Two-Minute Drill: Mallett-to-NFL Talk Premature UA Offensive Coordinator Says

FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has size and a strong arm. He has shown improved decision-making and touch and has the Razorbacks on a three-game winning streak.

Does Mallett, a 6-7, redshirt sophomore, have a shot at the NFL once the season is over?

Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino thinks Mallett - as good as he's been - needs to wait. Another year at Arkansas would do Mallett and the program good.

"He needs to be here another year for sure to make sure he continues to grow and improve," Petrino said. "He's seen so much improvement here lately he wants to make sure he keeps growing and improving."

It's Mallett's recent improvement that has folks wondering if he could be around next year.

Mallett's numbers for the year are solid, but it's his play over the last three games that led to questions. He has completed 60 of 73 passes  (82 percent) of his passes for 982 yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception.

Those are impressive numbers.

Stats aren't the only thing fueling the Mallett to the NFL questions. Mallett is three years removed from high school, so he could enter the draft pool even though he's got two years of eligibility remaining.

Another reason the question is coming up, is the possibility of a NFL rookie salary cap in 2011, limiting guaranteed money for first-year players.

Petrino said he hasn't had the conversation with Mallett. And he doesn't plan to this year.