J.T. Barrett, QB Ohio State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State came into the 2015 season with a problem that most teams wish they had: three quarterbacks all capable of starting. When Braxton Miller transitioned to wide receiver, the battle came down to Cardale Jones (the man who led them to a championship) or J.T. Barrett (the now 2nd-stringer). Despite Cardale Jones starting early on, Barrett eventually found himself atop the depth chart. While Barrett doesn’t possess the size or “arm strength” that Jones is praised for, he has displayed enough traits to warrant consideration come draft time. If Barrett can be the one who leads the Buckeyes over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, his draft stock may climb significantly. Let’s take a look at J.T. Barrett and what he could potentially bring to an NFL team.

Measurables

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 223

Strengths

• Accuracy

The first that jumps out about J.T. Barrett when evaluating his tape is the touch and pin-point accuracy on each of his throws. In 2014, he shifted into the starting role after an injury sidelined Braxton Miller. These traits were on full display during this stretch as he averaged over 70% accuracy in multiple games and kept the Buckeyes alive. His accuracy extends beyond just throws from the pocket as he adjusts well to pressure and his throws can be dangerous from all angles and situations.

Barrett may still be testing his arm strength, but his ability to anticipate and place the ball where only his receivers can get it have become the building blocks for his development as a potential NFL quarterback.

• Athleticism

J.T. Barrett doesn’t have the same level of athleticism that former starting quarterback Braxton Miller possesses, but he is no pushover when it comes to making plays with his legs. Over the last two seasons, Barrett has shown both a willingness and an ability to gain yards on the ground. Thus far in 2015, Barrett has rushed for 586 yards to go along with 11 touchdowns. While most of his runs average around six yards a carry, Barrett has also demonstrated the ability to break free into the secondary and make multiple defenders miss. This is no more evident than the scamper (shown below) against Virginia Tech early in the season.

The play is drawn up as an option and Barrett chooses to fake the handoff and take it himself. He makes a couple of defenders miss before breaking into the secondary for a 40-yard jet.

Weaknesses

• Size and Stature

In no way am I suggesting a small size or stature is always a negative trait, especially in the NFL. We have seen too many examples, such as Drew Brees and Russell Wilson, who have played at a high level while not standing more than 6’1″. However, in Barrett’s case he doesn’t possess the same level of arm strength or athleticism as many of these players.

His athleticism is a strength, but his size may hinder him from being able to break away as quickly has he has in college. He will need to get very comfortable in a collapsing pocket and learn to make several adjustments very quickly, something he hasn’t had to do as much at Ohio St. If he can continually improve his pocket-presence, he should be able to overcome this “weakness”.

• Off-the-field

J.T. Barrett has widely been described as a leader in the locker-room and sideline and displays the on-field maturity to suggest this will continue to grow. However, an incident where he was arrested and charged for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. In addition to the charges, a video surfaced of Barrett apparently pleading with police officers stating “I’m the quarterback at Ohio State…. There’s nothing you can do?”.

Barrett eventually plead guilty to the charges and was suspended for one game. While Barrett doesn’t have a lengthy track record of such occurrences, Barrett will need turn is focus to football and avoid dumb mistakes such as these.

Final Thoughts and Projection

Despite the arrest and charges, Barrett still possesses the intangibles to be a solid character in the locker room and on the sideline. His in-game maturity and coachable traits only continue to emphasize this belief. He displays the athleticism to make plays on the ground and the accuracy as a passer that most NFL coaches will be able to develop. He was able to win the quarterback competition at Ohio State, only proving his competitiveness and drive to continually get better.

Barrett will be a nice addition to any roster and while it is likely he will be a developmental prospect early in his career, his potential through the roof. If a team is willing to let him sit on the bench and continue to learn for the first few seasons of his career, he could pay some major dividends down the road. I think Barrett is a draftable prospect and should hear his name called in the later round of the draft

Projection: 5th-6th Round

Pro Comparison: Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs