Sam Hartman NFL Draft

Sam Hartman’s NFL Draft story is one that many football fans can relate to: a long college career, huge production, real leadership, and then a challenging transition to the pros. If you watched him sling touchdowns at Wake Forest and then lead Notre Dame, you probably wondered where he would land in the NFL. This beginner-friendly guide explains who Hartman is, how his game translates, what happened during the 2024 NFL Draft, why he went undrafted, and what his path looks like in the league. Whether you are new to scouting or simply curious, this overview will help you understand the key points in clear, simple terms.

Who Is Sam Hartman?

Sam Hartman is a quarterback who spent five active seasons in college football, first at Wake Forest and then at Notre Dame as a graduate transfer. He became a national name because of his production, his leadership, and his toughness. He is experienced, competitive, and respected by teammates and coaches. Hartman’s journey also included a medical setback and comeback, which built his reputation as one of the grittiest players in college football.

Early Years and Recruitment

Hartman grew up in North Carolina and emerged as a talented high school quarterback who could throw with touch and command an offense. He was a confident passer with a quick release and a fearless mindset. Wake Forest saw those traits and recruited him to run their unique offense. He earned early playing time, which is rare for a young quarterback in college football.

Wake Forest and the “Slow Mesh” Offense

At Wake Forest, Hartman played in a system known as the “slow mesh.” In that offense, the quarterback holds the ball in the running back’s belly for an unusually long time before deciding to hand off, keep, or throw. It is designed to confuse defenses and create big passing windows downfield. Hartman mastered this style, throwing a lot of touchdowns and hitting deep shots outside the numbers and up the sidelines. The downside is that the slow mesh is very different from most NFL offenses, so evaluators needed to figure out how much of his success would carry over to pro systems.

Notre Dame and a Pro-Style Transition

Hartman transferred to Notre Dame for the 2023 season to prove he could run a more traditional playbook. At Notre Dame, he took more snaps from under center, worked standard play-action concepts, and operated full-field reads more often. He showed he could lead a blue-blood program, manage games, and distribute the ball within structure. While the numbers were not as explosive as his Wake Forest days, he checked important boxes for NFL teams who wanted to see him outside the slow mesh world.

What Makes Hartman Interesting to NFL Teams

Quarterbacks are complicated to evaluate, but Hartman brought a clear package of strengths to the table: long experience, poise, leadership, and the ability to throw accurately when the picture is clean. He is not the biggest or the strongest arm in the class, but he is steady and knows how to run an offense with confidence.

Experience and Leadership

Hartman started a lot of games across two programs. He handled pressure situations, rallied teammates, and bounced back from mistakes. Coaches appreciate quarterbacks who understand protections, can call plays, and communicate clearly. Hartman’s calm demeanor and work habits earned strong reviews from people around both programs. The fact that he overcame a health scare and returned to play at a high level added to his credibility as a leader.

Arm Talent and Accuracy

Hartman’s arm is good enough for NFL throws, especially on in-breakers, sideline outs, back-shoulder fades, and layered balls over underneath defenders. He is more about touch and timing than pure velocity. When his feet are set and his base is solid, his throws are on time and accurate. He thrives on rhythm throws, red-zone fades, and vertical shots where he can anticipate leverage.

Pocket Presence and Toughness

Hartman is comfortable staying in the pocket and taking a hit. He will hang in and deliver the ball even with defenders closing around him. That is a valuable trait in the NFL, where pressure is constant. Sometimes he trusts the pocket a bit too long, which leads to sacks, but his courage is unquestioned.

Athleticism and Off-Script Play

Hartman is mobile enough to move the pocket, execute rollouts, and pick up occasional first downs with his legs. He is not a run-first player or a high-end creator outside structure. His game is at its best when the play call and timing work as designed. He can make plays out of rhythm, but it is not his calling card.

The 2024 NFL Draft Journey

Going into the 2024 cycle, Hartman was seen as a late Day 3 selection by many analysts, with some hoping his leadership and experience would push him into the middle rounds. He attended postseason events, met with teams, and threw for scouts, all while emphasizing how his Notre Dame season proved he could handle pro concepts.

