The NFL is a copycat league, as the phrase goes. It would be interesting to watch whether other NFL teams take a chance on college quarterbacks late in the NFL draft, especially with former Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy scheduled to start in the Super Bowl on February 11.
Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire for USA Today took that Pittsburgh Steelers scenario into consideration for his most recent mock draft.
Sam Hartman, the quarterback for Notre Dame, was selected by Popejoy to the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
“Hartman has a lot of experience, but the video demonstrates that he can make every throw, has good accuracy, and can throw a deep ball very well,” wrote Popejoy. “Hartman excels when working on-the-go because he is also athletic.”
Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network enumerated a number of reasons why Hartman is not expected to be a highly sought-after candidate in this year’s draft. Cummings countered that he may develop into a strong pick on Day 3.
Hartman doesn’t quite have the necessary operational profile to make up for his age and lack of elite physical attributes, which will limit his range as a 2024 NFL Draft potential, according to Cummings. “However, he could field an investment as a passer with long-term quality backup potential in the late Day 3 range.”
A prolific quarterback in college football history, Hartman spent six seasons with Wake Forest and Notre Dame. His college career came to an end with 15,656 throwing yards, 134 touchdowns, and 49 interceptions.
With an average of 8.9 yards per throw attempt in 2023, Hartman completed 63.5% of his attempts for 24 touchdowns while playing for Notre Dame.
Sam Hartman, an NFL prospect, struggles at the Senior Bowl
As a result of several of the most highly anticipated quarterback prospects withdrawing from the Senior Bowl, Hartman was given the chance to improve his draft standing. Rather, he might have made it lower with his play.
Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now stated, “Hartman did not impress, completing just seven passes on 25 attempts for 69 yards.” “He led the team to three field goals, but practically every drive, Hartman struggled with accuracy or reading the defense, which allowed Louisville’s Jarvis Brownlee to intercept him poorly.
He played below the line and received a 43.2 quarterback rating overall. It appeared as though he had fallen off a cliff on Saturday, after we had seen him at least tread water for a week.
Hartman might need to put in some work after that performance to regain his lost Day 3 stock.
Hartman’s physical attributes, according to Cummings, are not suitable for the NFL. It doesn’t help his cause that he turns 25 in July either.
