Does Cardale Jones belong in the first round?
Oct 3, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) throws a pass against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The way Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones came down the stretch of the 2014 college football season was amazing. And he capped it off with big-time performances in the playoff and National Championship game. With the cannon he has for an arm, his size and his mobility, there’s no way he would make it out of the first round.
Right?
Well, then came the start of the 2015 season and he didn’t look so pretty in the first three games. He went 25-44 for 334 yards two touchdowns and three interceptions but sitll won all three games. However, those three performances weren’t a good look and many evaluators dropped him out of the first round.
Then in the next three games, Jones did an about-face, seeming to correct whatever issures he was having. In the last three games, he’s gone 58-88 for 824 yards with five TDs and tow INTs. He looks much more comfortable, composed and mechanically sound, leading to much better accuracy.
I particularly liked his last performance against Maryland when the was 21-28 for 291 yards with two TDs.
The kid can really spin it when he’s right.
But when he’s right is the concern.
Is he the guy that came down the stretch of the 2014 season?
Is he the guy that started the first three game of this season and almost lost his job?
Well, the last three games indicate he’s gotten himself going again.
So will he get his name called in the first round in 2016?
That arm is a temptation!