NFL Draft 2020: QB Alex Hornibrook scouting report

The latest in a long line of “Wisconsin quarterbacks who were definitely not as good as their backup”, Alex Hornibrook left a complicated legacy with the Wisconsin Badgers. I was conflicted if I should include Hornibrook in this group or not, but he was a three year starter for Wisconsin and was a member of Paul Chryst’s first recruiting class, when he was flipped to the Badgers from Pittsburgh.

In his three years as a starter for the Badgers, Hornibrook threw for 5,438 yards, 47 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. His best season was in 2017 as a sophomore when he threw for 2,644 yards and 25 touchdowns, but added 15 interceptions.

In 2019 with Florida State, Hornibrook played in five games, completing 68.9% of his passes for 986 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. In his first start, FSU beat North Carolina State, with Hornibrook going 29-40 for 316 yards and three touchdowns. He split time with James Blackman, who had split time with Deondre Francois the two prior seasons. Hornibrook showed the same arm strength limitations, but in a more wide-open offense showed improved ball placement and timing/confidence.

Height: 6’4”
Weight: 220 pounds
40-yard dash: N/A
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Three-cone drill: N/A
Bench press: N/A

Summary: Hornibrook is a prototypically built quarterback, tall and enough athleticism to navigate the pocket. Has below average arm strength, the ball doesn’t carry enough zip on deeper out routes or deep passes down the field. Showed improved decision making and timing at FSU. Impressive ability to put touch on deep passes. Most comfortable throwing intermediate crossing routes. Will benefit from a strong running game. Has had some very impressive performances, but seemingly as many struggles.

29-of-40 for 316 and three touchdowns this season against N.C. State. 17-of-22 for 205 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa in 2018. 18-of-19 for 256 with four touchdowns and no interceptions against BYU in 2017. 23-of-34 for 258 and four touchdowns against Miami in the Orange Bowl in 2017. However, the maddening inconsistencies and physical limitations have kept Hornibrook from becoming the NFL prospect he had the potential of reaching earlier in his career.

Ideal Scheme Fit: West Coast style offense with short, timing based passes with more horizontal stretch aspects and doesn’t require him to drive the ball vertically downfield often.

Projected Round: Undrafted Free Agent