After suffering a torn ACL in the 2023 Rose Bowl, Utah quarterback Cameron Rising was at risk of missing a significant chunk of this season. Instead, Rising has recovered faster than anticipated. We’re breaking down Rising’s scouting report for the 2024 NFL Draft class.
Cameron Rising Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 220
- School: Utah
- Age: 24
Rising threw only six passes in 2019 and 2020 but quickly elevated himself to a solid starter once he earned the job in 2021. He’s completed 64.1% of his passes for 46 touchdowns and 14 interceptions entering the 2023 campaign.
Unfortunately, Rising has dealt with several notable injuries, including his torn ACL in January 2023, a concussion in the 2022 Rose Bowl, and a season-ending shoulder injury in 2020.
Cameron Rising Scouting Report
Strengths
- Good athlete who can scramble out of pressure and evade contact as defenders bear down on him.
- Polished pocket passer who can attack all three levels of the field thanks to good arm strength.
- Comfortable in both spread concepts and under center in a play-action offense. Understands pre-snap advantages and executes his reads.
- Manages games effectively as he protects the ball. Has only 14 interceptions on 711 career attempts entering 2023.
- Flashes playmaking ability as he rises in key moments with difficult throws.
- Trusted option on rollout passes as he reads defenders’ leverage effectively.
- Mechanically sound player who gets the most out of his physical traits.
- Infectious leadership due to his all-out style.
Weaknesses
- Can fall into too much of a game manager, largely disappearing or checking down for chunks of games. Has to stay aggressive.
- His arm talent struggles to compensate when his throwing base isn’t aligned.
- Post-snap adjustments are inconsistent. He’s overly reliant on pre-snap reads.
- Lack of durability likely stems from his playing style, so he has to protect himself better. But he loses value if he scales his game back.
- Turns 25 years old in May 2024, which is old for a rookie.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
It’s impossible to not enjoy watching Rising play college football. He’s easy to root for because he leaves everything he has on the field every single week. But that has come at a cost, as Rising has missed time in two straight Rose Bowls when Utah needed him the most.
When Rising is on the field, he’s a reliable and malleable signal-caller. Compared to other NFL starters, he has average physical traits, but that’s enough to be a quality player at the next level. There are moments of brilliant improvisation and confidence amidst a more rhythmic style.
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A quicker-than-fast athlete who can threaten defenses by throwing vertically, Rising has the profile of a high-end backup at the next level. He’s not consistently creative enough or physically overwhelming, plus he’s an older prospect with a significant injury history.
There should be interest in Rising on Day 3 of the draft. We know exactly who he is as a player, but will have to prove himself healthy throughout 2023.