I want you to use your imagination today. You are now a NFL GM or Head Coach. Your team is heading into the 2020 NFL Draft with a need for a Quarterback. Your team is either already in possession of a top 5 pick or ready to make a trade with another team to get one. Your draft team, including coaches, scouts, and ownership have all agreed that there are two top QB prospects you would be happy with getting. It is up to you to make the final call on draft day.
The first prospect is entering the NFL following his Senior season, after winning the College National Championship game in January. Not only that but he also just received the Heisman Trophy award. This list of recent achievements definitely makes this prospect look like a no brainer.
The second prospect is entering the NFL Draft following his Junior year. In his Freshman year he mostly played backup to Sophomore Jalen Hurts. In the National Championship team he replaced Hurts in the second half of the game and helped lead the Crimson Tide to a comeback win over Georgia. From there he became the starter in his Sophomore year and led the team to another championship appearance.
Of course the two prospects I just described to you are QBs Joe Burrow, and Tua Tagovailoa. Both are considered top prospects in the draft and are the top 2 QBs on everyone’s draft boards. They both do have downsides as well. The worry with Tua is his health. Unfortunately in this past season he was on track to lead Alabama to another championship and was in the talks to win the Heisman. However he suffered 3 injuries in one calendar year with the last one being a hip injury which ended his Junior season. The worry with Joe Burrow is he might have been just a one hit wonder. It was only in his Senior season with LSU where he came into the discussion as a top prospect. Not only that but LSU is sending many other top Offensive Prospects to the draft, which leads many to wonder if his breakout season wasn't maybe benefiting a lot from the talent around him, talent which not all NFL Offenses can offer as far as weapons.
As always with the NFL draft it really is a gamble for all teams. There is always a chance for someone to be really good in college but be a bust in the NFL for many different unforeseeable reasons. Where do you think both players will go? Which Quarterback do you think has the best chance to succeed in the NFL?