Scouting the 8 best college quarterbacks and projecting their NFL futures

By Ian Wharton | Aug 19, 2019

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the touchdown in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers throws a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, SO

Undoubtedly one of the best freshman quarterbacks of all time, Trevor Lawrence quickly established his talent level after taking over for Kelly Bryant in 2018. With a skill set as polished as his hair is long, Lawrence is already the crowned jewel for NFL personnel awaiting the 2021 NFL draft class.

His rapid mental development was critical for the Clemson Tigers’ national title run. He’s already a nuanced passer with a quick and clean release that sees the ball fire quickly out of his hand. But it’s his quick recognition pre-snap that led to just four interceptions and few other interceptable pass opportunities for defenders.

The benefit of playing for Clemson wasn’t lost on Lawrence. He certainly utilized his vast array of playmakers to their fullest extent, cashing in on difficult reception opportunities as he targeted back-shoulders and jump balls to his prolific receivers. While it’s unlikely he’ll have an NFL group of receivers as dominant compared to their competition, Lawrence’s pinpoint accuracy and timing should translate with ease, as he’s purposefully only giving his target a chance at the ball.

His pocket play was superb, ranking as the best quarterback I’ve charted inside of the pocket among quarterbacks who weren’t in their declaration year. That list is mostly built of juniors and seniors, making Lawrence an even more impressive case study.

He reads leverage effectively and buys time with his quick feet. He can extend plays outside of the pocket and make difficult sideline throws seem routine. More experience will only hasten his mental processing.

Clemson should be a heavy favorite to win again in 2019 due to the immense talent advantage they’ll have on offense every week. Lawrence can continue to improve his pre-snap decision-making and poise in the pocket when his first few reads aren’t there, but he’s thrived in nearly every situation he’s been put in thus far.