Senior Bowl and the All-Star Circuit

The Senior Bowl is a big stage for quarterbacks. Hartman used the week to show command in a more traditional practice setting, take snaps from under center, and work with NFL coaches. Reports from that week suggested he looked comfortable, handled the huddle, and threw with confidence, even if he did not blow people away with sheer arm power. For a quarterback like Hartman, steady was good enough to keep interest alive.

Combine and Pro Day Notes

At the NFL Combine, quarterbacks throw routes to receivers they do not know, in a timed, high-pressure environment. Hartman’s goal was to show clean mechanics, ball placement, and consistency. He measured around the size most expected for him and confirmed the profile teams had on tape: reliable, accurate when in rhythm, and professional in interviews. Pro day work at Notre Dame allowed him to choose the script, highlight play-action throws, and show deep-ball touch.

Scouting Buzz and Projected Range

Throughout the spring, the buzz around Hartman stayed similar: teams liked the person and the experience, had questions about the ceiling, and viewed him as a developmental backup who could make a roster if he landed in the right room. Many mock drafts placed him late on Day 3 or as a priority undrafted free agent. With so many teams chasing premium traits, Hartman was fighting an uphill battle to be picked early.

Why He Went Undrafted

Good players go undrafted every year. For Hartman, it was a combination of class depth, age and upside, questions about NFL velocity windows, and concerns about how quickly he processes complex, fast-changing pro coverages. None of these are disqualifying on their own, but together they often push a quarterback to the undrafted category.

Age and Perceived Ceiling

Hartman is an older prospect for a rookie quarterback. Teams sometimes prefer younger players they can shape over multiple years. With Hartman, the feeling was that he is closer to a finished product, which makes a team ask, “Where is the growth going to come from?” That question does not mean he cannot improve, but it affects draft value.

Arm Strength and Velocity Windows

In the NFL, some throws require elite zip to beat tight coverage and close fast windows. Hartman’s arm is adequate, but not a cannon. If his timing or footwork slips, the ball can arrive a tick late or float. That is coachable to a point, but teams looking for big-armed passers may pass on steadier, lower-ceiling profiles.

Processing vs. Anticipation

Hartman can read defenses and understands coverage structure. The challenge is anticipating throws before a receiver is fully open against NFL speed. Anticipation is part trust, part reps, and part arm. Consistency there is what separates starters from backups. Teams saw flashes, but they wanted to see it more often and against the fastest defenders on the field.

Response to Pressure

At times, Hartman’s internal clock runs a little slow, leading to sacks he could avoid. He is brave, which helps, but the tradeoff is taking more hits. NFL teams prefer quarterbacks who turn potential sacks into throwaways or quick checkdowns. Hartman can do that, but it needs to be more consistent.

Depth of the 2024 Quarterback Class

The 2024 class had several headline names at the top and a large middle group. When many teams feel similar about multiple late-round quarterbacks, they sometimes choose to draft other positions and try to sign their preferred quarterback as an undrafted free agent. That is likely part of what happened with Hartman.

Signing After the Draft

Going undrafted is not the end; it is a different beginning. After the 2024 NFL Draft, Sam Hartman signed as a priority undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders. A priority UDFA means a team calls quickly, makes a competitive offer, and believes the player has a legit chance to compete for a job.

Washington’s Quarterback Room Context

Washington invested in their quarterback room in 2024, and bringing Hartman in as a UDFA gave them another competitive, experienced voice in the room. For a rookie free agent, the goal is to absorb the playbook, stack good practice days, and shine in preseason opportunities. With established players ahead of him, Hartman’s first target would be to win a practice squad spot or the QB3 role.

The Path for a UDFA Quarterback

UDFA quarterbacks make it in the NFL by doing the little things. They are early to meetings, they know the script cold, they help on scout team, and they handle pressure in preseason games. Coaches need to trust that the UDFA can run the offense cleanly if his number is called. Hartman’s experience and maturity give him a solid base for that path.

What Success Could Look Like

Success for Hartman is about steady growth. Year one: learn protections, speed up footwork, and prove you can run the two-minute drill. Year two: push for QB2 snaps, master situational football, and keep building trust. With the right development, he can become the kind of backup who can start multiple games without the offense collapsing. That role has real value across the NFL.

