Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Bailey Zappe’s intrigue

Bailey Zappe scouting report

• Height: 6-foot-0.5
• Weight: 215 pounds
• Arm length: 31.375 inches
• Hand size: 9.75 inches
• 40-yard dash: 4.88 seconds
• 2021 PFF grade: 87.8

Transferring to Western Kentucky for the 2021 season was a fantastic decision from Bailey Zappe and one that propelled him into the spotlight. His production was nothing short of exceptional en route to breaking FBS records for passing yards and touchdowns gained, which was a remarkable achievement considering this was his first taste of this standard of football following his stint with Houston Baptist – the only scholarship offer he received coming out of high school.

Zappe is a fearless distributor in the pocket who has a real conviction in his throws. There is exceptional accuracy on short to intermediate routes and this is matched by enough arm strength to get the ball downfield when chances come.

For someone relatively unheralded, Zappe is a smart quarterback. This enables him to see the field well, process information effectively, and a timely release also aids his cause when pressure arrives.

While Zappe is undersized compared to typical NFL signal-callers, this is no longer as important as it once was and the prospect also plays faster than one might expect with a 4.88-second 40-yard dash time.

There are some potential complications regarding Zappe and whether or not he can maintain this exceptional momentum in the pros. He gambles a lot with his decision-making, which might be something he got away with in college but will not be so lucky at the next level.

Zappe also doesn’t have the biggest arm ever and mobility scrambling out of the pocket is also an issue. The signal-caller could also use some more velocity on his throws rather than relying on receivers to make plays for him, so to speak.