2018 NFL Draft: Key strengths and weaknesses for J.T. Barrett

Strength: Leadership Traits

Whether fair or foul, a quarterback is tasked with more than producing numbers and making quality throws. In the heat of the moment, it’s often the quarterback who’s tasked with leading their team through adversity.

Whether or not you believe J.T. Barrett is an NFL-caliber passer, the most undeniable aspect of his prospect profile is that he’s an outstanding leader.

Barrett appeared in 50 games over the course of his four seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, compiling a record of 44-6. He capped off his career by helping the Buckeyes secure a 24-7 victory over the USC Trojans in the 2017 Cotton Bowl.

It was a fitting end to a decorated career, during which Barrett led Ohio State to a pair of Big Ten Championship Game appearances—both of which ended in victory.

What must be a feather in Barrett’s cap is that he’s the first and only player in Ohio State football history to be named team captain in three different seasons. That’s a telling statement about what kind of leader Barrett is.

Even if you’re skeptical of whether or not he can play quarterback in the NFL, a player who’s respected as a leader should always have a place in the locker room.