The most notable distinction about the 2018 NFL Draft is its bevy of quality quarterback prospects. However, one of the biggest names that have flown under the radar is Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Despite being one of the most decorated players in college football, Jackson has not been considered among the top quarterbacks in the draft. According to Phillip Heilman of the Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville Jaguars Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin is enamored by what he brings to the table:
“I think he’s an outstanding young man,” Coughlin said Friday during a pre-draft press conference. “I think he’s an extremely talented athlete.”
General manager Dave Caldwell doubled down on Coughlin's praises.
“He’s a rare athlete,” Caldwell said. “As a quarterback, he’s a good player. He won a lot of games at that position. [Drafting him] depends what your scheme is, what you want to do and how you want to play and how he fits. I can’t say he’s the prototypical pocket passer, but you can win games with a guy like him.”
The former Heisman Trophy winner has been one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football over the last few years. Jackson's versatile skill set as both a runner and a passer made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. However, his draft process thus far has been tumultuous, to say the least.
Although Jackson's has made his bones as a dual-threat quarterback, questions about his accuracy have led teams to believe they could use him elsewhere on their offense. Although he has remained firm on his stance to play quarterback, there have been reports that teams have struggled to get in contact with him.
Regardless, it appears the Jaguars are intrigued by the speedy gunslinger. Jacksonville recently shored up their quarterback position by signing Blake Bortles to a three-year, $54 million extension. However, questions about his long-term stability suggest that Jackson could make for an intriguing choice if he is still on available at 29.
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