2018 NFL Draft: Key strengths and weaknesses for Lamar Jackson

Weakness: Body Type

Mobile quarterbacks can be highly effective players in the NFL. In fact, it’s become something of a prerequisite for incoming players. Whether you’re a dynamic runner like Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton or a sneaky threat like Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith, mobility is a strength.

The advantage that those four players have over Lamar Jackson, however, is less about skill and more about body type. In other words: They’re built to take the hit.

Jackson is currently listed at 6’3″ and 211 pounds. He’s an impressive athlete, but when compared to a run-first quarterback like Newton—6’5″ and 245 pounds—or Kaepernick—6’4″ and 230 pounds—the disparity is profound.

Jackson could certainly bulk up in order to prepare himself for the hits that he’s bound to take, but his frame seems to be naturally smaller than Newton’s or Kaepernick’s.

A better comparison for Jackson may be Robert Griffin III, who was a borderline dominant force before his knee injury in 2012. Griffin was a significantly more polished pocket passer, but the comparison is valid due to their athleticism, scrambling ability, and body types.

If Griffin teaches Jackson anything, it’s that he needs to make throwing the ball the first priority. That and, for the love of everything sacred, try to slide or get out of bounds before you take a hit in the open field.

Linebackers and safeties love little more than punishing a quarterback for running. With linemen already targeting him in the pocket, he must minimize the damage he takes..