NFL Draft Watch: UCLA QB Brett Hundley poised to declare early

Although he hasn't made a formal decision, it appears that UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley is poised to enter the 2015 NFL draft, based on what he told The Jim Rome Show (via Beast 980, h/t PFT).

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UCLA still has the Stanford game, a likely trip to the Pac-12 championship game and a bowl game, of course, and it should be a pretty darned good one, pending the last few weeks of the college football season. But for all intents and purposes, it appears Hundley is done as a Bruin.

First, his college career: It was a great one. Statistically, the junior quarterback has cut down on his interceptions in each of his three years starting for the Bruins and improved his completion percentage to a lofty 72.0 this season while throwing for 2,873 yards. Hundley has a respectable 20-5 TD-INT ratio this season, and he has averaged 8.6 yards per pass attempt. In addition, he has rushed 142 times for 566 yards and eight touchdowns.

But as a pro? NFL teams have their doubts, despite Hundley's impressive athleticism and through-the-roof intangibles. Still, even with his limitations as a pro prospect — mainly his ability to dissect defenses, manipulate them with his eyes, go through complex progressions and fit passes into tight windows — there should be a team interested in him fairly high next spring.

In what appears to be a top-heavy quarterback class buoyed by Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston leading the way (assuming they declare early), Hundley could find himself being the third quarterback drafted. In the early stages of the process, it appears he'll be challenged by Notre Dame's Everett Golson (again, if he declares) and Baylor's Bryce Petty for that spot.

A few weeks ago, Shutdown Corner spoke to a West Coast scout — in very general terms — about Hundley's pro potential, and he intimated that Hundley could end up being picked far higher than his college tape suggests he should.

"All the talk about him being a first-rounder felt like media [hype] at the beginning of the season," the scout said. "But when you factor in the [draft value of the quarterback position] and Hundley's character — he'll interview off the charts — I think he'll win someone over pretty early."

One thing that could boost Hundley's stock: a good week at the Senior Bowl, if he accepts the invitation that is certain to come. Although Hundley is a fourth-year junior, he has completed his undergraduate studies and is eligible to be added to the roster. If he stands out in Mobile, Ala., that really could elp him rise in teams' minds.

But just how high?

"I don't know where — maybe first, maybe high second round, I am not sure yet," the scout said. "We'll see; it all depends. But his tape is that of a lower pick than that, much lower. There are holes in his game as a passer."

If that's the case, that Hundley has heard that same talk, he should come out. Even if he won't be instant coffee at all in the NFL.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm