Joel Stave

A two-star quarterback recruit out of high school, Stave received a full scholarship offer to Western Michigan (his only offer), but he signed with Wisconsin as a preferred walk-on, redshirting in 2011. With Russell Wilson off to the NFL, the starting quarterback job was an open competition in 2012 and Stave started six games as a redshirt freshman, recording 1,104 passing yards and six scores. He had his most productive season as a sophomore in 2013 with 61.9% completions, 2,494 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes. Stave started nine games in 2014 as a junior and recorded 53.4% completions, 1,350 passing yards, 10 interceptions and nine touchdowns. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2015, finishing with 60.8% completions, 2,687 passing yards and 11-to-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Stave accepted his invitation to the 2016 East-West Shrine Game. 12

in our view

A three-year starter in Wisconsin's pro-style offense, Stave had the unenviable task of filling the shoes of Russell Wilson as the Badgers' starting quarterback in 2012 and endured a roller coaster career in Madison - showed improvements as a senior following a disaster junior season. Stave has a tall, well developed frame with a live arm to generate unforced velocity, but he doesn't follow the quarterback Hippocratic Oath with too many hasty decisions and inaccurate throws on his game tape.

strengths

Passes the eye test with a tall, projectable frame...prototypical release and arm strength, spinning a pretty ball...efficient in his three- and five-step drops from under center with clean footwork to plant and drive...drills darts and unafraid to test small windows...eyes up with active feet...slides effectively to escape pressures...improved timing and confidence in 2015...accurate feel for routes under 15-yards...strong leadership traits and senior captain...studies the game with the desired intelligence for the position...graduated with a degree in civil engineering (Dec. 2015)...31-10 career record as a starter, setting the school-record for total wins by a quarterback...ranks second in the Wisconsin record books for career passing yards (7,636), completions (613) and touchdown tosses (48).

he has an uphill climb to carve out a nfl career, but with his physical traits and character, a team will give him a chance - has received draftable grades from some teams and might be a pet project for a quarterback coach.

--Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) (4/28/16)

weaknesses

Lacks the accuracy and tough required for the next level...undeveloped anticipation and doesn't trust what he sees...reckless decision-maker and leaves his receivers out to dry...sporadic ball placement...cabin fever, dropping his eyes and scrambling when first read doesn't come uncovered...throws too much to the other team with more interceptions (21) than touchdowns (20) the past two seasons...stiff hips in his delivery and requires mechanical maintenance...gun-shy tendencies and past bouts with confidence...decisions too influenced by defensive pressures...methodical pocket movements and won't extend plays...multiple bumps and bruises over his career, including a head injury (Oct. 2015).

2015

passing
ATT	YPA	PCT	YDS	INT	TD	COMPLETIONS
370.0	7.3	0.608	2687.0	11.0	11.0	225.0

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
-3.7	1.0	-123.0	33.0	11.0