Transferring to the University of Georgia after spending three years at Wake Forest, Jamie Newman is an ideal developmental dual-threat quarterback prospect for teams on day three of the upcoming NFL Draft. While amassing over 3,900 air yards during his time with the Demon Deacons, Newman also racked up over 800 yards on the ground over 245 carries. At 6’3″ and over 230 pounds, he is a tremendous athlete who possesses impressive size, strength, arm talent, and mobility.
Ultimately choosing to sit out of the 2020 college season, Newman came back and impressed scouts at his pro day, flashing glimpses of his NFL-caliber arm talent and strong pocket maneuverability.
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Player Bio
Name: Jamie Newman
Jersey: #12
Position: Quarterback
School: Georgia
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 235 lbs
Accuracy (6/10)
Capable of making any throw on the football field, Newman has room to grow in throwing accurately and on time. Often a result of poor footwork and throwing flat-footed, he is at his best when targeting the intermediate part of the field. Trending at around a 60 percent completion percentage during his three years in college, he will frequently stare down his first read in the pocket, allowing the defense to make plays and force turnovers.
Arm Strength (8.5/10)
Possessing a rocket-like arm, Newman can fit balls into tight windows with extra velocity and zip. Pushing the ball down the field with regularity, he can beat defenses over the top on deep balls while leading his receivers. The 23-year-old is also able to make throws outside both hash marks with ease. He averaged just 7.8 air yards per attempt during his three years at Wake Forest as a result of the team’s spread concepts.
Mobility (9/10)
Newman is as mobile as they come for players with a 230-pound frame. He has both the quickness and athleticism to maneuver through opposing defenders. Not as quick or elusive as past quarterback talents to enter the draft, he uses both his length and straight-line speed to be an effective downhill runner. Effective in short-yardage situations near the goal line, he is also able to use his size and strength to lower his shoulder and run over players. He’s a chain-mover with his feet who will be valuable in sub-packages that effectively utilize his mobility skills early on in his pro career.
Pocket Awareness (6.5/10)
Struggling with pocket awareness as a mobile dual-threat quarterback is a major concern for Newman. He will often pull his eyes down and look to run when he escapes the tackle box, hindering the opportunity for chunk passing plays to be created down the field. Rarely stepping up and manipulating the pocket, Newman often struggles to detect pressure. He will often try and escape too early or hold the ball too long and allow himself to be sacked.
Decision Making (6/10)
He will need to grow as a decision-maker, Newman will often force throws into coverage and target blanketed receivers. He makes poor decisions with the ball routinely and will launch errant throws that allow opposing defenders to make plays on the football. Taking forever to get through all five of his reads during a passing concept, he saw his interception total increase from four to 11 during his final year in college. Look for Newman to need significant development in this department.
Progressions (7/10)
Able to work through his progressions, Newman will often need an extended amount of time to find where to go with the football. He will need to become both faster and more efficient at speeding up this process. Newman was also unable to learn and develop for a year in the Bulldogs’ pro-style system after choosing to opt out of the 2020 season. He had previously spent three years in a spread-style offense. As a result, he will need refinements from any team that chooses to target him as a developmental prospect.
Mechanics (6/10)
Needing significant improvement to his throwing mechanics, Newman has a low release point, causing some throws to remain too low or become batted down. He is able to remain accurate when in rhythm at the top of his drop, but his footwork will often become sluggish in the pocket, forcing him to throw flat-footed. Newman often misfired due to poor mechanics caused by a poor job of aligning his feet and squaring up his shoulders. Lastly, when the pressure begins to mount up and the pocket collapses, his mechanics will become even worse.
Anticipation (7/10)
A prototypical see-the-read-develop quarterback, Newman needs to improve on throwing with timing. He drops his eyes in the pocket and also struggles to navigate opposing defensive players in an effort to lead his receivers open. He also locks his eyes onto his first read often, creating unforced errors due to poor anticipation.
Leadership (8.5/10)
Newman was lauded by Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and his teammates, allowing him to walk in and win over the Bulldogs’ locker room. During his three years at Wake Forest, he was also admired for his ability to remain vocal both on and off the field. A graduate transfer, Newman remains as mature and humble as they come, according to his high school head coach, Anthony Timmons. He will add value to any NFL locker room as a leader.
Competitive Toughness (4/5)
Newman is as tough as they come. He can stand in the pocket and take big hits to deliver the football on time. He can also tuck the ball down and run while lowering his shoulder to plow through opposing defenders. An asset for any NFL team early on, Newman is not afraid to use his large frame and size to push the pile and get into the end zone.
Injury (3/5)
Missing half of the Bulldogs’ summer access period, Newman recovered from a mid-foot sprain that held him out multiple weeks. Furthermore, he also suffered a shoulder injury at Wake Forest against the Louisville Cardinals that ultimately knocked him out of the game and forced him to miss time once again.
Player Summary
Once thought of as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate before he arrived at the University of Georgia, Newman ultimately chose to opt out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns. Appearing in just 19 games total throughout four years, he remains a tremendous athlete and a potential dual-threat quarterback at the NFL level. Newman has the arm strength to make throws all over the field while maintaining the ability to keep the chains moving with his legs.
Remaining raw in many departments, he needs to improve on getting through his progressions quicker and with increased anticipation, helping him clean up many indecisive throws. Look for teams to create ways for him to utilize his talent and athleticism while developing behind another quarterback. While he could creep into the back half of Day 2 thanks to a large need for quarterbacks, a Day 3 selection remains the most likely.
Final Grade (71.5/100): Early Day 3 pick
Player Comp: Jacoby Brissett
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