Louisville Football: What does Lamar Jackson still have to prove?
Can he pass purely from the pocket?
This is a question that will be left unanswered until the 2017 season is concluded. Right now, Jackson’s not a polished passer from the pocket. Luckily for him, most quarterbacks lack the complete toolkit in college. Still, the Louisville star has a long road ahead.
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Strong defenses gave Jackson fits during the season. They contained him and kept him within the pocket which occurred in the losses this past season. As much as his athleticism is otherworldly, even the best scramblers must adapt or die.
This lesson hit hard to signal callers such as Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick. Cam Newton improved from the pocket, but he still struggles to stay accurate at all times. Ask the Denver Broncos’ defense, it’s the formula to success against scramblers.
Jackson’s 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame helps his progression. A lot of scramblers are his size, but it will help to see over the line. A problem with many shorter scramblers is that they have to roll outside to create passing lanes. Jackson won’t need to do that.
The jury is out, but he must make adjustments to increase his draft stock and the Cards’ chances at a national title.