Joe Fagnano

● Good-sized frame, with adequate development in his uppers ● Fluid throwing motion, with balanced footwork and weight transfer ● Doesn’t have an elite arm, but has more than what is required ● Controls ball speed well, depending on the throw required ● Did a nice job staying on time, which limited defenses’ sack opportunities ● Takes care of the football (two fumbles, one interception in 2025) ● Showed poised in late-game situations (see 2025 Syracuse and FAU tapes) ● Works at his craft and independently structured (NFL scout: “The guys respect his work, and I think that boosted his confidence.”)

● Shows some rigidness in movements; will be a limited rush threat vs. NFL speed ● Accuracy took a sizeable jump, but placement still isn’t a strength ● Eyes are still developing — defenders will pick up on his preferred read ● Started more than six games in just two of seven college seasons ● Right (throwing) shoulder injury (September 2023) in his first season at UConn, which required season-ending surgery; missed most of 2021 season after surgery to repair fractured fibula and high ankle sprain (September 2021) ● Overaged — will be 25 on draft weekend

A starter for two-and-a-half years at UConn (and for five-and-a-half years overall), Fagnano operated in former offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis’ scheme. He played four seasons at Maine, in the FCS, before making the FBS jump to UConn, where he was a part-time starter in 2024. He entered the 2025 season graded as a potential undrafted free agent by several NFL teams (and was ungraded by others), but he put together one of the best seasons in UConn history. He was part of the school’s first season with a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver. Fagnano brings a veteran poise and stature to his decision-making. There were 130 FBS quarterbacks last season with at least 210 dropbacks, but Fagnano was the only one to throw fewer than two interceptions. His coaches frequently bring up his situational awareness as the key trait that separates him and explains why UConn always had a chance in every game. Overall, Fagnano is a fundamentally sound passer with fluid release velocity, although he will need to prove he can fit the ball into tighter windows at the next level. He offers reserve potential for an NFL depth chart. 19 Back to table of contents -- 23 of 629 --