2020 NFL Draft: Why Joe Burrow is more than a one-hit wonder

6 of 7

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 31: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Tiger Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images) /

Burrow’s rapid improvements in 2019

An area that Burrow improved in the new offense was his ability to work through his progressions. He quickly moves through his progressions, showing very good mental processing to understand when and where routes will come open. Burrow stays patient, and makes excellent anticipation throws most notably in the intermediate levels in the middle of the field.

Using that knowledge of the defense’s coverage and where to attack, Burrow improved his ability to manipulate safeties with his eyes more consistently to create leverage. The quick-hitting offense at LSU in 2019 allowed him to gain rhythm early, allowing him to gain confidence. He rarely made bad decisions as he remained calm and patient.

Despite the elite arm strength, Burrow has improved his deep throws significantly in 2019. He shows a clear understanding of when to fire the ball into a window or loft the ball over the top of defenders. The Heisman quarterback might not have the arm strength to be the next Aaron Rodgers, but he has enough to make those tight-window throws over the middle in short to intermediate portions of the field.

Using excellent footwork and poise within the pocket, Burrow demonstrated remarkable accuracy in all areas of the field in 2019. He creates room for himself allowing him to plant his feet before delivering a beautifully placed pass, and sustains good accuracy while on the move in short to intermediate portions of the field when escaping the pocket.

Burrow has a very good understanding of when to use touch and power to put on the ball to make tight windows or drop the ball between zones. Probably one of his favorite throws is up the seams between the second and third levels of the defense on over/under route concepts.

Arm strength limits his ability to push the ball deep with great accuracy, not allowing him to place his feet. He can be inconsistent at times, not following through with his throwing motion, which affects his accuracy but can be cleaned up.

Home/NFL Draft News