Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow Scouting Report

  • Watched: Oklahoma, Alabama, Utah State, Florida (2018)
  • Pros:
    • Ball placement is very good in the short and intermediate range.
    • Can throw with velocity when kept clean, and can throw with touch to drop the ball behind the linebacker and in front of the safety.
    • Calls protections at the line, has a sense for where coverage will be and where the openings are pre-snap.
    • A magician eluding defenders within the pocket and always looking to climb when he can.
    • Has the internal clock you’re always looking for in a franchise QB.
    • Will stand strong in the pocket and make the throw even when a hit is coming.
    • Much improved footwork in 2019.
    • Will look the safety off to create throwing windows that he can fit the ball into despite just okay arm strength.
    • Enough mobility to be a factor in the run game.
    • Tough to bring down once he gets going.
  • Cons:
    • Velocity suffers when forced off his spot, which takes some throws off the menu for him.
    • Tendency to leave his deep balls short.
    • If you can actually get your hands on him in the pocket, he’ll go down.
    • With a worse line in 2018, he was very vulnerable to pressure from his left.
    • Will turn 24 as a rookie.
  • General:
  • Overall Take:
    • Pro-readiness: 1st (out of 9)
    • Potential: 2nd
    • Overall: 1st
    • Number Grade (out of 100): 93
    • As draft day gets closer, people will undoubtedly try to punch holes in Burrow as they do for all of the consensus picks that have come before him. We will hear about how this season might just be a fluke; his offensive line was so good that he’ll certainly struggle in Cincinnati; he’s older than the NFL’s MVP. At the end of the day though, Burrow is a very safe and very good prospect. Even a year ago, when draft analysts will tell you he was at best a Day 3 pick, the natural accuracy and touch was already there. The rest of what we’ve seen this year: the pocket awareness/elusiveness, the quick reads, and the footwork, were not. It’s a testament to both Burrow and the coaching staff that he improved in so many areas over the course of just one offseason. He’s suddenly become as good navigating the pocket as anyone in recent years in the college game; his ability to sidestep pass rushers while keeping his eyes upfield is Brady-esq. His natural playmaking ability is reminiscent of Tony Romo. Keep him healthy and put him in a system that gets the ball out quickly and I think he will become a top 10 QB in the NFL. All in all, Burrow is what you’re hoping will be available when you’re ready to draft a new QB: a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect.
  • NFL Comparisons:
    • Most Likely Comp: Carson Palmer
    • Peak Comp: Tony Romo