Tanner McKee  |  Stanford 6’6” 231 lbs.  |  04/27/2000 (23)

Tanner McKee was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the 13th Quarterback and 188th overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Tanner McKee was a two-year starter and an early declare from Stanford. In 2021, he threw for 2,327 yards and 15 TDs. He followed this up with 2,947 yards and 13 TDs in his junior campaign. The Cardinal were a dismal 6-18 during McKee’s two seasons as a starter. The California native finished with a QB rating of 93.9 in 2021 and 83.8 in 2022. From a statistical standpoint, McKee regressed slightly in 2022, lowering his draft stock. A common excuse I’ve heard is that McKee didn’t have a quality surrounding cast. But at the same time, two Stanford WRs were drafted this year, so he had some weapons to throw to. 

FILM

McKee’s pedestrian numbers may lead you to wonder why NFL scouts are even taking a look at this guy. Well, his college tape helps to answer that question. Tanner is a pro-style quarterback with the size and strength that could give him a chance to succeed at the next level. He’s mechanically sound, can get the ball out quickly, and shows the ability to place the ball in tight windows. This sometimes got him in trouble at Stanford, as McKee tried to thread the needle too often. He will need to improve his touch if he hopes to stay in the league for years to come. McKee has solid footwork, and while he’s not a scrambler by any means, he can extend plays with his feet.

ATHLETIC TESTING

As expected, Tanner’s height, weight, and wingspan were all atop this QB class. His vertical and broad jumps were above average as well. Unfortunately, the rest of Tanner’s Combine performance was disappointing. He posted poor numbers in the shuttle and three-cone drill and did not participate in the 40-yard dash. Many expected McKee to show NFL scouts elite arm strength and accuracy during the passing drills, but that didn’t materialize. Instead, he was inaccurate when passing to all levels and showed average arm strength. The NFL Combine was supposed to be the event that helped catapult McKee’s draft stock, but it may have had the opposite effect. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Poor

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average

McKee was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. This draft capital is much less than anticipated for the Stanford product. Many mock drafts had him going off the board in the third or fourth round. Going to a Super Bowl contender with a franchise QB who just secured a long-term deal, McKee will not see the field anytime soon, if ever. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

I have McKee ranked as the ninth quarterback in this class for projected future dynasty value. It’s not likely he’ll get the opportunity to start for an NFL team, certainly not for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts is one of the premier young QBs in this league and just signed a five-year $255M extension with the Eagles. In the best-case scenario, McKee beats out Marcus Mariota for the backup role in Philly. But this is unlikely, as Mariota is viewed as one of the top backups in the league today.

Tanner McKee’s fantasy ceiling is capped, as he won’t get you many fantasy points on the ground. He has his work cut out for him if he hopes to carve out a backup role in the NFL, let alone a starting role. He may be worth a roster or taxi spot in deeper dynasty leagues, but nothing more. McKee is not worth using a draft pick on in rookie drafts now. 

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