Colts pick up potential long-term QB in Eason

The Indianapolis Colts selected quarterback Jacob Eason out of Washington in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 122nd overall.

Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett are only contracted for the 2020 season, and the Colts were widely expected to take a rookie quarterback as a result.

The AFC South club was connected to the likes of Jordan Love (taken in Round 1) and Jalen Hurts (taken in Round 2) throughout the draft process.

The ex-Washington standout will need time to develop, but landed in one of the most suitable landing spots to do so with offensive-minded head coach Frank Reich and an elite offensive line.

Eason, who began his college career at Georgia before transferring, will be able to sit behind Rivers in 2020 and improve his decision-making and pocket presence issues.

In 2019 as a junior, Eason threw for 3,132 yards and 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions.

School: Washington
Height: 6-6
Weight: 231 lbs

Positives

• Prototypical size and arm talent
• Aggressive and successful in attacking all areas of the field
• Good velocity to challenge tight windows
• Accurate on intermediate and vertical throws from a clean pocket
• Good trajectory and touch on deep balls

Negatives

• Entire process falls apart against pressure
• Bails from the pocket instead of stepping up and looking downfield
• Throws off his back foot, leading to accuracy issues
• Decision-making falters when under duress
• Doesn't have the athleticism to extend plays
• Takes too many sacks
• Can be slow to process the defense in front of him

Bottom Line

Eason looks like a first-round quarterback prospect when everything around him is clean. His arm talent and all-level accuracy could lead to a great future if he's fortunate enough to have a system and supporting cast that set him up for success. But he isn't a Day 1 quarterback because his effectiveness is so situational. Not gifted with athleticism to extend plays, Eason overcoming his issues in the future will depend on his ability to improve his movement within the pocket and remain composed in the face of a pass rush. The raw upside as a passer is there, and he's a particularly appealing option for teams that want to attack downfield, but it'll take either a perfect situation or some major strides in the more nuanced areas for him to tap into it.

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