The NFL Draft came and went without Carson Strong being drafted. But shortly after the draft ended, the former Nevada quarterback found an NFL home.
Kirsten Moran of Nevada Sports Net reported that Strong had signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.
JUST IN: Quarterback Carson Strong has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent
— Kirsten Moran-Kellar (@kirstenlizmoran) April 30, 2022
Ordinarily, an undrafted free agent signing somewhere shortly after the draft isn’t notable. Those players generally are considered longshots to make the team and often don’t even make it through training camp before being cut. But Strong is a different story.
Not too long ago, it was conceivable that he’d be a first-round pick. Even after that didn’t happen, it would not have been a surprise to hear Strong’s name as a second or third-round selection on Friday.
So, what kept Strong from being drafted? Likely, it was a history of knee injuries. There’s no doubt that he has the talent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nYNgvwOHh0
Given that, many NFL observers were bullish on Philadelphia’s decision to sign him.
Love this UDFA class. Carson Strong is a lottery ticket, but he’s well worth it. If his knees are okay, Strong can spin it. https://t.co/mfvgx3OBiT
— cayden steele (@cayden_steele19) April 30, 2022
The #Eagles have the best backup QB room in the NFL with Minshew and Strong. https://t.co/1tft1AHeJZ
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) April 30, 2022
Love the signing. He was in my top 100. Really good player with major medical red flags. https://t.co/ykDzQFuvHa
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) April 30, 2022
Howie is getting it done. Love this move. https://t.co/vUSGcarZE3
— Chris (@CBengelCBS) April 30, 2022
QUARTERBACK. FACTORY. https://t.co/NOfOqDC00C
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) April 30, 2022
Like him as a future QB2. Strong arm. Not that mobile but has a very strong arm and a line to protect him. Have to make sure his knee ok. https://t.co/qpd9FY7Bd5
— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) April 30, 2022
Interesting. I wasn't sure a top UDFA QB would want to come to Philly. Strong has a big arm and legit NFL talent. Injury issues killed his draft value. https://t.co/lX9vQa2enN
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) April 30, 2022
In addition to the injuries, Strong is hurt by his mobility, or lack thereof. He’s pretty much a pocket passer.
That said, Strong showed at Nevada that he’s a great pocket passer. In three seasons with the Wolf Pack, Strong completed 68.1% of his passes for 9,397 yards with 74 touchdowns, 19 interceptions and a 147.53 (103.43 with the NFL formula) passer rating. In 2021, he completed 70% of his passes for 4,186 yards with 36 touchdowns, eight picks and a 158.8 (111.55 in the NFL) passer rating.
With Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew already on board, Strong will have a challenge to even make the team. But if he can show the passing form that he showed at Nevada, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Strong not only in the NFL when the regular season begins, but taking snaps.
