Sports

Little-known quarterback from North Dakota showed in one throw why the NFL world is gushing over him

Carson Wentz
ESPN
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Carson Wentz has seemingly come out of nowhere to have a good shot at being one of the top two picks in the upcoming draft. While many have heard the name, little is still known about the quarterback, and now that people are paying attention, it is starting to become clear exactly why the NFL world is so in love with him.

On Thursday, North Dakota State, a school in college football's second division (FCS), held their Pro Day, where all of their draft-eligible players are showcased for NFL scouts. Of course, the star of the show was Wentz, and he did not disappoint.

In fact, there was one throw in particular that has people gushing. 

After going through a series of short and mid-range throws, Wentz started to show off his strong arm and accuracy. After moving to his right and rolling back to his left, he stopped and unleashed an absolute rocket, hitting the bull's-eye on a moving target from about 60 yards away (via ESPN).

It is just one throw and it is in shorts and a T-shirt. But it can't be emphasized enough how strong this throw is and how he put it in a spot where only the receiver would be able to catch it without breaking stride.

The NFL thinks they can teach anybody to play football. However, many believe two of the things that can't be taught are arm strength and accuracy. Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski called Wentz' performance "outstanding," and repeatedly pointed out the incredible accuracy and strength. 

It is throws like this that have NFL insiders comparing Wentz to previous top prospects like Andrew Luck and Cam Newton, two quarterbacks who were considered can't-miss prospects from big-time college-football programs.

High praise indeed.

If the Browns do end up drafting Wentz, as many believe they will, they may have finally found an end to their seemingly never ending quarterback problem.

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Cork was a correspondent for Insider's sports desk.Previously, he was a contributor at MLB Trade Rumors, and he has written for Yahoo Sports, Deadspin, and The Hardball Times. He has authored chapters in three books, including "The Hardball Times 2009 Season Preview." Cork's work has been featured on ESPN's "SportsCenter" and "Mike & Mike," "Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons," ESPN.com, BBC, Yahoo, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Drudge Report, the Washington Post, the Kansas City Star, the Houston Chronicle, and the Dallas Morning News, among others.He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and holds a doctorate from Fordham University.Here is a selection of his work:Under Armour hit the jackpot on its Jordan Spieth betGary Woodland once took his pants off to hit a shot and learned a funny lesson about product endorsementWe tried the alcohol diet Tom Brady put Rob Gronkowski on, and it was a lot harder than we imaginedThe University of Texas spent $7 million remodeling their football locker room and the results are jaw-droppingStephen Curry has replaced LeBron James as the best basketball player in the worldEx-NBA player who made $60 million explains what really happens to your money when you sign an 8-figure contractHere's Michael Jordan's 56,000-square-foot house in Chicago, and why it's still on the market after 6 yearsMayweather beat McGregor with a TKO in the 10th round! Here are the big moments everybody will be talking aboutPerfect conditions at Cowboys-Patriots game helped create incredible picturesWe've been using Alexa in a car for 6 months and it's the best infotainment system we've ever used.