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Lamar Jackson, Louisville: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Louisville’s Lamar Jackson is the reining Heisman Trophy Winner and one of the more polarizing 2018 NFL Draft prospects.

We all know that Lamar Jackson is an explosive athlete, but it’s his quarterback skills that’s under the microscope. The main narrative will be that Jackson isn’t a typical quarterback prospect because he’s basically a run-first player. However, that doesn’t paint the complete picture.

Jackson has explosive arm talent with the capability of generating a ton of zip on all his throws. This means he can easily attack the sideline and squeeze the ball in to tight throwing windows. He can also put pressure on the deep part of the field.

His underneath and intermediate accuracy is above average. Jackson often throws his receivers open giving them a chance to pick up yards after the catch. On the sideline, he places the ball where only his receiver can make the catch.

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Jackson’s accuracy issues come when he’s trying to stretch the field. He struggles to get proper loft on his deep ball often under throwing his target. Jackson has the arm strength to make these throws, but needs to work on his timing and ball placement.

The most notable skill Jackson possesses is his ability to hurt a defense with his legs. He’s a shifty runner who features an elite burst. Jackson is a legitimate threat to score every time the ball is in his hands.

This isn’t necessary a selling point for NFL teams. They aren’t looking for run-first quarterbacks who will absorb extra hits. It’s more of an issue for Jackson because of his small and thin frame. Evaluators will have a hard time feeling optimistic that Jackson can hold up playing his current style.

Jackson’s running ability also makes life easier for him in the passing game. His targets often enjoy single coverage as defenses focus on keeping Jackson in the pocket. There are a lot of situations where Jackson is throwing to a wide open target.

Louisville’s offense is an obvious spread attack that doesn’t feature much NFL concepts. Jackson will face an adjustment period when he does move on to the NFL.

This is going to be one of the more interesting storylines of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jackson has the arm talent and feel for the position to be a NFL quarterback. However, his small frame and run-first mentality doesn’t help his draft stock.

I can see a team drafting Jackson in the 1st round, but I can just as easily see him sliding to the middle rounds. It’s going to take a confident head coach and creative offensive coordinator to get the most out of Jackson’s ability.

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