Former LSU quarterback and projected No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow might not having the strongest arm of all quarterbacks in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, though that does not seem to be a concern for scouts.
Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports that NFL Draft scouts do not place a high value on arm strength in terms of Burrow's player evaluation, instead prioritizing football IQ and accuracy:
Burrow's accuracy is a plus. But scouts rate his arm strength as average, and certainly below the likes of Herbert. “He's going to be third out of those three (top) guys in terms of making true drive throws on the pro throws — the dig, the comeback, the tight-window throws,” an AFC scout said. “But it's not a detriment to him. It's not anything that caused you to pause.” Said a college scouting director: “Everybody's evaluation of him from '18 — that was part of the evaluation that had him down (in the mid rounds), was just [his arm strength]. And of course, that didn't change. Burrow's not a big guy (listed at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds in college). That's why going to the Senior Bowl or going to the combine and getting compared with guys — it's not what makes Joe Burrow special.” Burrow declined his Senior Bowl invite to spend time with family; no word yet on whether he'll throw in Indianapolis or at for his pro day. “Watch Eason, Love, Tua and Herbert throw three balls, then throw [Burrow] on last,” another AFC executive said. “It just looks different. It's not pretty. But we all know there's more to his position than that arm. Is he Alex Smith? Or is he gonna ever be better than that?”
Of course, arm strength can be tremendously overrated.
Legendary quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady shredded opposing defenses because of their precision, timing and intellect, rather than arm strength.
Burrow completed over 76 percent of his passes this past season, and he also has strong pocket presence and decent escapability for someone of his stature.
The Cincinnati Bengals are still expected to make him the top selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, even if he's playing coy about the possibility.
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