Sam Hartman: A Pocket Passer with Limitations

The 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and teams are scrambling to find their next franchise quarterback. One name that has been gaining attention is Sam Hartman, a pocket passer from Notre Dame. But what makes Hartman tick, and can he be the answer to a team’s quarterback woes?

The Positives

Hartman has shown above-average pocket toughness, willing to hang in there and move around as necessary. He’s an accurate thrower in rhythm to all three levels, leading receivers effectively in those instances. When kept clean, Hartman is a functional and methodical processor, cycling through his reads efficiently without guesswork or jamming in bad throws.

The Negatives

However, Hartman’s arm strength is a major concern. He struggles to add velocity and tighten the arc of the ball, often leaving too much air under his throws. As an athlete, Hartman is below-average, lacking explosive ability that will get him caught in and around the pocket more often in the NFL. When pass-rushers crowd his throwing space, Hartman loses too much velocity, and his accuracy dramatically falls off.

The Stats

In 2023, Hartman put up respectable numbers: 12 games, 191-301 (63.5%), 2,689 yards (8.9 AVG), 24 TD, 8 INT; 45 ATT, 123 YDS (2.7 AVG), 3 TD.

The Verdict

Sam Hartman is a run-of-the-mill pocket passer with solid processing ability and lackluster talent. While he throws well in rhythm, his lack of arm strength and athleticism will hold him back in the NFL. Hartman’s game is not conducive to tight NFL pockets, and he’ll require perfect decision-making and timing to succeed.

Sam Hartman in action

The Future

Hartman has a path to adequate spot-starter play behind a quality offensive line and with the help of RPOs. However, his game is not built for the NFL, and he’ll need to overcome his limitations to succeed.

The 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner