Lamar Jackson NFL Draft Profile

The following is a 2018 Lamar Jackson NFL Draft Profile highlighting everything that you need to know about the Louisville signal caller. Listed below is his scouting report highlighting strengths and weaknesses while looking at his NFL comparison and his projection. Here at NFL Draft Geek we also like to provide all of our play cut ups, video breakdowns and any other important articles that will give our full view of who we think he is as a prospect.

Lamar Jackson NFL Draft Profile

Height: 6’2   Weight: 216  School: Louisville Cardinals

Positives

  • Dynamic athlete that can make you miss in the open field and reel off long runs
  • Has the arm strength to drive the ball downfield and win vertically.
  • Doesn’t have to wind up to make throws. Looks effortless coming off his hands.
  • Looks comfortable in the pocket and willing to stay in and go from one read to another
  • Able to make accurate throws while on the move
  • Can put the ball in a place for his receivers to make plays

Concerns

  • Has a slight frame which could cause some to believe he’ll be more susceptible to injuries
  • Tends to miss high on intermediate throws sailing them over receivers heads
  • Lower body mechanics need work as he often throws flat footed not stepping into his throws
  • Can be a bit of a stiff front leg thrower which can cause his deeper throws to sail
  • Needs to improve with his anticipation and will make throws after receivers make their break
  • Can lock onto receivers allowing the defenders to jump routes

Summary

Due to his elite speed and athletic ability there is going to be a concern for some that he’ll eventually be moved to receiver. It’s not hard to see why some think he’ll he should switch positions but Jackson has the traits to be a good NFL quarterback. Because Louisville uses him in the run game there is a thought Jackson didn’t play in an NFL system but they fail to realize that the Cardinals have several pro route concepts and has shown the ability to read defenses to complete his passes. More over Jackson has the arm talent needed to thrive at the position. Yes Jackson needs to throw with more consistent anticipation but that can come with more time. Jackson’s biggest flaws with his accuracy are due to his lower body mechanics. Cleaning those up should help. Jackson’s arm strength allows him to drive the ball both in intermediate and deep throws which helps his accuracy not having to throw the ball to a spot and hope that his receiver can get the ball.

Projection

Lamar Jackson has all the tools to be a successful quarterback in the NFL with two ways that he could be successful. Jackson either going to a team with an established veteran quarterback that he can learn underneath while he continues to refine his mechanics. The other route is for the team to go the Titans route and build their offense around his mobility to get him on the field immediately while still allow him time to develop. Look for Jackson to go somewhere in the late first or early second round, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he went in the teens.

 

NFL Comparison: Marcus Mariota

 

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