Former Pitt QB Palko signs with Saints as free agent
 

Wow, that didn't take long. I was never really impressed with Palko. I watched a few Pitt games over the last few seasons, and always thought he was all hype. Just curious, why were people so high on this guy in college?

Scouts, Inc. scouting report:

Strengths: Shows good mobility and buys a lot of extra time with his ability to scramble. He throws well on the run and can pick up yards with his feet. Is instinctive and shows flashes of very good playmaking skills. Is the type that will make things happen after the initial play breaks down. He possesses good arm strength. Shows the ability to drive the ball downfield. Also shows good zip on intermediate throws. While has been streaky in the past, is more efficient now and doesn't force as many throws as did earlier in his career. Took some time to adjust to new scheme at the collegiate level but shows good awareness and generally does a nice job of executing the offense. Possesses very good ball skills and can freeze linebackers as well as safeties with play fakes. He is a tough, aggressive competitor. His teammates respect him and respond to his leadership. A hard working player and reliable person. Dad was his high school football coach.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal height and has problems scanning the field. Still trusts arm too much at times and will try to fit the ball into tight spots that he shouldn't. Must learn when to throw the ball away and when to take the sack. His mechanics are inconsistent and doesn't always follow through. He also needs to learn to show more patience in the pocket. It seems that he has smaller hands, as he has some fumbling problems and has struggled in film we've viewed of him in rainy conditions.

Overall: Palko saw very limited action as a true freshman in six games and was then redshirted before the 2003 season. In 2004, as first year starter (all 12 games) Palko earned All-Big East first team honors. He completed 56-percent of his passes for 3,067 yards and threw 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. Palko's numbers slipped after the program's coaching change prior to the 2005 season when he completed 56.6-percent of his attempts and threw for only 2,392 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 11 games, but still earned another second team All-Big East selection. In 2006, Palko threw for 2,871 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 68.3-percent of his throws.
Palko had a rollercoaster career at Pittsburgh. He broke out as a junior in 2004 before faltering under first-year head coach Dave Wannstedt in 2005. To his credit, Palko rebounded nicely as a senior and showed very good leadership skills in the meantime. While he lacks ideal size and arm strength, Palko does possess the mobility, competitiveness and toughness to contribute in the NFL. In our opinion, Palko is worth a late round pick for teams with employing West Coast offensive schemes.

Maybe because of his athleticism:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zssQB78uzmI

Some more goodness:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mwkQ_i6eetE

On an earlier post I actually had him listed as a potential signing. Not that I got any other picks right (should have studied the MAC and Wingate closer)

Anyway, the kid has never had anything around him, but won some games. Decent size, arm, nothing real special. My gues he'll beat out Fife, but then again, we should be looking at someone to challenge Martin

10. Tyler Palko - 6014, 215, 4.83, Pittsburgh
A very cerebral, left-handed QB with good NFL size and intangibles. Coach's son who has played his whole life and seen everything there is to see. Takes charge, and people follow. Fiery, leads by example. Smart, like a coach on the field. Shows some special leaderhip abilities. Can make all the tough throws. Very confident. A gamer with wonderful gridiron instincts.
Tough and a classic gunslinger that plays like a LB. Very tough. Decent athlete who is deceptively mobile and can move a bit when flushed. Throws well on the run. Really sells the playaction. Upside intangibles are outstanding.

Does not have the height that you look for. Not the most accurate passer around. Tries to make too much happen on his own and gets burned by it. Bit too much of a risk taker. Doesn't always take what the defense is giving. Forces some throws. Accuracy comes and goes. Doesn't have outstanding touch or timing and does not see the entire field well. Holds onto the ball too long and takes too many sacks. His mechanics are spotty and need to be refined. Technique and footwork need a lot of work. Does not have a huge arm. A bit of a system guy? Plays with too much swagger ?

Plays with too much swagger ? How does a QB have to much?


scott you did pick him. good going. your the only to get one right.

I was sold after he blasted the defensder from BC, and I saw the team just evelope him with joy on the sidelines

I like Palko... I thought he would have been a nice pick in the 7th round. I happy we got him as an undrafted free agent. He's been under Wannstedt for the past couple of seasons... so it's should be able to pick up the pro system a bit easier than some other guys. He's not going to come in here and be our 2, but should make a good guy to develop on our practice squad.

I'd rather they signed Chris Leak or Zabransky