NFL Draft: High Reward, Low Risk Quarterbacks Part 2

BY ADAM GREENE

We’ve already touched on my No. 3 overall quarterback in the draft in Anthony Gordon out of Washington State in Part 1.

I can’t say I’m as excited about the next two guys on the list, but, again, you’re not risking much if you draft them.

I wrote that Jordan Love and Justin Herbert are going to get coaches and general managers fired. These two guys won’t do that. At worst, will be solid additions to any team. But, again, if they hit, they hit at such a cheap price there’s no reason not to pick them.

Let’s get back to it.

2. JACOB EASON, WASHINGTON

2019: 64.2 completion percentage, 3,132 yards, 23 touchdowns, eight touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, 6-6, 227 pounds

Earliest round he’ll likely be picked: 4

Teams that should pick him: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers

There’s a lot to like about Eason’s highlight film and, again, if I were doing a straight ranking, he’d be No. 4 on my board. Am I convinced he’ll be an NFL starter? Nope.

But, we’re not taking a big risk here. You spend a fourth or fifth on Eason, maybe you get a Tom Brady, the guy which he most physically reminds me, especially when you look at Brady’s college tape. Maybe you get Sean Mannion, a guy that’s been in the NFL as a solid back up for half a decade.

Of course, the thing that makes Tom Brady Tom Brady isn’t his physical skills. Every guy coming out from a major college program can make throws. Does Eason have that killer instinct? I have no idea, but Brady didn’t look like he had it either coming out of Michigan.

But the Brady eyeball test is there and it’s why the Patriots should take a good long look at him if they pass on a QB in the first round, regardless of how much they like Jarrett Stidham. Eason could and would fit easily into what the Steelers and 49ers do too and neither team is set at its back up position.

3. JAKE FROMM, GEORGIA

2019: 60.8 completion percentage, 2,860 yards, 24 touchdowns, five interceptions, 6-2, 220 pounds

Earliest round he’ll likely be picked: 4

Teams that should pick him: New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers

Fromm is, ironically, the guy that cost Eason his job at Georgia back in 2017. Eason went down with an injury in the Bulldogs’ season opener and Fromm played so well that Kirby Smart never had an excuse to take him back out. It worked out pretty well as Georgia landed in the College Football National Championship game the next year, barely losing in overtime.

The selling point with Fromm is the same as Eason’s. He costs you nothing in draft capital and if he reaches his ceiling, you’ve stolen a starting quarterback in the mid rounds and get to ride that contract for at least three seasons. And if you’re keeping track, he’s my No. 5 ranked overall QB in this draft.

If you want a college film comparison for Fromm, look no further than Drew Brees. That’s why I think the Saints should grab him since they have no successor for Brees right now and you know Sean Payton is watching the same highlights we are. Brees just signed a two-year, $50 million contract with New Orleans and that’s going to be it. He just closed a deal with NBC to join their NFL coverage when he “retires,” so the Saints better start throwing darts at QBs now.

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