Jake Haener Scouting Report

Jake Haener NFL Draft Profile and Scouting Report

Jake Haener Scouting Report: Fresno State, QB

2023 NFL Draft Measurements

40-Yard Dash: TBD

6‘1“ / 200 lbs.

Jake Haener Draft Profile

A three year starter at Monte Vista High School, Haener helped the Mustangs improve each season. After throwing for just under 2,500 yards as a sophomore, Haener followed it up with over 3,000 yard season and a quarterfinal playoff appearance. Jake was able to top it off as a senior, by leading the Mustangs to a 12-1 record and a CIF North Coast Section Division I championship. Haener finished his prep career with 8,464 yards passing and a school record 90 touchdowns in just 35 games.

He was originally heavily recruited by multiple Pac-12 teams, so Haener committed to the University of Washington, where his mother and grandfather both attended. Playing time was hard to come by for Haener as a Husky. In his first two seasons, he only saw action in four games. He would transfer to Fresno St. and, after sitting out the 2019 season, he would take over as the full-time starter for the 2020 season.

After a 3-3 record during the covid-shortened, Jake led the Bulldogs to back-to-back 10 win seasons and led them to a Mountain West championship in 2022. He will be leaving Fresno St. with his name scattered in the school’s record book, including best overall completion percentage (.681). After the season Jake would go on to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. There, he would put on an impressive performance by throwing for 139 yards and a touchdown and leading his team to a 27-10 victory. For his efforts, he was named the MVP of the Senior Bowl.

If scouts didn’t get a good enough look at Haener in Mobile, Alabama, they’ll get other chance at the NFL Combine. So, let’s look at the skills that have NFL scouts intrigued.

Strengths

Works Through Progressions

Even if you’re watching on the national broadcast, you can easily see Jake working through his progressions throughout a play. This is obviously a nice trait to have in a potential quarterback. Especially considering that it’s one of the biggest knocks against fellow draft eligible quarterback CJ Stroud. Not only does this show that he understands his own offense, but it shows the ability to actively read and understand what a defense is doing.

Navigates the Pocket

First off, thank goodness that Haener has this ability. Watching him attempt to run the Fresno St. offense at time was nerve wracking. It seemed like every team knew that if they brought pressure, that the Bulldog offensive line couldn’t handle it. To Jake’s credit, he was smooth in the pocket. He didn’t attempt to escape the pocket, instead he showed a nice ability to feel the pressure and step up. He only left the pocket if either the pressure dictated it, or if it was to extend a play.

Athletic

I would classify Jake as a pocket quarterback. But that’s just because of the way he plays the game. He’s more than athletic enough to be a threat in the running game. In fact, thanks to his athletic ability, Fresno St. was able to put in a Read Option package into their offense. And if the defense didn’t respect him, he was able to pick up big chunks of yardage with his legs. Same on typical passing plays. As he navigated the pocket, if an opening presented itself, he could easily scramble for a 10+ yard gain. Haener did finish his career with eight rushing touchdowns.

Weaknesses

Arm Strength

Jake displayed the ability to put some zip on his throws and fit the ball into tight windows. However, this required him to really torque his upper body and get his entire body into the throws. When watch him on film, I don’t remember too many instances of him throwing the ball deep down the field. I checked his stats on PFF and he went deep, meaning 20 yards plus, 21.1 percent of the time. This validates my thoughts that he is a short to mid range passer most of the time.

Deep Ball Accuracy

This was extremely frustrating to watch. Not because Jake didn’t show the ability to put the ball where it needed to be on throws down field, but because he didn’t do it consistently. One play he would place a beautiful back-shoulder throw to a wide receiver in double coverage. But then the next play he would miss a wide open receiver on a 15-yard out route. Or Haener would overthrow a wide receiver running free behind the defense for an easy touchdown.

Jake Haener Draft Stock

Haener saw his stock rise a bit after his week down in Mobile. Still, according to NFL Mock Draft Database, Jake still only has a projected grade of a 6th round pick. ESPN is a little kinder to Jake however. With a grade of 71, he ranks as the 6th quarterback and 101st overall prospect in this year’s draft class.

I’m higher on Jake Haener than just about anyone. I don’t think he’s the best quarterback in the draft, but he’s currently in my top 5 quarterbacks list. He’s in the 2nd to 3rd round for me. -Jonah

Final Thoughts on Jake Haener

Haener is an interesting prospect. There’s far more things about his game that I like, as compared to the things that I don’t. When I compare him to say, Will Levis, I feel like Jake can be more of a difference maker within an offense. But Levis has far better physical tools than Haener does. If I’m a team that has a number of holes, including quarterback, I might would consider passing on a quarterback in the first round and target Haener later on. This way you could get an impact skill player early and still get a quality quarterback in a later round.