NFL Draft 2019: 10 Players that will dominate conversation
9. Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
In the NFL, there’s only one position that receives all the glory and all the hate: quaretrback. So, every year, no matter how “weak” the class may seem, there’s always a guy (or two, or three) who’ll dominate the headlines.
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This year, it’s Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham leading the class. In fact, many believe Stidham could have been a top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft if he hadn’t returned to the Tigers. He’s a better prospect than Josh Allen and not the project Lamar Jackson is. Last season, the Baylor transfer started all 14-games for the Tigers finishing with 3,158 yards passing, 18 touchdowns and with only six interceptions.
Stidham is a 6-3, 215-pound pocket passer with enough athleticism to run zone reads in Gus Malzahn’s offense. As a thrower, Stidham brings good arm strength, enough to make all the throws. Additionally, he’s shown power and accuracy on deep throws.
Despite coming from a spread offense that doesn’t ask him to do much, Stidham showed he can operate off play-action and throw outside the pocket. Stidham’s build and overall makeup is similar to Eli Manning, and the Giants would be a perfect fit. That, of course, assumes that he’ll be there when they make their selection.