Mike White
QB, Western Kentucky · 2018 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #171 (DAL)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: position, availability. Details below.
- 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 15 of ~116 possible regular-season games from 2018 through 2024 (~13%). Last NFL season: 2024.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #120 overall (#9 at his position), but he lasted until pick #171: teams let him slide 51 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Western Kentucky: 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 5.09 40-yard dash at 224 lbs: faster than 5% 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.
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 bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 15 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 5 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 5.0 |
| Passing | 199/324, 2,247 yds, 9 TD, 13 INT |
| Rushing | 19 att, -1 yds, 1 TD |
| Last NFL season | 2024 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2018 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2018 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position QB | 35.6% n=270 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| 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 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 5", 224 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.09 s |
| Vertical | 27" |
| Broad jump | 96" |
| 3-cone | 7.4 s |
| Shuttle | 4.4 s |
| Arm / hand | 31.88" / 9.5" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #120 overall (#9 QB) |
Picked around him 2018 redraft
| 168 | Jamarco Jones | redraft #159 |
| 169 | Jordan Wilkins | redraft #149 |
| 170 | Darius Phillips | redraft #157 |
| 172 | JK Scott | redraft #118 |
| 173 | Johnny Townsend | redraft #202 |
| 174 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | redraft #67 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.