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2011 NFL Draft profile: Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder
Christian Ponder of the Florida State Seminoles warms up before a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida.
By RAINER SABIN The Dallas Morning News rsabin@dallasnews.com
Published 09 April 2011 01:17 AM
CHRISTIAN PONDER
Position: Quarterback
HT/WT: 6-2/ 229
High school: Colleyville Heritage
College: Florida State
College career: An unheralded recruit coming out of high school, Ponder became Florida State’s starter for three seasons. In each of those years, Ponder threw for more than 2,000 yards. But Ponder was derailed by injuries, including a separated shoulder that ended his junior season he played in the first nine games. Ponder came back his senior season, but his accuracy suffered. He had two minor elbow surgeries last fall and connected on 61.5 percent of his passes – 7.3 percent less than he completed his junior season.
At the combine: In Indianapolis, Ponder ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, had a 34-inch vertical jump, and broad-jumped 9 feet, 8 inches. Ponder also had one of the best throwing sessions, drawing rave reviews after a stellar showing at the Senior Bowl, where he was named MVP.
What they're saying: “Ponder is intriguing in this quarterback class because he is almost a stealth passer at this point, a big-school guy hiding in all of the discussion about Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and even [Jake] Locker at this point. But in talking to several quarterback coaches, Ponder has been a guy many teams have been impressed with as far as how he handled being put on the board, breaking down certain defensive looks and what he would do with the ball in those specific situations.” – Jeff Legwold, Denver Post
"He played four years, he's a smart guy, he came from a pro-style offense where he's had to do the reads and he's had to make the throws. He's also a mobile guy. Christian Ponder's got a lot of things going for him." – Buffalo Bills General Manager Buddy Nix
“He struggled through a tough season, battling through numerous injuries and watching his draft stock plummet. After having surgery on his throwing elbow in December, he has recovered nicely and had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and then threw well at the NFL Scouting Combine. That has personnel men believing his injury issues are a thing of the past. Ponder also has outstanding character, intelligence, toughness and intangibles to merit a first-round pick.” – Russ Lande, Sporting News
“Ponder's a fit for a West Coast team that would allow him to use his good footwork and proficiency in the short passing game. Could become a starter if given time and decision making improves. Uses his feet to buy extra time, leave the pocket to throw, or take off and running for first downs. Exhibits the physical and mental toughness you like to see. Has enough arm strength but doesn't put elite zip on the ball and will try to fit it into too many tight spots downfield. Ponder has slowly climbed up boards, and he is almost certain to go in the second round.” – NFL.com
Projected round/pick: Second round
Christian Ponder of the Florida State Seminoles warms up before a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida.
By RAINER SABIN The Dallas Morning News rsabin@dallasnews.com
Published 09 April 2011 01:17 AM
CHRISTIAN PONDER
Position: Quarterback
HT/WT: 6-2/ 229
High school: Colleyville Heritage
College: Florida State
College career: An unheralded recruit coming out of high school, Ponder became Florida State’s starter for three seasons. In each of those years, Ponder threw for more than 2,000 yards. But Ponder was derailed by injuries, including a separated shoulder that ended his junior season he played in the first nine games. Ponder came back his senior season, but his accuracy suffered. He had two minor elbow surgeries last fall and connected on 61.5 percent of his passes – 7.3 percent less than he completed his junior season.
At the combine: In Indianapolis, Ponder ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, had a 34-inch vertical jump, and broad-jumped 9 feet, 8 inches. Ponder also had one of the best throwing sessions, drawing rave reviews after a stellar showing at the Senior Bowl, where he was named MVP.
What they're saying: “Ponder is intriguing in this quarterback class because he is almost a stealth passer at this point, a big-school guy hiding in all of the discussion about Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and even [Jake] Locker at this point. But in talking to several quarterback coaches, Ponder has been a guy many teams have been impressed with as far as how he handled being put on the board, breaking down certain defensive looks and what he would do with the ball in those specific situations.” – Jeff Legwold, Denver Post
"He played four years, he's a smart guy, he came from a pro-style offense where he's had to do the reads and he's had to make the throws. He's also a mobile guy. Christian Ponder's got a lot of things going for him." – Buffalo Bills General Manager Buddy Nix
“He struggled through a tough season, battling through numerous injuries and watching his draft stock plummet. After having surgery on his throwing elbow in December, he has recovered nicely and had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and then threw well at the NFL Scouting Combine. That has personnel men believing his injury issues are a thing of the past. Ponder also has outstanding character, intelligence, toughness and intangibles to merit a first-round pick.” – Russ Lande, Sporting News
“Ponder's a fit for a West Coast team that would allow him to use his good footwork and proficiency in the short passing game. Could become a starter if given time and decision making improves. Uses his feet to buy extra time, leave the pocket to throw, or take off and running for first downs. Exhibits the physical and mental toughness you like to see. Has enough arm strength but doesn't put elite zip on the ball and will try to fit it into too many tight spots downfield. Ponder has slowly climbed up boards, and he is almost certain to go in the second round.” – NFL.com
Projected round/pick: Second round
