We are a week removed from the 2020 NFL combine. The hectic week saw prospects get scrutinized, measured, and broken down without playing a single game. The main goal of the combine is to measure the skill and athleticism of the players and put it on paper via drills and in-game situations.
While numerous players had a great showing in the combine, some stood out above the rest. These four quarterbacks pulled ahead of the race to see who the second-best prospect at their respective position behind football royalty Joe Burrow.
Jordan Love, Utah State
Jordan Love had a very mediocre final season at Utah State. The Junior quarterback had a down year compared to his 2018 season. His rating, yards per pass attempt, and completion rate were all down in comparison to his sophomore year. In fact, he threw more interceptions (17) in his junior year than his freshman and sophomore year combined (six each for a total of 12).
By all accounts, Love needed a strong showing at the combine. And he did.
Love was one of the early winners at the weigh-in as he measured under 6-foot 4 and 224 pounds and rock-solid 10.5-inch hands. To further boost his athletic stock, he ran a 4.74 in the 40-yard dash while showing a 35.5-inch vertical. These numbers drew comparison to last season’s breakout quarterback Josh Allen, who posted similar stats (4.75-second 40, 33.5-inch vert).
The Utah State standout was clearly bugged by the media nagging him on about his 17 interceptions all year long. The combine brought new life to Love who is now projected to be the third or fourth quarterback taken. A perfect place for him would be with the Indianapolis Colts, who have the 13th pick this coming June.
Justin Herbert, Oregon
Battling Jordan Love for the honor of being the third quarterback taken in the draft is Justin Herbert. The two quarterbacks are jockeying for position and the silent battle they have played in the combine was quite entertaining. Herbert ran a 4.68-second 40 and showcased a 36-inch vert, beating out his draft classmate by the smallest of margin.
The Oregon star might need more, however. His stock has definitely risen but so has Love’s. While the two are still interchangeable in the minds of many, Love has certainly shown his skills this combine more than Herbert’s but it doesn’t mean the latter has struggled; it’s the opposite in fact.
Again, Herbert is battling Love for the third-best quarterback honor. If their projections remain the same from now until the draft then one of them might find themselves staying in Indianapolis with the Colts who are in dire need of a replacement for Jacoby Brissett.
Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Not many considered Jalen Hurts a top-five quarterback this draft. Hurts had more questions than answers surrounding him as a player. Many even questioned his ability to play quarterback. Unlike the players mentioned above, Hurts was desperate to show that he belongs in the NFL.
And show out he did.
Hurts looked like a different player in the combine. He ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash among quarterbacks (4.59 seconds) and his 10.5-inch broad jump tied him at the top with Kelly Bryant of Missouri.
While the athleticism has always been present for Hurts, he also showcased he improve passing. Scouts raved about his changed throwing mechanics. He looked comfortable in every drill as the ball came out of his hands cleanly.
There are still questions about him as a passer but general managers and executives need to take a good hard look at Hurts as a potential quarterback in the NFL.
Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
The Alabaman quarterback was once heralded as a generational player. Tagovailoa possessed skills that had scouts and executives drooling over the 6-foot-1 junior. There was even a time when it was acceptable to rank Tagovailoa over Burrow.
But alas, a hip injury derailed his meteoric rise. The injury scared off general managers and scouts as some even wondered if he could come back and play football.
All is not lost for the former Crimson Tide star, however. Fast forward to the combine and Tagovailoa had one goal in mind and that is to show how healthy he is. The quarterback had no choice but to forgo on-field testing and drills as he continues to rehab but according to the teams who examined him, Tagavailoa received positive reports on the hip which is a great sign for him.
If his health and recovery exceed expectations as it has the last few weeks then expect Tagovailoa to be the second quarterback taken after Burrow. A reasonable place for him would be the Detroit Lions who has the third overall pick and who is reportedly moving on from quarterback Matthew Stafford.
