DFF Draft Coverage: Ian Book to the Saints

Ian Book | Notre Dame 6’0” 206 lbs. 03/30/1998 (Age 23) 

Ian Book was drafted 133rd overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

COLLEGE PRODUCTION 

Passing

Rushing 

Book finished his four-year career with the second-most career passing yards in Notre Dame’s history (8,948). He also finished second in career passing touchdowns (72) and second in career QBR (147.0) amongst those who attempted 500 or more passes. Book also put up great rushing statistics in college as well. In 45 career games, he produced 1,517 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback can beat you both with his arm or with his legs, and in today’s game, being able to pass or run on any given down creates a major disadvantage for defenses. 

STRENGTHS 

Book is very accurate throwing the ball in short-yardage situations. He shows patience, and he steps up in the pocket at the right times. Book is an elite scrambler, and he makes edge defenders miss constantly. He shows great field vision, and he does not force throws, showcasing great ball protection skills. 

WEAKNESSES 

Although he has the skill set of an ideal quarterback prospect, he lacks size at his position (6’0” 206 lbs). Book doesn’t showcase a great deep ball throw, and he hesitates to make plays. At times, he makes decisions fairly late. 

ATHLETIC TESTING 

At his Notre Dame Pro Day, Book measured in at 6’0” and 206 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 27.94. He ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, equating to a 107.95-Speed Score, and at 6’0” that is a 102.02-Height Adjusted Speed Score. His Speed Score ranks in the 85th percentile, whereas his HASS ranks in the 69th percentile. Book participated very well at his Pro Day. He did opt out of the strength drills, but he showed great leaping abilities by recording a 32.5” vertical jump and a 115” broad jump. Book’s elite skills came out during the speed drills. He ran the short shuttle in 4.13 seconds and the three-cone in 6.7 seconds, which were both top-two times at his position.

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Book was selected with the 133rd-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS 

Without a doubt, Book is projected as a backup quarterback in this league. He has potential, but it does seem as if his ceiling is a spot starter who primarily serves as his team’s QB2. Unfortunately, there is no need to draft him in any fantasy league. If he does shine later in his career, he is worth the look, but for now, he shows no signs of becoming a starter/contributor in the fantasy world. 

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