Tanner McKee (Eagles) NFL Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Outlook
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Tanner McKee in the sixth round. While McKee may have been a standout player in college, his fantasy football impact in the NFL will be minimal. As it stands, McKee has virtually no shot at playing time in 2023, as Jalen Hurts is firmly entrenched as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. Behind Hurts is Marcus Mariota, who would step in if needed.
McKee has no fantasy value in redraft leagues. While he may have some potential as a developmental quarterback, he is unlikely to see the field in 2023, barring injury to Hurts and Mariota. For dynasty league managers, McKee is not on my radar.
Tanner McKee NFL Draft Preview
Tanner McKee, once thought to be a potential first-round draft pick, is likely to be a late second-round or a third-round pick after his passing numbers slipped following his first season starting at Stanford.
As a junior, McKee completed 62% of his passes for 2,947 yards on 426 attempts. He threw for 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 12 games. McKee had 111 more pass attempts last season than he had in 2021 but threw for two fewer touchdowns. His yards per attempt also dropped by half a yard and his passer rating fell by 10 points.
McKee has been compared to Matt Cassel and Trent Edwards. Because of his prototypical build and good mechanics in the pocket, teams might look to draft McKee earlier than projected to avoid missing out on his potential.
Looking for a later round potential sleeper at QB?
There’s a lot to like about #Stanford QB Tanner McKee
6’6 226
Big Arm (53 yard strike below)
65.4 comp %— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) January 24, 2023
Measurables
- 6″6 231 lbs
- Arm Length 32.875″
- Hand Size 9.375″
Positives
One of McKee’s biggest strengths is his physical attributes. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at 231 pounds, he has the prototypical build for an NFL quarterback. He uses his height to see over the offensive line and deliver accurate passes downfield. His arm strength allows him to make throws into tight windows and stretch the field vertically. He has also shown good accuracy on short and intermediate routes.
In addition to his physical tools, McKee is a great pocket passer. He has good footwork and mechanics, which allows him to deliver accurate passes even when facing pressure. He has shown a willingness to stand in the pocket and deliver passes while taking hits from defenders.
He is able to stay calm and composed in the pocket, going through his progressions and finding the open receiver. His experience in a pro-style offense at Stanford has helped him develop a strong understanding of complex offensive schemes and route concepts.
McKee has the ability to make accurate throws on short and intermediate routes. He has good touch and placement on his passes, which allows him to complete passes in tight windows.
Negatives
One of his weaknesses is his decision-making under pressure. When facing a heavy pass rush or tight coverage, he has been known to make questionable decisions that can lead to turnovers.
Another area where McKee could improve is his mobility. He is not known for his speed or ability to scramble, which could limit his effectiveness against NFL defenses. While he has shown some ability to move within the pocket and avoid pressure, he will need to work on his footwork and agility to become a more dynamic quarterback.
McKee’s performance at the NFL combine was underwhelming. His lack of elite athleticism and speed could limit his draft stock, as many NFL teams are looking for quarterbacks who can create plays with their legs.
McKee’s college stats were average, with a completion percentage of around 63% and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 16:6.
More Tanner McKee Throwing pic.twitter.com/wBMh7saZyh
— Alex 👋 (@Dubs408) March 4, 2023
Grade – B
Many NFL teams see potential in McKee. His size, arm strength, and accuracy make him an attractive prospect, and his experience in a pro-style offense suggests that he has the potential to develop into a reliable starter at the next level. He will need to work on his decision-making under pressure and his mobility, but with the right coaching and support, he could become a solid quarterback in the NFL.
In terms of his potential as a starter in the NFL, a lot will depend on the team that drafts him. McKee will need to have a strong supporting cast, including a solid offensive line and talented receivers, to help him succeed. He will also need to continue to work on his weaknesses and develop his strengths to reach his full potential as an NFL quarterback.
Doug Burrell finished 2022 as Fantasy Nerd’s Most Accurate Expert in NFL Picks and Tallysight’s #1 ranked expert Against the Spread Expert out of 200+ experts. He is a veteran, a runner and an avid fantasy sports enthusiast since 1999. You can reach him on Twitter @dougwburrell.
