2020 NFL Draft quarterback rankings and analysis-Herbert and Love above Tua?
While the top four seemed clear, the top seven seem even clearer in terms of quarterbacks for the 2020 NFL Draft. There are a couple guys in this section that have been getting some mid-round buzz, but after those guys above it’s really anybody’s guess. In this range teams will be looking for upside that can be developed and molded into a serviceable quarterback down the road, not necessarily a player that can step in and contribute from day one.
8. Cole McDonald, Hawaii
Cole McDonald’s tape is very fun to watch if you can get past his incredibly strange throwing motion. But as abnormal as it is, it is still quick and effective.
He has good zip on his ball and has good size for an NFL QB prospect. While he does have some inconsistency with his accuracy, leading to some unnecessary turnovers, McDonald makes some absolutely eye-popping throws that drop your jaw.
He displays flashes of good anticipation, touch and ball placement and could turn into a very viable starting quarterback in the NFL for a team can accept his motion.
9. Jake Luton, Oregon State
Jake Luton absolutely looks the part of an NFL quarterback at 6-foot-7 and 230 lbs.
He is a great runner, especially for his size, and has the ability to make most throws on the field. He doesn’t have elite arm strength, but can fit the ball into some tight windows, drive it down the field and to the boundary. He shows touch at times, but needs to be more consistent with his accuracy and ball placement.
Overall, Luton is mechanically sound with a very solid floor for a developmental QB prospect. Give him some time and Luton has the potential to become a solid quarterback in the NFL.
10. Tyler Huntley, Utah
Tyler Huntley is a very athletic quarterback who runs like a running back. But he shows enough promise with his arm to warrant a selection in the NFL Draft.
He displays solid arm strength with solid touch on deep balls at times but could improve his consistency with his accuracy if he improves his mechanics a bit.
I like Huntley as a developmental prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft and given the right system he could become a viable starting caliber NFL quarterback in a couple years. He could potentially change positions and make an impact, but I feel that he could stand pat as a quarterback and earn a roster spot.
11. James Morgan, Florida International
James Morgan is a sneaky intriguing prospect. He has a very quick release with great zip on the ball. He has impressive arm strength and can make some eye-popping throws. He could definitely benefit from changing speeds at time and throwing with more touch.
He often trusts his arm a bit too much, throwing deep down the field after escaping pressure. But he’s shown touch at times on designed deep shots and is mobile enough to run the read option.
He’s a bit older as a 23-year old redshirt senior, so he will need to learn and develop quickly to have a long NFL career. He shows enough promise for a team to take a shot on him and with some guidance could potentially be a serviceable starter in the NFL.
12. Mason Fine, North Texas
Mason Fine, despite being a very small quarterback, can launch a ball down the field. He obviously doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world, but he can zip a ball into a tight window and has great touch on his deep ball.
He is a solid runner with good mobility and likely strives to walk in Russell Wilson’s footsteps. He has a couple years of mental development before he’s anywhere near that level, but to put that as his ceiling isn’t totally ridiculous.
13. Nate Stanley, Iowa
Nate Stanley, like most QB prospects in this range, is a project. He has a high enough floor and enough promise to be drafted in the middle or late rounds, but will need to be much more consistent to see the field at the next level.
He has good zip on his throws and has shown glimpses of good touch on deeper throws, but is still wildly inconsistent with his accuracy. He is best when he is able to operate a quick-hitting offense with open receivers on short to intermediate routes. If he would take better care of the ball he could be a competent game manager, but needs to refine his game before he can contribute.
14. Anthony Gordon, Washington State
Anthony Gordon looks the part as an NFL quarterback and shows promising flashes here and there, but is a guy that I am much lower on than most. Many have him as the top option in this range of the 2020 NFL Draft quarterback class, but I see him as a late round pick.
His footwork and mechanics are atrocious. He has a lazy drop and rarely sets his feet before he releases. He doesn’t have great arm strength, but throws with good anticipation and displays good touch at times. He, like most quarterbacks, put up big numbers in Mike Leach’s offense but will need a couple years of refinement before I even start to expect anything out of Gordon in the NFL.