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Baylor's Bryce Petty, who most analysts believe to be the third-best quarterback in this years draft class behind Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, had an impressive pro day on Wednesday in Waco, Texas.
Petty threw 77 passes, according to Baylor. He completed 69 balls, with five being dropped. After playing the majority of his college career in the shotgun, Petty decided to take every snap from under center.
"All my tape is from the gun," Petty said. "The big question is, 'Can he play under center? Can he do his drops – three-step, five-step, seven-step?' That's exactly what me and (quarterback coach) George (Whitfield) wanted to do and accomplish today. I felt really good about it."
NFL Media's Mike Mayock praised Petty, calling him the "most natural thrower in this year's draft".
"Why do I say he's the most natural thrower in this year's draft? He's just one of those guys that can wake up at six in the morning, grip it and rip it," Mayock said. "He throws the ball beautifully. Very natural. That 11 to 20-yard inside route he throws as well as any quarterback in the draft."
Mayock added that Petty solidified his status as the No. 3 quarterback in this year's draft with his performance at his pro day.
"From a projection perspective," Mayock said after Petty's workout, "everybody's got Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota and then who's next? I think this kid made his case today. He's, A, the most natural thrower in the draft and, B, he's 6-3, 230 pounds, a little more athletic than people give him credit for."
Although he may need to sit for a year under an established veteran, Mayock believes Petty can be an impact starter at the professional level. "Make no mistake about it, folks, this kid has starter NFL traits," Mayock said, "and if he devoleps, he can be a starting NFL quarterback for some team in two years."
