Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Below average height and slight frame raise legitimate concerns about durability and ability to consistently find throwing lanes in the NFL pocket
• Deep ball accuracy runs hot and cold, with velocity-generated passes tending to sail while touch throws often hang and allow defensive recovery
• Can be overly conservative in tight-window situations, defaulting to check downs rather than pulling the trigger on contested throws downfield
• Struggled to generate explosive plays in 2024, with concerning metrics in yards per attempt and downfield completion percentage
• Still developing full-field reads, occasionally locking onto primary target and missing backside opportunities when first read is covered

Scouting Report: Summary

Arnold enters the NFL draft as a high-ceiling, high-risk prospect who showed both tantalizing potential and concerning limitations during his college career. While his athletic traits and quick release hint at starter potential, the inconsistent tape and production raise legitimate questions about his NFL readiness. The flashes are there - particularly in the RPO game and when extending plays - but so are the struggles with downfield passing and full-field progression reads.

His ideal landing spot would be with an organization running a spread-based system that can leverage his mobility while developing his pocket presence. The size limitations (both height and weight) mean he'll need scheme help to manufacture throwing lanes and protect him from excessive hits. Any team drafting Arnold needs to have an established veteran starter and the patience to completely rebuild his confidence after an uneven college career. The rushing ability and competitive toughness are NFL-caliber, but the passing game requires significant refinement.

The 2025 season at Auburn looms as a defining moment in Arnold's evaluation. After losing his starting job at Oklahoma in 2024, he desperately needs to show improved consistency and downfield passing ability under Hugh Freeze's tutelage. His performance against a loaded SEC schedule, particularly in a revenge game at Oklahoma, will be heavily scrutinized by NFL scouts. The draft capital invested should reflect both his current limitations and his potential growth at Auburn. While the tools exist for him to develop into an NFL starter, his floor remains considerably lower than other prospects. A day three selection allows a team to bet on his athleticism and leadership qualities while acknowledging the very real possibility that he may top out as a high-end backup. His eventual draft position will hinge largely on how he responds to this fresh start with the Tigers.