There are clear differences between quarterback prospects
Three notable quarterback prospects were discussed in terms of draft grades and overall play. They were Iowa’s Nate Stanley, Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke, and LSU’s Joe Burrow. Additionally, Schulte weighed in on Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert. Here’s what Tony said about Stanley and Lewerke at the 4:45 update:
I’ve never been impressed by the next level potential of Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke and grade him almost one round lower than I have Nate Stanley of Iowa (5th/6th round prospect). He’s an average armed passer with average accuracy and someone who comes across to me as a career number third signal-caller on Sunday.
I have many of the same criticisms of Lewerke which I have on Stanley- poor pass placement on a consistent basis which forces open receivers to adjust or stop/slow down in stride to make the catch.
However, Tony has a very different opinion of Burrow, which was discussed at the 4:40 update:
I’m starting to warm to quarterback Joe Burrow of LSU. And what I mean is, while everyone was anointing him a top-10 pick over the past month, I wanted to be patient before making such a bold proclamation. And though I’m not there yet his playmaking ability, quarterback intellect and toughness are impressive.
You can’t help but admire the way Burrow has his finger on the pulse of that LSU offense and the way he’s so in tune with his receivers. His decision making and pass choices are top-notch.
Schulte, who takes in every Oklahoma Sooners game, had this to say about Jalen Hurts.
As the resident OU fan at PFN, I get asked a lot about Jalen Hurts. We’re far enough into the season where a full grasp of players can start to be reached, so I’m gonna take a stab at it. For me, I don’t believe Jalen Hurts is a first-round quarterback prospect. His ability in the pocket just isn’t developed enough and his accuracy isn’t precise at the level of, say, Tua or Joe Burrow. He’s not close to as developed as Baker Mayfield or Kyler Murray, but they also had more time at OU to develop.
I think he’s a good quarterback and can be better, but as of right now, firmly a Day 2 player for me. If he had another season under Riley, it could be a different story. I can see him being as high as the 4th or 5th quarterback taken, but Hurts is not in the same caliber as Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow, or Justin Herbert.
Schulte also weighed in on Herbert, one of the more polarizing players in the 2020 NFL Draft.
It’s easy to see Justin Herbert has all the physical tools in the world but I feel like he isn’t being developed in Oregon. The inconsistencies are still there and the offense just doesn’t flow or take advantage of his skill set. I still firmly believe he’s a top-10 selection, but there have been enough concerns that have not improved, which gives me pause. I love his fit with the Cincinnati Bengals offense, but with them currently owning the #1 pick, would they pass on him for Tua? Doubtful.
Note: Click here to view all of the updates in the Week 9 PFN Live Game Day Blog.