After a 2018 NFL Draft that featured polarizing talent at quarterback, scouts have a crop of talent to look forward to in 2019. The star: Drew Lock.
The 2018 NFL Draft saw four quarterbacks come off the board within the first 10 picks of the first round: Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen. Further down the board, a fifth quarterback was selected at No. 32 overall: Lamar Jackson.
Despite that being true, there was a persistent belief that the quarterback talent in the 2018 NFL Draft was rather underwhelming.
The narrative should change in 2019, when a number of high-quality quarterback prospects become draft-eligible. That includes the likes of Ryan Finley of North Carolina State, Will Grier of West Virginia, Justin Herbert of Oregon, and Shea Patterson of Michigan.
For as compelling as that quartet may be, the quarterback whom everyone should be watching in 2018 is Missouri Tigers star Drew Lock.
Lock is a 6’4″ and 225-pound prototype of a quarterback who has elite arm talent and gaudy statistics to support his case. In 2017, he produced 3,695 passing yards and 43 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.
That includes a four-touchdown performance against the Georgia Bulldogs, which allowed just 13 passing touchdowns all season—a top-15 ranking nationwide.
Lock is still somewhat fundamentally raw, but he’s made steady progress during his three years at Missouri. He’s benefited from an elite offensive line that will return all five starters in 2018, but he deserves credit for maximizing their potential.
Per Pro Football Focus, Lock did an excellent job of making the right decision in 2017—whether or not he had a pocket to work from.
No matter which way you slice it - Drew Lock was near the top of most of the statistical categories last season among his potential 2019 draft class counterparts pic.twitter.com/c79Q7InMPy
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 3, 2018
Furthermore, Lock was nothing short of elite when it came to quickly releasing throws to avoid an incoming pass rush.
Drew Lock saw a passer rating of 123.5 on quick passes last season, leading the charge of returning QBs in the SEC on such throws pic.twitter.com/NsYXypTm6V
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 7, 2018
Some may want to chalk that up to the system, but that’s where the context continues to work in his favor.
Natural talent aside, Lock will have a chance to prove himself in the most significant of ways in 2018. Missouri plans to run more of a pro style offense that will task him with working from under center and developing improved footwork.
According to Tashan Reed of Rock M Nation, Lock acknowledged the challenged, but is enjoying the mental test of a pro style offense.
"“I really enjoy it. It tests your brain a little bit,” Lock said. “I think you need that. You’ve got to go out there mentally sharp, and that’s the tougher part for all quarterbacks, really. If you’re not on the mental side out there, you’re gonna be eaten alive in this offense.”"
That could potentially hurt his statistics, but the mere introduction of the new system will help Lock show if he’s mentally and physically adaptable to NFL game.
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If Drew Lock successfully adjusts to the new offense, the Missouri Tigers star will be in the running to go No. 1 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.