The 2018 NFL Draft list of applicants is stacked with quality quarterback talents, including Louisville Cardinals product Lamar Jackson. Jackson, however, appears to be the odd man out among top-tier signal-callers prospects, as he is expected by experts and fans alike to get his name called once Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen have all been taken.
Jackson, however, would not mind if he’s going to be a backup in his first years in the pros, especially if that would be playing behind New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady just like what Jimmy Garoppolo did, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.
“Oh, definitely it worked out,” Jackson said Wednesday at a pre-draft press conference at AT&T Stadium. “He learned a lot from Tom Brady.”
After spending three full seasons playing in the shadows of Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo was traded last October to the San Francisco 49ers, who signed the former second-round pick to a five-year $137.5 million deal.
It’s not hard to see a link between the Patriots and Jackson. For one, as stated by Williams, New England has expressed interest in the former Heisman Trophy winner.
The Patriots, who have picks No. 23 and 31, have shown the most interest. The former Louisville quarterback worked out for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in South Florida, and during his visit to the Patriots’ team facility, Jackson met with head coach Bill Belichick among others.
A dual-threat quarterback, Jackson finished his college career with 9,043 passing yards and 69 thrown touchdowns against 27 picks. He also had 4,132 rushing yards and 50 rushing scores.
Follow Us
Subscribe