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Lamar Jackson is a quarterback, and don’t forget it

By Joe Romano

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 18: Lamar Jackson No. 8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange during the game at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 18: Lamar Jackson No. 8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange during the game at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson is being asked to switch positions by certain NFL teams.

It is rare to see an athlete of Lamar Jackson’s caliber play the quarterback position. During his time at Louisville he won the Heisman trophy while shattering records. Now that he is eligible to be drafted into the pro ranks, that doesn’t matter much to some clubs.

A report from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis is sparking all sorts of “Draft Twitter” debates. Certain teams are asking Jackson to transition to wide receiver at the next level, something that isn’t sitting well with a litany of analysts.

It is hard to understand what is going through evaluators minds when they don’t envision Jackson as a quarterback prospect. Here are Jackson’s credentials under center:

  • Consecutive 3,500-yard passing seasons
  • Career 2.5:1 touchdown (69) to interception (27) rate
  • Comes from a pro-style offense under Bobby Petrino
  • Improving completion percentage every year (59% in final season)
  • 143.0 QB rating

Here is what people who think he should play wide receiver see:

  • Athletic
  • Fast

Jackson was a dual-threat quarterback his entire career, evident by his 4,100 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. That does not mean his style of play will not work in the NFL. There are a bevy of athletic quarterbacks in the NFL including Tyrod Taylor, Alex Smith, Cam Newton and others.

While Jackson has his warts as a quarterback, there is no justifiable reason that he should switch positions. First of,f the man has never played a position other than quarterback. Bill Polian said that he should switch so he can get the ball in his hands more. At quarterback he can touch the ball on every play. Jackson at quarterback can impact an offense more than at any other position.

Initially there was talk that he was too small. An excellent weigh-in at the combine put that notion to rest. This does not even mention the fact that he is bigger than likely top-15 pick Baker Mayfield. Unlike other top quarterbacks in Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold, Jackson has never had an injury, despite all the rushing attempts.

The concerns surrounding his accuracy are warranted. However, possible top pick Josh Allen has a worst career completion percentage while being an excellent athlete. Where is the talk that Allen should switch to another position?

Next: Biggest Heisman Busts of All-Time

The good news is that Jackson has reportedly not listened to anyone asking him to play wide receiver. This man is a quarterback, and in my eyes a first round quarterback. In the right system, he could be the best one in the draft.

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