Jimmy Garoppolo
QB, Eastern Illinois · 2014 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #62 (NWE)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #50 (#4 at his position), close to where he went (#62). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Eastern Illinois: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.97 40-yard dash at 226 lbs: faster than 13% of QBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
QB (QB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 35.6% of the time (270 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 85 of ~197 possible regular-season games from 2014 through 2025 (~43%).
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 85 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 47 |
| Passing | 1304/1936, 15,828 yds, 96 TD, 52 INT |
| Rushing | 196 att, 259 yds, 7 TD |
| Receiving | 2 rec, -3 yds, undefined TD |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
The 2014 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2014 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position QB | 35.6% n=270 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 226 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.97 s |
| Vertical | 30.5" |
| Broad jump | 110" |
| 3-cone | 7.04 s |
| Shuttle | 4.26 s |
| Arm / hand | 31" / 9.2" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #50 overall (#4 QB) |
Picked around him 2014 redraft
| 59 | Jack Mewhort | redraft #74 |
| 60 | Kony Ealy | redraft #108 |
| 61 | Allen Robinson | redraft #26 |
| 63 | Jarvis Landry | redraft #19 |
| 64 | Justin Britt | redraft #32 |
| 65 | C.J. Fiedorowicz | redraft #138 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.