Ryan

Lindley

The 29-year-old was a sixth-round pick of the Cardinals in 2012 and spent four years bouncing around the league, making six starts for Arizona. He has a connection with newly-promoted Browns OC Freddie Kitchens from their time in the desert. Lindley is unlikely to keep the job for the 2019 season.

Lindley had the highest score gathered by the Journal-Sentinel, and Ryan Tannehill’s 34 was second. To round out the group: Kirk Cousins (33), Nick Foles (29), Russell Wilson (28), Brandon Weeden (27), Kellen Moore (26), Brock Osweiler (25).

Lindley’s cannon arm, 6'4/226 frame and football IQ make him an intriguing prospect. The issue here is severe accuracy woes. But for a team whose depth chart at quarterback reads Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Richard Bartel, Lindley is certainly worth a flier. He has an excellent chance of beating out Bartel for the third-stringer job.

A prototypical 6'4/226, Lindley’s accuracy woes (career 57.2 completion percentage in the Mountain West) overshadowed his rocket arm and high football IQ as he tumbled to day three. Lindley has been working on his footwork “a ton” as he gears up to compete with Richard Bartel for Arizona’s No. 3 job. The competition should be tilted in Lindley’s favor.

“It’s going to be a struggle because you only have so many reps,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "(Lindley) will have to learn by watching.” The Cardinals have given no thought to the notion of playing Lindley during his rookie year. He’s viewed inside the organization as a developmental project for the future.

Jaws has watched Lindley’s college tape extensively. “I can put a highlight reel together and show you 25 throws that you would say this guy should be a first-round pick,” said Jaworski. “Unfortunately, I could show you 25 throws where you say he shouldn’t be drafted at all.” Lindley will have to clean up his footwork and mechanics to improve his spotty accuracy, but Jaworski is confident the rookie has a “big-time arm.”

NFL rules prohibit underclassmen from participating in Pro Days, and all of Lindley’s 2011 receivers were underclassmen after the graduation of DeMarco Sampson and Vincent Brown. Per NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, Lindley “put on a show” and “should be a fourth-round pick.” A favorite of NFL Films’ Greg Cosell, Lindley is a smarter version of Derek Anderson with a cannon arm and ideal size.

Lindley’s accuracy was panned at the Senior Bowl, but Cosell says he made “more NFL throws than any quarterback (I’ve) evaluated on film.” Admitting Lindley’s accuracy is “scattershot,” Cosell nevertheless expects him to draw interest from “play action intermediate/vertical teams.” He’ll likely be a day-three pick.

Lindley was also off the mark in Saturday’s game, going 10-of-21 for 103 yards and an interception. While Lindley possesses ideal stature and arm strength for an NFL quarterback, he never shook off early-career accuracy woes at San Diego State and regressed as a senior after losing coach Brady Hoke to Michigan. At this point, Lindley projects as a late-round pick.

Strong-armed but riddled with mechanical issues, Lindley was a chic post-draft media pick to see action as a rookie. It’s now clear that the Cardinals view him as a long-term project. Converting to safety from cornerback, Bethel projects as a core special teamer. Kelemete will play a backup guard role if he makes the roster as a rookie.