2019 NFL Draft: QB Overview
2019 NFL Draft: QB Overview by: Steve Hamner
Now that the 2019 NFL Draft has come and gone, people will spend the next few months picking apart each team’s draft sequence as well as the signage of their free agents. As usual, we will hear countless debates over the quarterbacks taken, specifically Daniel Jones as the 6th overall pick. I actually like that pick, but that is for another time to discuss. We want to briefly go over the draft as it relates to the quarterback position and takeaway one positive about each guy drafted.
There were 11 quarterbacks taken in this years’ draft, with three of them being chosen in the first round. That number is pretty much spot on with the average number of quarterbacks drafted the past five years, which is 11.8. Going into the draft, I thought there would be 13-14 quarterbacks taken. The highest number of quarterbacks taken over the past 10 drafts is 15. Shurmur, Jackson, and Rypien are all guys I thought would get drafted that ended up signing free agent deals.
The First 4
#1 Kyler Murray
Murray can beat you on the ground or in the air, and is always a threat for a big-time play. Murray will bring excitement to the Cardinals and will be the most important piece of that team moving forward. Below is Murray showing his arm strength and athletic ability on one play.
#2 Daniel Jones
What will be the most talked about pick for the next few months, Daniel Jones over Haskins’. The Giants are hoping that Jones turns out to be the next Super Bowl winning quarterback for them. He shows good patience in the pocket and lets the play develop. Below is a clip of him letting the play develop, taking a hit and delivering a touchdown.
#3 Dwayne Haskins
Ohio State lit up the scoreboard in Haskins only year under center. Haskins is an elite distributor of the football and throws a crisp, catchable ball. Below Haskins sees man coverage on the outside and puts the ball where his receiver can make a play.
#4 Drew Lock
Many people thought that Lock would be taken in the first round, however he slid to the second. Joe Flacco is the Bronco’s quarterback for now, but the Bronco’s didn’t take Lock to sit on the bench forever. Lock has a strong arm and makes his throws look effortless. Below a clip of him fitting a ball between the corner and the safety with no room to spare.
#5 Will Grier
The Panthers took Grier to develop and have some insurance behind Cam. Grier is a tough quarterback who had lots of success in college. When he finds a rhythm, he is an accurate, dependable quarterback. Below is a clip of Grier throwing a touchdown, releasing the ball right when his back foot makes contact with the ground on his drop.
#6 Ryan Finley
This may be one of my favorite picks of the draft. The Bengals have their starter, Andy Dalton, but Finley adds great value. He will have a chance to potentially develop into a starter at some point, the question is when. He is an accurate quarterback, mechanically sound, and does a great job throwing his guys open. Below is a clip of Finley putting the ball where only his receiver can catch it.
#7 Jarrett Stidham
The Patriots bring in Stidham to compete to be Brady’s back up and see how he can be developed in the next few years. Stidham is a strong-armed quarterback who can make every throw on the field. When he is decisive and confident he demonstrates a quick release. Below is a clip of Stidham staying firm in the pocket and delivering an accurate bomb down the field.
#8 Easton Stick
Here is another pick I really like. The Charger may have potentially gotten a steal here if he develops into a starter in a few years. For now, he will compete to be Rivers’ back up. Stick is an athletic quarterback who has a lot of experience in college playing in multiple personnel groups. He is your definition of a football player. Below is a clip of Stick showing a good play fake, followed by an accurate throw.
#9 Clayton Thorson
With the loss of Foles this offseason, the Eagles needed depth at quarterback. Thorson will provide depth. He has the typical NFL body for a quarterback and had a good career at Northwestern. Below is a clip of Thorson showing good footwork, moving out of the pocket, and squaring up his body to throw on the run.
#10 Gardner Minshew
The guy who almost decided to transfer to Alabama to be the third string quarterback and learn how to coach is now an NFL quarterback. The Jags selected Minshew who will have a chance to compete for a roster spot behind Foles. Minshew has great touch on his throws, which allows his receivers to make a play on the ball. Below is a clip of Minshew throwing a great outside fade, which allows his receiver to catch it in stride and make a play.
#11 Trace McSorley
The more I think about this pick, the more I like it and understand it. McSorley could fit the Ravens offensive scheme as he has similar traits to Lamar Jackson. He could be developed into the back-up role. Below is a clip of McSorley showing his athleticism against Ohio State
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