Top photos of North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz in action.
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz (11) warms up before the start of their NCAA college football game against Montana Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, in Missoula, in Mont. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz (11) leaps over Iowa State linebacker Jevohn Miller during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Ames, Iowa. North Dakota State won 34-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz, middle, scrambles against Indiana State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, in Fargo, N.D. (AP Photo/Bruce Crummy)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz (11) carries the ball during the FCS Championship NCAA college football game against Illinois State Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won the game 29-27 for their fourth straight national championship. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz takes a breather after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against Illinois State during the FCS Championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won the game 29-27 for their fourth straight national championship. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz (11) performs during the FCS championship NCAA college football game between North Dakota State and Jacksonville State, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State beat Jacksonville State 37-10 to win their fifth consecutive championship. (AP Photo/Mike Stone)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz (11) runs the ball in for the go-ahead touchdown as Illinois State Redbirds defensive end David Perkins (4) looks on during the second half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won the game 29-27 for their fourth straight national championship. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
North Dakota State Quarterback Carson Wentz (11) hands off against Southern Illinois in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, in Fargo, N.D. (AP Photo/Bruce Crummy)
*In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2016 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 28th. *
We continue the series with a scouting report of North Dakota State's Carson Wentz.
Name: Carson Wentz
School: North Dakota State
Height: 6-5
Weight: 237 pounds
Position: QB
NFL Network Pro Comparison: Blake Bortles
Who is Carson Wentz?
That is the question many fans are asking as the FCS quarterback from North Dakota State is skyrocketing up draft boards as a consensus top-10 pick.
A two-year starter in college, the QB threw for 3,111 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2014 as the Bison captured their fourth consecutive FCS championship with Wentz leading the offense and the Chargers' Kyle Emanuel spearheading the defense. Last season, he overcame a broken wrist to start seven games, leading the school to another title as he passed for 1,651 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for an additional six TDs.
The 6-5, 237-pounder stands tall in the pocket with pinpoint accuracy and strong zip on his throws. Scouts rave about his football intelligence and poise under pressure as he is a calm leader with the ball in his hands. The QB is also a threat to tuck it and run with enough athleticism to beat defenses with his legs.
Wentz obviously faces a steep learning curve jumping from the FCS to the NFL. However, unlike many other quarterback prospects, he has experience running a pro-style offense at North Dakota State. With his raw talent, high IQ and noted work ethic, many believe Wentz is capable of being a franchise quarterback at the next level.
Combine Metrics
40-Yard Dash: 4.77 seconds
Vertical Jump: 30.5 inches
Broad Jump: 118.0 inches
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers' front office staff, coaches or executives.
