently includes too many inconsistencies to justify a top 40 selection. He’s another quarterback who might benefit from returning to school in 2023.

Role & Scheme Fit: Pocket passer in a West Coast offense

Round Projection: Late Second to Mid Third

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 08-04-22