Sam Ehlinger Fantasy Football Rookie Profile
When the play breaks down is where quarterback Sam Ehlinger shows off his best traits. Leadership traits are plentiful with Ehlinger and should help him latch on with a team in the NFL. He is 6-foot-1, weighs 220 pounds and has good enough size for the position at the next level.
College Production
Ehlinger appeared in 46 games over his four-year career with the University of Texas. He completed 62.5 percent of his passes and averaged over seven yards per pass attempt. His best statistical season came during his junior season in 2019, when he passed for 3,663 yards and 32 touchdowns. He added another 663 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground that season. He rushed for 33 touchdowns during his career and was voted second-team All-Big 12 in 2020.
Film Review: Strengths and Weaknesses
There is youthful energy in the way Ehlinger plays quarterback. He thrives when things go off script and he has the opportunity to improvise. He is a willing and able runner and has adequate size to handle a rushing workload. His competitive drive and leadership traits are off the charts and he has an infectious presence his teammates seem to feed off. The ability he has to throw with anticipation is undoubtedly one of the most vital parts of his game.
As fun as he is to watch, Ehlinger has below-average arm strength and streaky accuracy as a passer. The odds are stacked against him in landing a starting quarterback job. Still, his character, energy and leadership ability make him a solid bet to stick on an NFL roster as a developmental backup. If he does see time as a starter, his fantasy value will indeed be supplemented by his ability to run the football. Ehlinger can be targeted as a dart throw in the deepest of rookie drafts in superflex formats.
Pro Day Performance
Height: 6011
Weight: 220
40 Yard Dash: 4.84
Short Shuttle: 4.44
3-Cone: 7.15
Vertical: 36.5
Broad: 9-06
Landing Spot
The Indianapolis Colts selected Ehlinger with the 34th pick in the sixth round, the 218th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Projection
The Colts are invested in Carson Wentz as their starter for the immediate future and selecting Ehlinger helps shore up the backup quarterback position. If there is a coach that can help Ehlinger develop into a more consistent player, Frank Reich may very well be that guy. Fantasy football relevance for Ehlinger is unlikely in the short term but for teams who are severely quarterback needy in superflex formats he is worth a waiver wire pickup to stash on the back of your roster.