Film Tendencies and Ideal Scheme Fit

When you watch Hartman on tape, you see a quarterback who is best in rhythm, especially with play-action and defined reads. He likes to test one-on-ones downfield and can layer throws over underneath defenders. He plays with courage and will take chances to give his receiver a shot.

Concepts He Executes Well

Hartman is strong on play-action glance routes, back-shoulder fades, slot fades against single-high safety looks, and crossing routes where he can lead the target. He also thrives on quick-game concepts when the first read is open, such as slants, hitches, and speed outs. Moving the launch point with rollouts helps him see the field and reset his base.

Concepts That Can Cause Trouble

Pure dropback, full-field progression plays with immediate pressure can lead to late throws. Tight-window digs that require high-end velocity are tougher. When defenders disguise coverage late, Hartman needs to commit quicker or take the checkdown. He can do it, but discipline and timing are critical.

Under Center vs. Shotgun

At Notre Dame, Hartman showed he can operate under center with play-action, which is a positive. He remains more comfortable in shotgun, where he sees the field clearly and gets the ball out on schedule. A balanced offense that mixes shotgun quick game and under-center play-action fits him well.

Statistical Profile in Plain Language

You do not need advanced analytics to understand Hartman’s numbers. He produced at a high level over many seasons, with a lot of touchdowns and a healthy yards-per-attempt profile when supported by a solid run game and pass protection. His efficiency improved when he stayed in rhythm and the offense used play-action.

Volume vs. Efficiency

At Wake Forest, the volume was big: lots of attempts, lots of deep shots, and lots of points. At Notre Dame, the volume dipped but efficiency stayed reasonable because the offense asked him to manage and take what was there. That balance matters for NFL projection: he proved he can dial down the hero ball and run a more pro-like operation.

Turnover Habits

Hartman has some aggressive tendencies. He will try to fit a ball into a tight window now and then, and pressure can lead to a throw off his back foot. Cleaning up those choices is part of the development plan. The good news is that he has also shown he can play clean stretches with smart decision-making, especially when the plan leans into his strengths.

Red Zone and Third Down

In the red zone, Hartman’s back-shoulder placement and fade-ball touch stand out. He trusts his receivers and gives them chances to win. On third down, staying ahead of the sticks is key for him. If the offense faces too many third-and-long situations, the need for elite arm velocity shows up. Balanced play calling helps him convert more often.

Comparisons and Realistic Outcomes

Comparisons are never perfect, but they help frame expectations. Hartman profiles as a battle-tested, accurate quarterback with average physical tools and strong intangibles. Many quarterbacks like that have carved out long careers as capable backups who can start in a pinch.

High-End NFL Comparison

On the optimistic end, think of a Case Keenum or Gardner Minshew type of outcome. That means a smart, accurate passer who understands protections, can win with timing and anticipation, and keep an offense on schedule. In the right stretch with the right supporting cast, that type can string wins together.

Median Outcome

The most likely outcome is a reliable QB2 or QB3 who knows the playbook cold, helps prepare the starter, and can manage games. Coaches value trust. If Hartman earns that trust, he can be active on gamedays and provide stability in the room.

Low-End Outcome

The floor is a camp arm who cycles through practice squads without sticking. That happens often at the position, and it says more about opportunity than ability. Quarterback depth charts are tight, and competition is fierce.

What Coaches Will Focus on First

Development is about narrowing weaknesses while protecting strengths. With Hartman, there are a few core areas that typically get attention early.

Footwork and Timing

Clean, fast feet turn a good arm into an effective NFL arm. Coaches will tie Hartman’s progressions to precise footwork so the ball is out on time. That shaves a beat off each throw and helps him beat tight coverage without needing elite velocity.

Protection Plans and Hot Answers

NFL defenses bring heat. Hartman’s next step is mastering every blitz answer: the quick outlet to a back, the sight adjust by a receiver, and the throwaway when nothing is there. If he shows he can punish pressure, defenses think twice.

Ball Security Habits

A backup’s job is to avoid the backbreaking mistake. Two hands on the ball in the pocket, decisive throwaways, and secure mechanics under duress matter. Hartman’s courage is a strength; turning that courage into controlled aggression is the coaching point.

