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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five eligible quarterback prospects

By Sayre Bedinger

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Rose Bowl on November 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Rose Bowl on November 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrates a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrates a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville

Lamar Jackson is one of the most polarizing quarterback prospects in the country right now, but should he be?

This guy is as electric of an athlete as you will find. He was reportedly timed under 4.4 seconds running the 40-yard dash this past Spring, and that speed translates on the field every single week.

Jackson’s speed is not his only asset, however. When looking at him purely as a runner, not many can track him down in the open field because of his elusiveness with the ball in his hands. He’s a polished runner, more-so than any other quarterback you will see in this draft class.

Not only is Jackson a great runner, he’s got incredible arm talent. It isn’t always consistent, but the way Jackson is able to rip the ball into tight windows and put touch on the ball on deep throws downfield is a rare gift.

The way he throws the football so effortlessly reminds me a lot of Michael Vick when he played. But unlike even Vick coming out, Jackson has been much more productive as a passer and even though he still growing in that regard, he has made great strides from his Heisman campaign two seasons ago to this year.

Incidentally, this season has also been Heisman-worthy from Jackson, even though many felt like repeating would be all but impossible.

Jackson has improved his pocket presence, and does a good job of reading defenses pre- and post-snap.

Why is he ranked fourth? We’ll get into that with some of the other players on this list as well, but Jackson to me has a playing style that could shorten his career at the next level. He’s got a thin frame for his height and the way he takes so many big hits is concerning to me.

Obviously it hasn’t been an issue to this point, but durability down the road is a little bit of a concern for me, even though this guy is electric with a football in his hands.

I also think Jackson is going to take a little time adjusting to the next level in terms of making consistent throws that he’s able to avoid having to make by simply running and getting out of the pocket.

Having Jackson fourth on this list is not an indictment of his skills, however. I think this is a special player who is going to set the league on fire his rookie season.

Projection: Top 15

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