QB Joshua Dobbs scripted own plays, stood out at Tennessee Pro Day

The San Francisco 49ers were on hand for the Tennessee Pro Day last week, and while Derek Barnett and Alvin Kamara were the big names, quarterback Joshua Dobbs reportedly stood out.

The most interesting piece of information I recently came across was Gil Brandt’s report that Dobbs scripted out his own workout. Dobbs did not run or do the other Combine timing drills, but he did go through passing drills and impressed by most accounts. Brandt said that Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin dropped a, “Who is this guy?” after observing Dobbs.

Here are a few videos from his workout:

Dobbs was the subject of a recent feature on MMQB in Emily Kaplan’s weekly college column. He is a smart guy, and when I say smart, I mean really smart. This past season he was taking classes in astronautics, propulsion, and aerodynamics. He talked with Kaplan about taking an analytical approach to the game while maintaining some improvisational balance. When she asked him to give a scouting report on himself, he offered this:

“Joshua Dobbs is a quarterback from the University of Tennessee... Four year starter at the U of T. Understands what it’s like to be the face of a program. His on the field characteristics: He's tough, physically and mentally understands the game. Understands play caller’s intent and what the defense is doing. He can stand in the pocket and make throws but he can also break the pocket and make plays if things break down. Joshua Dobbs has a bright future and has the opportunity to be the face of a franchise and be a productive quarterback in the National Football League for any team that gives him the opportunity.”

In terms of weaknesses in his game, Lance Zierlein pointed to some bad decision-making, footwork issues, some delivery balance issues, and a need to add weight to his frame. In summarizing Dobbs, Zierlein had this to say:

Dobbs is hardly incompetent as a passer, but he hasn't shown as much growth with his ball placement and accuracy as scouts had hoped to see from this former four-star prospect. Dobbs has decent size and is an outstanding runner outside the pocket which could appeal to a team looking for a developmental quarterback with play-making ability.

CBS Sports projected him as a potential sixth round pick, so even if he climbs a little, he is looking at a day three selection. The 49ers need to draft at least one quarterback. We’ve heard plenty of talk about Mitchell Trubisky, DeShone Kizer, Patrick Mahomes, and others in the first couple rounds. It will be interesting to see if they invest in a higher round QB and then also bring along a lower round option.