Player comparison

CJ Carr

Dean Kindig

19-30 and 2 TD, 1 INT vs MIA; 16-26 and 1 TD, 1 INT vs USC. Started all 12 games. Finished the season with 195 completions and a 66.7% completion percentage. Threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. His 24 touchdown passes thrown were tied for the most passing touchdowns in a players first 12 career starts at Notre Dame since 1966. Tossed a touchdown pass in all 12 games, the longest-streak by a Notre Dame quarterback since 2014. Had nine games with multiple touchdown throws. Added 33 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns. Carr is the grandson of legendary former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr. CJ's father, Jason Carr, and his grandfather both have extensive histories working with and coaching players who went on to become prominent veterans on the Buffalo Bills.

Drew Mestemaker

Dean Kindig

Threw for 2,885 yards and added 431 rushing yards with eight rushing scores in his first year at Oklahoma. Transfer from North Texas. Led the FBS in passing yards last season (4,379). Electric throws on tape. Arm strength to access all levels, but decision making must improve. Very agile for his size and his release is so quick. Has a whip for an arm and isn't afraid to attack small windows. Mestemaker's pocket composure and anticipation over the middle are rare for a player with so little starting experience, and there is a foundation worth developing. His touch, post-snap processing lapses, and mechanical consistency all have room to improve, and how far he gets with those will determine his ceiling as an NFL starter.