Breakdowns
12/31/20
2 min min read
Scouting the 2020 Heisman Trophy Finalists
College football’s highest award, the Heisman Trophy, will be presented on Jan. 5. The four finalists were announcved last week: Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Florida quarterback Kyle Trask, Alabama quarterback Mac Jones and his Crimson Tide teammate, wide receiver Devonta Smith. Winning the Heisman has not always had a direct correlation to success in the NFL over the years – just ask the likes of Gino Torretta, Eric Crouch and Jason White. But we could be seeing this trend moving in the opposite direction.
Last year’s Heisman winner, Joe Burrow, was certainly impressing people before he suffered a seaosn-ending injury. And the four Heisman winners who preceded Burrow have already become NFL success stories: Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry.
Will the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner continue this trend? Here’s a scouting report on the four finalists:
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Near perfect throwing mechanics combined with elite natural ability to throw the ball accurately with touch or pace. Very strong arm – he can make every throw on the field. Elite accuracy on all three levels of throws. Back shoulder anticipation and accuracy is impressive. Technically sound footwork on straight dropbacks, RPOs, play action and rollouts. "Missed" throws are in a good location where WR is protected and only the WR can make a play on it.
The 33rd Team Composite Grade: 8.3
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Accuracy is hit-or-miss -- nothing on tape has shown consistency, and WRs make big plays on balls to help him out. On deep throws, uses mostly arm and does not utilize lower body. Arm talent flashes but needs to be more consistent to be successful at the next level. Decision making limited in terms of audibles in current offense, but understands where to go with the ball. Footwork when throwing is poor -- not stepping to or away from target leads to inaccuracy/incompletions.
The 33rd Team Composite Grade: 6.0
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Does a great job of stepping up in the pocket. Is not afraid to take a hit. Great deep ball thrower. Extremely accurate and precise. Doesn't have the strongest arm, but his mechanics allow for him to deliver as well as anyone. Needs to do a better job of seeing the whole field and coverages during dropbacks.
The 33rd Team Composite Grade: 7.4
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Versatile player that is very explosive with the ball in his hands. Good understanding of how to find holes in zone defenses. If given a free release, he has the ability to blow by the DB. Used as a weapon in Alabama's offense. Will motion into the backfield and take screen/shovel passes. Able to beat defenders downfield and track the ball without losing stride. Good body control
The 33rd Team Composite Grade: 8.0
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