Quarterbacks have a day of mixed results
It was an up and down day for quarterbacks and their NFL Draft stock across the college football landscape. It began with Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts. Pauline had high praise for him at the beginning of the game in the 12:15 PM update.
People talk about the Sooners’ offensive system exaggerating the skill of quarterbacks, a criticism I believe has merit. Regardless, when it comes to Jalen Hurts, you cannot help but be impressed by the way he’s in control of the offense, his patience as well as poise and decision making. Kyler Murray made plays with sheer athleticism while Hurts makes plays with his head.
But just 45 minutes later, Pauline made sure to keep everything in check.
No one is invincible, as Jalen Hurts just displayed. The worst throw a quarterback can make; cross the body, cross the field, and late, resulting in a pick by the Longhorns. That said, it was a nice play from safety Brandon Jones, a prospect I grade as a second-day prospect and someone featured in last week’s Draft Insiders podcast with Andy Herman.
In the 3:50 PM update, Pauline had some blunt words for Georgia QB Jake Fromm.
A lot of people believe Jake Fromm is a first-round selection, but I never bought into the hype, and my criticism of the quarterback over the summer has not changed- too many times passes, including easy throws, get away from him.
All too often, I see wide open receivers stretching vertically or adjusting backwards to grab errant throws. That sort of inconsistency and poor pass placement is a killer at the next level.
In the 6:45 PM update, Valdovinos talked about Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond, and how he believes he still has plenty of room to improve.
Kellen Mond has played a strong game today. Showcasing how efficient he can be as a rhythm passer, and he’s torched the ‘Bama defense with his legs. Mond has excellent tools, but still needs developing as a passer. I’d expect him to stay in school this year, and be a Senior Bowl candidate next year.
In the 9:10 PM update, Pauline talked about Iowa Hawkeyes QB Nate Stanley, who he listed as a Week 6 Slider.
You continue to see why I’m down on Nate Stanley and why he was listed as a Week 6 slider. After hitting three passes for 72 yards to give the Hawkeyes a first and goal from the Penn State five-yard line, Stanley missed a wide-open receiver who had inside leverage for a sure touchdown. This is the norm for Stanley rather than the exception to the rule.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a live blog with at least one mention of rising star Joe Burrow from LSU. Here’s what AJ Schulte had to say about him in the 11:18 PM update.
LSU QB Joe Burrow has taken the nation by storm so far with his high level of play, but give credit to his group of wide receivers before. The only draft-eligible one of the group is Justin Jefferson and he is another top-tier playmaker in this wide receiver class.
He’s explosive and smooth after the catch which helps LSU create explosive play after explosive play. Predicting where he ends up getting drafted in this class is nearly impossible at this point, but the second or third round is not out of the question.
Schulte also made his opinion known about Washington Huskies QB Jacob Eason. After much hype to begin the season, that has quickly come to a halt.
Washington QB Jacob Eason started off the season hot, displaying his incredible physical tools, but it’s clear he has a lot of growing to do still as a quarterback. His accuracy has come and gone in waves in games and his pocket presence is still a work in progress.
If he continues to play at this level, he might have to opt to return to Washington one more season. He faces a stiff test next week against Oregon’s defense, which has only allowed one touchdown since their opener against Auburn. It can be a statement game for Eason, for better or worse.
Note: Click here to view all of the updates in the Week 7 PFN Live Game Day Blog.