Expert Opinion: Lamar Jackson’s Profile
Lamar Jackson is a top quarterback talent, a top five quarterback in this draft and I believe will end up being a first round draft pick. The transition from college to the pros has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Lamar Jackson ever since rumors swirled around about being asked to work out as a wide receiver. He refused that notion and proceeded to work out as a quarterback at the NFL combine.
The Florida native spent three years at Louisville and certainly caught the attention of the nation. Jackson had a respectable freshman year, but broke onto the scene as a sophomore. He passed for 3,543 yards, 30 touchdowns to nine interceptions, ran for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jackson was awarded the Heisman trophy, the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards. He returned for his junior season and produced identical numbers.
There is no doubt that this kid is an athlete with big playmaking ability. Jackson can use his arm or his legs to beat you. He is capable of making all the throws and can throw on the run too. Jackson is also an instinctive runner and will make a tackler or two miss. He has really good qualities when you get to the nitty-gritty of it. Good arm, speed, elusiveness, but he is a work in progress.
Jackson needs to learn pocket discipline and go through his progressions if he wants to last in the NFL and when he does run, he is going to have to learn to slide. These professional defenders know how to hit and they will. From a passing standpoint, Jackson will need to improve his accuracy (57% completion).
Currently, Lamar Jackson is projected as a first-round pick and its not a secret that teams need quarterbacks. He could be selected by Arizona (15th overall), Cincinnati (21st), Buffalo (22nd) or even New England (23rd). I would be surprised if he slipped to the second round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWeAd4T3Gog
Image: ESPN
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