Andy Dalton

A self-described perfectionist, Dalton has been steadily preparing for the NFL since leading Katy High School to the Texas 5A finals as a senior. He was only 185 pounds when he arrived at TCU, so Dalton spent his redshirt season bulking up and learning a new offense. He took over the starting job in 2007 and promptly shattered the Horned Frogs' freshman passing records. Dalton produced his second 2,000-yard passing season and second bowl game MVP as a sophomore. That was a prelude to TCU's breakout 2009 season in which Dalton led the Horned Frogs to a 12-1 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State. Having already tied Slingin' Sammy Baugh's school record with 29 career victories, Dalton put a firm stamp on TCU's record books as a senior. He set single-season records with a 66.1 completion percentage and 27 touchdown passes and capped his career by leading a victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, earning his third bowl game MVP in the process. He leaves as the owner of every major passing record in school history. "I matured a lot and grew up a lot during my time (at TCU)," Dalton said. "Think back to my freshman year and I didn't know what exactly I was doing out there, but I became more comfortable and that has to do with all the time I got to play. "I became smarter with the football and more efficient passing. I understood the ins and outs of the offense, working so much harder towards the end of my career. I found what it took to be successful." That success came in the form of a 42-7 career record as a starter, and Dalton believes his vast experience gives him a leg up on other quarterbacks in this draft. "I got to play in a lot of ballgames," he said. "I've been put in every situation. Hopefully teams see that I've played in s lot of games and won a lot of them." Dalton's arm strength has been a hot topic of debate during the pre-draft process. However, his athleticism is often underrated - he also rushed for 1,611 yards and 22 touchdowns at TCU. "(Criticism is) part of it, it makes you better," Dalton said. "People say you don't have a strong arm or can't do something, it's just motivation to go out there and prove them wrong." And there are worse things than being labeled as a quarterback who simply knows how to win games. "I understand the game really well," he said. "I think it's the way the offense was for me and TCU put a lot on me. I knew a lot, which allowed them to put a lot on me. ... Hopefully (NFL teams will) see that I'm a winner, I didn't lose very many ballgames. I can't stand to lose. All my hard work is to win ball games."

strengths

Intelligent passer who can audible at the line. Durable leader for whom teammates will play. Strong over-the-top delivery, high ball carriage. Good zip on short and intermediate throws, can fit a ball between defenders in zone within 15 yards when footwork is solid. Throws to the opposite hash with accuracy. Nice touch on fade throws. Makes passes tall in the back of the end zone so only his receiver can reach it. Has enough mobility to escape pocket when flushed to throw the ball away, will gain a few yards with his feet when plays break down. Adequate throwing on the run, better running to his right.

compares to

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills - While little stands out about Dalton when stack-ranked physically against the other quarterbacks in this class, he is an intelligent, hard-working team leader who flat out knows how to win football games.

weaknesses

Spread offense product, must learn to read defenses from a drop. Usually catch-and-throw passer from shotgun, makes some poor decisions when primary receiver is covered. Spends little time under center on passing plays, will hand off occasionally from drop. Will throw off his back foot and with an inconsistent spiral when pressured. Does not drive the ball downfield, floats it down the seam or the sideline. Not an elusive runner, needs to keep his head up on the run and learn to slide.

Combine: 4.82 40-yard dash; 8'10" broad jump; 29 1/2-inch vertical; 4.27 short shuttle; 6.93 3-cone drill.

The Houston Chronicle Greater Houston Area Offensive Player of the Year

a finalist for both Texas Football 5A Player of the Year and the Touchdown Club Greater Houston Offensive Player of the Year

third-team Texas 5A All-State and a 5A Texas Football Region 3 Player of the Week

ranked by Rivals as the No. 23 pro style quarterback in the country

named to Max Emfinger's National Super 100 Playmakers

Texas Football Top 300 Players and a Texas Football Player of the Week on several occasions

Texas High School Football Top 200 players

posted the district's highest quarterback rating as a junior and senior

completed 53.4 percent (161-of-254) of his pass attempts for 2,877 yards with 42 touchdowns and 15 interceptions as a senior

led Katy to a 14-1 record and the Texas 5A finals

was 38-of-67 (56.7 percent) for 678 yards as a junior when Katy went 12-2 and advanced to the Texas 5A quarterfinals

threw for 10 scores with just two picks

a career 52.0 percent passer for 3,555 yards, 52 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

Parents are Greg and Tina Dalton

pursuing a marketing degree.