Articles

by Michael Stewart @golferbad

Introduction: With the 2019 regular season officially over, this year’s 2020 college quarterbacks may not be as deep as previous years. However; there are some quality quarterbacks at the top of the list; which features Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Tua Tagovailoa.

Don’t expect to see the Giants using any of their picks on a quarterback in this draft with Daniel Jones cemented in the starting role and looking every bit as the Giants quarterback for the next decade.

  • Joe Burrow (LSU) 6’4/216: Burrow went from a possible Day 3 draft pick before the start of the 2019 season to the projected 1st overall pick in the 2020 draft by having a magically season where he led the LSU Tigers to a #1 team in the country and possibly winning the National Championship. The Heisman Trophy winner completed 78% of his passes for 4,715 yards and 48 touchdowns; while only committing 6 interceptions.
  • Justin Herbert (Oregon) 6’6/225: Herbert’s decision to return for his senior could pay off as he is projected to be the 2nd quarterback taken in the draft; possibly in the top 5. Herbert completed 67% of his passes for 3,333 yards and 32 touchdowns/5 interceptions. Herbert’s pocket presence, strong arm, and mobility will be hard to pass up for a team looking for their future quarterback.
  • Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) 6’1/218: Tagovailoa was considered to be the #1 quarterback off the board until a season-ending injury to his hip derailed his chances. Currently; Tagovailoa is still entering the draft and if he does; he will more than likely be the 3rd quarterback taken off the board. Tagovailoa has a strong arm and is extremely mobile as he passed for 2,840 yards with 33 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions before his injury.
  • Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma) 6’2/218: Hurts outstanding season for the Sooners wasn’t overlooked with his 72% completion ratio; while throwing for 3,634 yards with 32 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. Hurts can cause havoc with opposing defenses not only through the air but also with his legs as he is a dangerous two-way quarterback. Jalen Hurts
  • Jake Fromm (Georgia) 6’2/220: Fromm made not have had a 2019 season that he had hoped for with 2,610 yards, 22 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions, but NFL scouts are fully aware of the value Fromm brings to the table. Fromm may not possess the strongest arm in the draft or be the fastest quarterback, but his football IQ and ability to not make mistakes makes him a reliable quarterback that should hear his name called in round 2.
  • Jacob Eason (Washington) 6’6/227: Eason has good size and a strong throwing arm. His pocket presence to go along with his vision to analyze defenses puts him in rare company. Eason completed 64% of his passes; while throwing for 2,922 yards with 22 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.  Eason should hear his name called mid to late on Day 2.
  • Jamie Newman (Wake Forest) 6’4/230: Newman solid season in 2019 has catapulted him in the top 10 among quarterbacks in college football. Newman completed 62% of his passes for 2,693 yards with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Newman can hurt you with his arm and legs as he is a duel threat anytime on the field. Newman nears to work on his footwork a little to be more efficient as a passer.
  • Kellen Mond (Texas A&M) 6’4/225: Mond had an up and down season in 2019 while throwing for 2,2802 yards with 19 touchdowns/9 interceptions at a 61% completion rating. Mond has good size, arm strength, and mobility, but needs to work on his overall technique is excel at the next level.
  • Steven Montez (Colorado) 6’5/235: Montez completed 63% of his passes for 2,808 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Montez has good size and at times flashes some impressive ability. However; NFL scouts believe he needs to improve on his accuracy and consistency to be a starter in the NFL.
  • Jordan Love  (Utah State) 6’4/225: Love digressed in 2019 by completing 61% of his passes for 3,85 yards with 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. In 2018. Love’s numbers (64%/3,567 yards/32 TDS/6 INTS) were more impressive. Love has some tools to take notice of as he possesses a strong arm and good touch on his throws. However; Love needs to work on his pocket presence and field vision. Love’s main issues have been targeting on his initial target and not going through his progressions. Love is projected to hear his names called on Day 3.

Final Thoughts: This year’s class of quarterbacks have talent and team’s looking to fill that need; especially in the early rounds (Days 1 and 2) could get a quality player. It’s been reported that a few teams looking to draft a quarterback could look to trade up possibly into the top 5. If so, would GM Dave Gettleman entertain the thought of trading back from the #4 spot to acquire more picks? Historically; Gettleman has never traded back in the 1st round and he could continue to follow that trend, however; there’s always a chance he might take it under consideration.