The 2018 QB class changed everything

Baker Mayfield became the first sub-6-3 quarterback drafted No. 1 overall since Michael Vick in 2001, breaking a 52-year trend and opening the door for shorter signal-callers.

Shorter QBs flooded the draft

After Mayfield's success, the Cardinals drafted Kyler Murray at No. 1 in 2019, followed by Tua Tagovailoa, Bryce Young, and Caleb Williams in later years. The stigma around premium picks on shorter quarterbacks vanished.

Enter Trinidad Chambliss

Ole Miss's 5-11 7/8" quarterback is the best in college football through three weeks. He showed out in relief last season and led the Rebels to the playoff semifinal, losing only to Miami after scoring 27 points.

His tape is elite, height is not

If Chambliss were 6-foot-4, he would have been seriously considered by the Raiders last spring. His performance against top competition is that good, but his height keeps him from being a consensus top pick.

Short QBs struggle in the NFL

Kyler Murray, Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, and others on the short QB list have been inconsistent in the NFL. The common thread appears to be their inability to see over the line of scrimmage against modern defensive schemes.

Defenses evolved, short QBs suffered

When Mayfield and Murray entered the league, spread offenses dominated. Defenses adapted with 2-high shells and amoebus blitzing fronts, making it harder for shorter quarterbacks to see downfield.

Chambliss faces a tougher college game

The transfer portal and NIL era have raised the level of play in college football. At 24 years old, Chambliss is more experienced than previous short QBs and faces SEC defenses using the same schemes that trouble short QBs in the NFL.

His pocket presence is different

Chambliss has comparable arm talent to Baker Mayfield with more running ability, similar to prime Russell Wilson. He stays in tight pockets and attacks downfield, a skill missing in Bryce Young and Kyler Murray.

“Spins it so consistently. We can argue about his ceiling at his height, but this is a starter in the N-F-L”

The numbers back it up

Chambliss has an 11.7-yard average depth of target under pressure and has taken only three sacks on 29 pressured dropbacks. His willingness to attack downfield while avoiding sacks is a rare combination.

He could be a top pick

If evaluators saw no more snaps from any quarterback in this draft class, the No. 1 overall pick wouldn't be too high for Chambliss. His floor alone suggests he can join Mayfield and Purdy as successful short QBs.

Nine games to prove it

Chambliss has nine regular-season games left to pass more tests against top defenses. If he keeps performing, NFL teams may overlook his height at the Combine and draft him highly.