Lessons from His College Journey

Hartman’s path is a reminder that college schemes shape how we read quarterbacks. The slow mesh gave him deep-ball opportunities and forced him to make patient decisions. Notre Dame gave him a more pro-like environment with traditional reads. Together, those stops created a well-rounded base, even if the translation to the NFL requires adjustments.

Health and Resilience

Hartman’s return from a significant health issue showcased mental toughness and professionalism. NFL teams look for players who respond well to adversity. That resilience is a part of his value, especially in the backup role where readiness and mindset are everything.

Leadership and Culture Fit

Multiple locker rooms embraced Hartman. That matters in the NFL, where the quarterback room is the heartbeat of an offense. If he continues to be the steady, respected presence he was in college, he will earn time and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Hartman and the Draft

Is age a big deal for quarterbacks entering the NFL?

Age matters when teams evaluate long-term growth and upside. A younger quarterback might have more years to develop high-end traits. However, older rookies often arrive more mature and ready to handle complex playbooks. For Hartman, age probably lowered his draft value but could help him adjust quickly to the professional environment.

Can arm strength improve?

Natural arm talent is mostly fixed, but functional arm strength can improve with better mechanics, stronger lower-body drive, and faster timing. If Hartman tightens footwork and releases earlier, the ball will arrive sooner, which can effectively play like added velocity.

Did the slow mesh at Wake Forest hurt his stock?

It did not hurt his stock as much as it created questions. Teams needed proof he could operate outside that system. His season at Notre Dame answered many of those questions by showing he could run play-action, handle under-center snaps, and make reads in a pro-style structure.

What does “priority undrafted free agent” mean?

It means a team saw value and moved quickly to sign him right after the draft, often with a competitive financial guarantee for a UDFA. It is a strong signal that the team wants to develop the player and sees a path to a roster or practice squad spot.

What Fans Should Watch in Preseason

Preseason is where UDFA quarterbacks make their case. The box score matters less than how the offense functions with them on the field. Do they get in and out of the huddle smoothly? Are they on time? Do they manage two-minute drives without chaos? Those clues tell you whether a staff trusts the player.

Key Checkpoints in Camp

Early in camp, look for steady improvement and fewer mental errors. By the second preseason game, watch the rhythm: ball out on time, smart checkdowns, and good situational awareness. If Hartman stacks clean days, he strengthens his claim to a roster spot.

Reading Depth Charts and Coach Speak

Depth charts during August shift constantly. When coaches mention a quarterback’s command, protection calls, or two-minute operation, that is usually praise that matters. If a UDFA gets more reps with second-team receivers as the month goes on, it is a good sign.

Simple Scouting Recap

If you want the short version of Hartman’s scouting profile, here it is in plain terms. He is an experienced, tough quarterback who throws accurately when his feet and timing are right. He is not a power thrower and can be late under pressure, but he brings leadership, poise, and an NFL-caliber understanding of the position. His best chance is in a system that uses play-action, defined reads, and rhythm-based concepts, with coaching focused on footwork and blitz answers.

What Might Come Next

The early NFL years for a quarterback like Hartman are about earning trust. That means strong practice habits, a clear command of the offense, and a steady hand in preseason games. If he does that, he can secure a long career as a valued backup. Sometimes, that leads to starting opportunities down the line when injuries hit or systems change. The path is not flashy, but it is real and respected in the league.

Conclusion

Sam Hartman’s NFL Draft story is less about when his name was called and more about what he brings to a professional quarterback room. He is experienced, resilient, and coachable. He went undrafted in 2024, then signed as a priority free agent with the Washington Commanders, positioning himself to compete, learn, and find his place in the league. His tools may not wow you in shorts and a T-shirt, but his strengths—timing, touch, leadership, and toughness—are the traits many NFL teams value in a dependable backup and occasional starter. For fans, the best way to appreciate Hartman is to watch the details: his footwork on timing routes, his decisions against pressure, and his poise in two-minute drills. Those are the areas that will define his path. No matter how you measure it, Hartman has already proven he can lead, adapt, and persevere. That gives him a real shot to build a meaningful NFL career—one smart decision, one clean drive, and one opportunity at a time.