Saints Workout Dual-Threat QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Former UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is generating plenty of buzz as a highly sought-after prospect for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
According to Texans beat writer Aaron Wilson, New Orleans arranged a private workout session with the talented young quarterback.
Nov 5, 2022; Tempe, Arizona, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1) hurdles Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Khoury Bethley (15) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
He's known for his intelligence, accuracy, athleticism, and mobility, but most of all possesses the characteristics the Saints' leadership looks for in a rising offensive leader.
Assistant general manager Jeff Ireland has expressed interest in taking a dual-threat quarterback during an interview at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl, adding even more fuel to the speculation around Thompson-Robinson and Hendon Hooker — who they also visited with earlier this week.
With impressive NFL Scouting Combine stats such as a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, 1.51-second 10-yard split, a 32.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-1 foot broad jump, it's no surprise that Thompson-Robinson is attracting curiosity from NFL teams.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson has an impressive resume, totaling 12,236 career yards and 116 touchdowns in his 48 starts at UCLA. Other stats appeal to a team like New Orleans, with his 63% completion rate, 1,823 rushing yards, and 28 rushing touchdowns while guiding the Bruins.
Thompson-Robinson earned twice second-team All-Pac 12 honors, played in the East-West Shrine Bowl, and participated in the 2023 NFL Combine.
Other NFL teams like Philadelphia, Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Cleveland have scheduled meetings with the talented quarterback. Overall, Thompson-Robinson's impressive stats and accolades make him an exciting prospect for the NFL draft.
"I just think the amount of snaps he's taken are invaluable. I think that's the one thing that the NFL is as looking at, how many snaps has this kid gotten at the college level so that he's prepared for the pro game." UCLA Head Coach Chip Kelly on Thompson-Robinson
What the NFL Draft Pros Say...
Emory Hunt (Football Gameplan)
- Strong arm and excellent velocity. He steps into a throw and can rifle it in there; he is not afraid to make tight-window throws.
- He's a streaky player who can get reckless with the football...you're scratching your head at his decisions.
Lance Zierlein (NFL.com)
- He gets through his progressions with good timing.
- Sometimes loses track of lurking zone defenders, which leads to interceptions.
NFL Draft Bible (SI.com)
- Thompson-Robinson is an athletic quarterback with average velocity who struggles under pressure and is inaccurate on deep and intermediate throws.
Thompson-Robinson could be a promising option for the Saints to draft in the mid-to-late rounds. His upsides could help him flourish in New Orleans. Learning and developing under veterans Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, and even Taysom Hill would benefit him.
His mobility also makes him a potential asset for the Saints in specific game scenarios - similar to they use Taysom Hill. Drafting him as his possible successor wouldn't be unexpected, and it could pay off for New Orleans in the future.
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