NFL analysts are split on Lamar Jackson's pro potential.
It is hard to find a more polarizing NFL prospect than Lamar Jackson. Jackson is one of the fastest quarterbacks in college football, but skeptics have questions about his ability to consistently perform inside the pocket. There are also concerns over his slight frame.
What NFL talent evaluators have to discern is the difference between perception and reality. Jackson may very well end up being limited in the pocket, but this belief should be grounded in his tape. With every highlight reel run by Jackson, it can help re-enforce the notion that Jackson cannot throw from the pocket.
Let’s start with the numbers. Jackson threw for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2016. More impressive was his 1,571 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.
His dual-threat capabilities have drawn comparisons to Michael Vick. Bleacher Report’s draft analyst Matt Miller sees similarities to Vince Young.
Lamar Jackson is something special. Haven’t seen a playmaker like this in college since Vince Young.
Jackson has the potential to wow NFL executives at the Combine. Louisville clocked the quarterback at a 4.34 40-time. This is an extremely fast time, and even more impressive for a quarterback.
Just because Jackson can run, does not mean he is not a capable passer. Take a look at Jackson stepping up in the pocket to drop a dime pass for a touchdown.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah notes some of the same strengths and weaknesses in Jackson’s game.
Jackson primarily aligns in the shotgun/pistol, but he does take some snaps from under center. He shows quick feet in his drop and has an explosive/snap delivery. He can generate plenty of velocity without incorporating much of his lower half. He flashes the ability to accurately drive the ball into tight windows.
He has tremendous upside as a passer but his ability to make plays with his legs is what makes him special. He has Mike Vick-type explosiveness when he takes off on designed QB runs or scrambles. He gets up to top speed immediately and destroys pursuit angles from opposing safeties. He isn’t quite as shifty as Vick, but he is just as fast in a straight line.
Where he needs to improve: Jackson has a ways to go to develop into a consistently accurate passer. He has a bad habit of locking out his front leg, screwing himself into the ground and falling off throws.
In an interview with the Courier-Journal, CBS Sports Dane Brugler noted arm strength is not an issue for Jackson, but emphasized the idea that he will continue to be evaluated for his accuracy.
The NFL scouts are going to want to see, ‘OK, we know what you can do. But now can you get better? What’s your development not only with the passing game but mentally?’ Is he able to read coverages, be more accurate with the football?…
The biggest thing for him is his development as a passer – recognizing coverages, breaking down what defenses are trying to do pre-snap and post-snap and being consistent in the pocket. We saw flashes of that (in 2016). He just needs to do it more consistently from the start of the season to the bowl game.
Heading into the season, Jackson was widely viewed as a Day 2 or Day 3 prospect. Jackson has the potential to work himself into the first round conversation if he continues to show promise as a passer. As of now, Jackson likely goes in the second to third round if he declares for the 2018 NFL Draft.
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