2027 NFL Draft summer scouting report: CJ Bailey, QB, NC State

While the NFL seems to be leaning toward the more mobile quarterbacks, there still seems to be a home for pocket passers. However, there are a few starters left who don't often leave the pocket. Pocket passers are becoming a dime-a-dozen in college, but NC State's CJ Bailey is more old-school, with a prototypical build who stays in the pocket but has sneaky upside in short-yardage carries. What does his summer scouting report look like? Let's talk about it.

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 210 lbs

Recruiting rank: Three-star recruit, no. 24 QB nationally in 2024

Hometown: Hollywood, Florida

Games watched: Wake Forest, Duke, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Miami, FSU

Strengths:

NFL coaches will drool over his frame, especially if he adds 10-15 lbs

Does a great job working through progressions

Footwork is a plus. His ability to climb the pocket is among the best in the class

Drives the ball down the field with ease, dropping deep passes in the bucket

Six rushing touchdowns were a surprise last season

Played arguably his best game against #8 Georgia Tech, throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns

Weaknesses:

Must work on the short-area accuracy

Tends to be overly aggressive when down, as shown by his three interceptions against Notre Dame

Brings very little in terms of play creation. Very limited playmaker

He *can* extend plays when needed, but he does not look to do it often

Could use those 10-15 added lbs this season

CJ Bailey has a ton of potential. His massive frame will have NFL teams interested, and his ability to read a defense post-snap is great. However, the accuracy must improve, and he should trust his legs a little more. As things stand, Bailey gets a fourth-round grade and would be a very intriguing camp quarterback to have compete for a QB2 spot.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft summer scouting report: CJ Bailey, QB, NC State