There Is a Case Keenum in the 2022 NFL Draft
Western Kentucky Quarterback Bailey Zappe looks like the carbon copy of the former Vikings fan-favorite Case Keenum.
.They are both from Texas. But that’s not the only similarity. Both are undersized. Zappe was measured at just 6 feet and a half-inch at the NFL scouting combine. That’s just half an inch shorter than the former Houston Cougar, Keenum. Both have similar (average) arm strength.
But most importantly, they both have the same playing style. Just like Keenum, Zappe is a true gunslinger. They take risks — a lot of them, like throwing into double coverage, tossing deep, and trying to make big plays. But make no mistake about it: His above-average accuracy and his decision-making prevented him from throwing a lot of interceptions, paired with a certain moxie that seems to make teammates and fans believe in him.
Similar Stats and Career Paths
Keenum had one of the most prolific careers, and the Hilltopper Zappe had one of the most productive statistical seasons in NCAA history. Keenum leads the NCAA in career passing yards with 19,217 passing yards to this day. He threw for more than 5,000 yards in 2008, 2009, and 2011 (he tore his ACL in the third game of 2010). In his last season he threw for 5,631 yards, combined with 48 touchdowns.
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Let’s now take a look at Zappe´s career.
He started his career at Houston Baptist, where he got his only scholarship offer (like Keenum, who earned his only scholarship from the University of Houston). He was a redshirted freshman and then proceeded to start for three seasons. After the shortened 2020 season, he entered the transfer portal and committed to transfer to Western Kentucky. He followed his former offensive coordinator, who he has worked with at Houston Baptist.
The quarterback finished the 2021 season with multiple FCS/FBS and NCAA records. He passed for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns while just recording 11 Interceptions, despite his aggressive playing style.
Zappe’s Career Projection?
Most experts have him ranked as a mid-to-late-round pick. He is called a career backup. But his style of play and grit would be perfect for a backup who needs to step up and delivers when he needs to.
That sure sounds just like Case Keenum, who had this role for over a decade now. He started in some years and was a backup in some other years. But when he was asked to play, he delivered and even managed to lead the 2017 Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship game. He did that even after their season seemed to be lost when the team was suddenly without its starting quarterback Sam Bradford and star halfback, Dalvin Cook, in the first four weeks and started 2-2.
Zappe will start his career as a backup, but it would not be surprising if he has a long career and develops into a starting signal-caller. He certainly has all the physical and mental tools for it.
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