Leaf a tough, confident quarterback

By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN.com

Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from Mel Kiper's 1998 "Draft Report" on Washington State's Ryan Leaf, who was Kiper's No. 2-rated quarterback behind Tennessee's Peyton Manning.




Considering all of his accomplishments this past season, it's even more amazing when you stop to consider that he was entering just his second season as the starter when the '97 campaign got under way. Even dating back to his prep days in Great Falls, Mont., Leaf didn't exactly put up stats that would lead you to believe he would eventually develop into a franchise-type QB.

Enjoyed a decent '96 campaign , tossing 21 TDs compared to 12 interceptions. However, he completed just 52 percent of his passes as the Cougars limped to a 5-6 record, dropping their last four games. As you can see, while Leaf showed exciting future potential with his imposing size and tremendous arm strength, he was far from a finished product. This past season, though, Leaf made huge strides in all the key phases of QB play. Much of the credit goes to Cougars head coach Mike Price, who also works directly with the QBs. Last summer, with Price by his side, Leaf significantly improved his mechanics throwing the football, allowing him to enter the '97 season looking more and more like a future NFL star. From the outset, Leaf seemed more comfortable delivering all the various types of passes. Arm strength had never been a problem. This kid is the ultimate top gun. With defenders draped all over his 245-pound frame, Leaf's been known to throw darts 30 yards down the field. He can also get the job done in an unorthodox manner when the situation dictates. With Leaf, he can throw effectively moving in either direction, delivering accurate strikes that make you hit the rewind button on the VCR.

His size and strength are a rarity at the QB position. There are no obstructions for Leaf, plus he'll remind you of former NFL star Roman Gabriel with the way he pushes 280-pound DL to the ground. While not a scrambler, he'll run legit 4.70s, able to see an opening and pick up the necessary yardage to move the chains.

This past season he improved significantly in terms of decision making, although there are still times where he'll try to force the action, making ill-advised throws that result in a turnover. With Leaf you don't want to harness his aggressiveness though, since that gunslinger approach is what he's all about.

In terms of leadership ability, Leaf is respected by his teammates who realize there isn't a tougher, more confident QB out there.

Physically, he's always had what it takes to be one of the first players selected. However, it was his attention to detail last summer and willingness to put in the necessary time on the practice field that pushed him over the top in terms of developing into a complete QB. Leaf is the type who can single-handedly put a team in the win column, which at the pro level is the ultimate sign of greatness.