A big year for the Oklahoma Sooners means program stability, a positive new outlook and more. For new quarterback John Mateer, it could mean hearing his name called early in the NFL Draft.
Mateer transferred to OU from Washington State after a productive year. Now on a bigger stage, and now eligible to enter the draft early, many will be keeping a watchful eye on his time in Norman.
This includes Mike Renner, CBS Sports lead NFL Draft analyst and a scout for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Renner has high hopes for the type of draft prospect Mateer can become.
"Yeah, the guy's got a cannon for an arm," Renner said. "I mean, from a tools perspective, he's about as good as it gets in the draft class."
Mateer isn't the big, tall, old school NFL quarterback. He's more new age, mobile, adaptable and athletic. But make no mistake, Mateer can still sling it. His unique blend of ability builds intrigue in the NFL Draft community.
"His arm talent is insane," Renner said. "I mean, his ability to push the ball is elite. It's gonna be highly valued in the NFL. I mean, he reminds me a little bit of Caleb Williams. Just from the athlete and build, he's 6-foot-1 and 224-pounds. So, on the shorter side, but it really rarely shows up."
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Renner has Mateer as his ninth overall NFL Draft quarterback prospect entering the 2025 season. A lot of that has to do with remaining unknowns.
"Last year was his first year as a starter," Renner said. "Obviously, he sat behind someone who was pretty good there in Cam Ward. He was right around him on that list (of touchdown scorers). He is just inconsistent, and wildly inconsistent at times."
Mateer and Ward tied for most total touchdowns responsible for in the FBS last year with 44 scores. Mateer ranked seventh in passing yards per attempt, eighth in passing efficiency, tied for 10th in passing touchdowns and tied for 10th with 57 plays of 20 yards or more gained.
But for all his statistical feats, there were certainly struggles sprinkled in. That's why Renner feels either a clearer picture needs to be painted, or Mateer may be in Norman for a bit longer beyond this year.
"Now, I'm buying into what we saw at the end of the season, the last three games were his best three games of the year," Renner added. "But he's going to need to continue that throughout a whole season at Oklahoma before he even considers ever going out in the draft. 'Cause what we saw last year at times was just so up and down that he feels like he's maybe a year or two away."