A101 Team Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is famous for being the greatest “steal” in the history of the NFL draft. A sixth-round draft pick, he would later win four Super Bowl MVP awards – the most of any NFL player in history. How did scouts pass him by?
Forbes contributor Victor Lipman decided to dig up Tom Brady’s scouting report. Here’s what scouts initially had to say about him:
Tom Brady Positives: Good height to see the field. Very poised and composed. Smart and alert. Can read coverages. Good accuracy and touch. Produces in big spots and in big games. Has some Brian Griese [former NFL quarterback] in him and is a gamer. Generally plays within himself. Team leader.
Negatives: Poor build. Very skinny and narrow. Ended the ’99 season weighing 195 pounds and still looks like a rail at 211. Looks a little frail and lacks great physical stature and strength. Can get pushed down more easily than you’d like. Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush. Lacks a really strong arm. Can’t drive the ball down the field and does not throw a really tight spiral. System-type player who can get exposed if he must ad-lib and do things on his own.
Summary: Is not what you’re looking for in terms of physical stature, strength, arm strength and mobility, but he has the intangibles and production and showed great Griese-like improvement as a senior. Could make it in the right system but will not be for everyone.
Tom Brady, of course, would go on to win more Super Bowls than any quarterback in NFL history. What couldn’t those scouts see? The intense work ethic that would propel him into the ranks of the greats.
Learn more about Tom Brady’s work ethic here.
