Louisville Football: 3 Takeaways from Taxslayer Bowl loss to Mississippi State
By Shelbie Warr
1. Lamar Jackson is NFL ready, partly
In terms of speed and elusiveness, Lamar Jackson is ready for the NFL. He could be a huge help for a team that is lacking that mobility at quarterback. However, does the kid really want to be in Cleveland with the Browns or in New York with the Giants? That, of course, isn’t guaranteed depending on who declares and who doesn’t. However, if he were to declare as many assume he will, it is a likelihood that he could end up in one of those places.
In terms of his pocket presence however, he is simply not ready and could benefit from another year of college coaching. While the NFL does seem to be making a move to mobile quarterbacks, Jackson relies entirely too much on that and not enough on his ability to actually make passes.
Look at quarterbacks like Dak Prescott or Cam Newton, both have learned to make plays down the field in the passing game. Those plays have allowed them to be successful.
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The same can be said about Deshaun Watson who blasted onto the scene this season with his rushing and passing ability. If Lamar Jackson wants to be successful in the NFL, his pocket presence needs help.