Inspired by @AzJace's stellar work this offseason, a picture of Mike LaFleur's system QB is beginning to emerge through AZ's prospect visits.
What are some traits the following QB's have in common?
* Ty Simpson
* Sawyer Robertson
* Carson Beck
* Cole Payton
We could conceivably add Gardner Minshew and Jimmy Garoppolo to the list as well, thanks to [Barry Shuck's work identifying both as targets of LaFleur's](/arizona-cardinals-free-agency/89039/need-to-know-meet-the-new-cardinals-qb-gardner-minshew).
A few commonalities stand out: elite traits are very much optional in LaFleur's system. Height, weight, and speed don't seem to matter too much. Garoppolo and Minshew both ran 4.97s 40s, and while Robertson and Beck have traditional size at around 6'4" apiece, the rest of these players range from 6'0"-6'3".
In terms of passing tendencies, LaFleur appears to favor QB's who get the ball out quickly over vertical passers who live to take shots. They all grade fairly well on turnover-worthy plays. These are QB's that win from the pocket, first with their heads, second with their arms. That meshes with the expectation that he will bring his west coast-style offense to AZ.
_ADOT? More like afterthought._
Who else fits this mold in the upcoming draft?
* Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers - One of the best at putting the ball where only his guys could get it, Kaliakmanis is more of a vertical passer (15th-highest average depth of target \[ADOT\] in college football in 2025) than the rest of the group but excelled at getting the ball out quickly especially considering to his penchant for the deep ball.
* Maverick McIvor, Western Kentucky - Though his season was shortened by injury, McIvor's time to throw is one of the quickest in the nation and while he wasn't as good protecting the ball this year, his 30:7 TD:INT ratio in 2024 suggests he's capable.
* Joe Fagnano, Connecticut - His arm strength is a serious concern at the next level, but no one was better at getting the ball out quickly and carefully in 2025. His advanced passing metrics support the box score: that 28:1 TD:INT ratio isn't lying.
* EJ Warner, Fresno St - Though undersized, EJ exhibits many of his father's traits such as superb decision-making and getting the ball out on time which will make him desirable in an offense like Mike LaFleur's. Come on, forget the scouting report for a second - what QB will be more welcome in Arizona than Kurt's son?
What traits stand out to you with this group of QBs? Who do you think would be a good fit for Mike LaFleur?