Coming off a season-ending torn ACL in 2022, Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke is looking to beat the odds to be a 2024 NFL Draft class riser. We’re breaking down Rourke’s scouting report for next year’s NFL Draft.
Kurtis Rourke Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 211 pounds
- Position: Quarterback
- School: Ohio
- Current Year: Senior
Rourke, the brother of former Ohio great Nathan Rourke, has established an efficient career through two full seasons. Despite tearing his ACL in November 2022, Kurtis started the first game of the 2023 campaign but was injured on a sack in the first half. His injury was considered not serious, but he did not return against San Diego State.
Kurtis Rourke Scouting Report
Strengths
- He’s a well-built player who looks heavier than his listed weight, boasting NFL height and strength.
- Increased his average yards per attempt and completion rate from 2021 to 2022, averaging 9.2 yards despite completing 69.2% of throws.
- Strong arm that allows him to make every throw possible on the field. Has no issues generating velocity.
- Enough mobility to get outside of the pocket and create a bit for himself.
- Gained confidence throughout the 2022 season, showing more downfield aggressiveness and consistency reading coverages pre-snap.
- Trustworthy player who avoids turnover-worthy throws effectively.
- Release is good enough to take advantage of fleeting passing windows.
Weaknesses
- Has heavy feet that show when he’s moving within the pocket. Rourke struggles to move laterally quickly enough to evade rushers.
- Can be schemed into taking too many dump-off passes that stagnate the offense. He has to stay aggressive.
- Gets rhythmic with his motions and gets complacent about sticking to his first read instead of diagnosing the post-snap defensive changes.
- He feels pressure caving in and is visibly unsure of his ability to create more time inside the pocket and scrambling around. Doesn’t play loosely.
- Injury history is quickly becoming a concern, and he’s a target in the pocket as a less-mobile athlete.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Rourke is a bit of a throwback QB prospect in a class filled with more natural playmakers who struggled with their operational mechanics and mindset. He’s a decent athlete for his size but is limited to being a downhill runner. Playing more relaxed and free would help Rourke maximize his talent.
There’s quite a bit of talent sitting on his shoulder. A strong-armed, accurate passer who can quickly heat up and pepper defenses with a barrage of damaging throws, Rourke is at his best when he’s correct in making his first read, and he doesn’t have to think post-snap.
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Unfortunately, that latter point is what defines how successful NFL players are. Rourke has the physical traits to be a good backup who strings together quality performances behind a good offensive line. His upside will be determined by how well he adjusts to playing faster defenses who will throw more confusing looks.
We’re watching to see how that evolves throughout the 2023 season.
