2019 Heisman Finalists: How do they project to the NFL?

At this point, it would be a major upset if Joe Burrow didn’t walk away with the Heisman Trophy this weekend. It would also be a surprise if Burrow wasn’t the first quarterback taken, probably with the number one overall pick, in the 2020 NFL Draft come April. What’s amazing is the fact that before the season Burrow was thought of as nothing more than a game manager and mid-round pick.

This season, in a more pass-happy scheme, Burrow has thrown for over 4,700 yards and 48 touchdowns. He also added another 289 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. His 51 total touchdowns this season tie him with Jalen Hurts for having the most in college football. Burrow’s stats also rank him amongst the Top Two in the nation in nearly every statistical passing category. All that equates to Burrow being the odds on favorite to win the Heisman.

The stats aren’t the only area that Burrow has improved upon in 2019. He already had solid arm talent with solid arm strength and good accuracy, but his ball placement has been much better this season.

Where he has improved the most, though, is in his pocket presence and poise under pressure. He has shown an uncanny ability this season to avoid sacks and keep plays alive while keeping his eyes downfield. Just look at this play against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game where he avoided pressure multiple times before launching a strike down the field for a huge gain:

Joe Burrow does not have the highest ceiling among the group of 2020 quarterback prospects. But he definitely has the highest floor with everything you look for in a franchise quarterback and no red flags to speak of. If the Cincinnati Bengals finish the season with the worst record in the NFL, as they’re projected to do right now, Joe Burrow will almost assuredly be the pick at number one.