2020 NFL Draft quarterback rankings: Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert lead early Top 10, Joe Burrow charging fast

Quarterback rankings for the 2020 NFL Draft where Tua Tagovailoa is viewed as a potential No. 1 pick and as many as 4-5 could grow into first-rounders.

When it comes to the NFL and the NFL Draft specifically, the quarterback position is under the microscope. It will be no different for the 2020 NFL Draft.

The quarterback position is shaping up pretty well for the coming draft. In fact, teams think it is so good that there is some tanking going on to obtain the top pick in April. The Dolphins, Bengals, and Redskins are locked in a race for that number one selection, and whoever gets it, they will likely take a quarterback or trade the pick with a quarterback-needy team.

This class has a couple of players who came into the college season as projected first round picks, and they are still at that point right now. This list also features a couple of quarterbacks who have seen their stock rise and are now firmly cemented in the rankings. There are also other quarterbacks with a lot of exciting tools but have a couple of major issues with their game.

Without further ado, let’s get into the first quarterback rankings here at FanSided for the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Right now, Tua Tagovailoa is the best quarterback in this class, and the gap between him and number two is growing steadily. Tua excels in the RPO game and reads it very well, which is growing at the professional level. He throws the slant route so well and places it on the money all the time.

Tua has better arm strength than most give him credit for, and he can make throws to every level of the field. His accuracy is top-notch, and his touch and placement on intermediate throws are fantastic.

It’s also the little things that he does at the quarterback position that make him the best in the class. He has the subtle pump fake to draw the defense one way to create openings. He’s great and moving defenders at the second level with his eyes to create openings in the defense.

Tua has improved with his accuracy this year, and his best improvement this year is his ability to maneuver around the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield looking for an opening.

The concerns with Tua are few and far between, but there are a few things to watch down the stretch this season. When you look at his interceptions, it’s often his failure to recognize and manipulate the deep safeties. Safeties are seen jumping routes deep. Durability is another concern for him, as he dealt with an ankle injury a lot last season.

Early Grade: Top pick candidate

2. Justin Herbert, Oregon

Justin Herbert decided to return to school instead of declaring for the draft last winter, and it looks like the right call. He has had a very good 2019 season, and there’s a lot to like about his game.

First off, his arm talent is ridiculous. Herbert makes throws to every level of the field look easy, and he does so with throws on a rope and placed accurately. He is athletic and mobile and doesn’t lose any velocity or accuracy with throws on the run. Herbert can make the quick reads and find guys late in his progression.

Herbert also has very good footwork. There are plenty of examples on tape of him either moving up in the pocket or rolling out where he resets his feet before he throws, which is a mature part of his game. He also shows that footwork with subtle movements in the pocket, moving up slightly to avoid defenders or get set before delivering under pressure.

There are some concerns with Herbert, just like every prospect. The one big thing is his inconsistency. There are games from 2018 where he looked like the best quarterback prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft, and then there are games where he is extremely inaccurate and it affects his whole day. That’s something to watch as we get to the second half of the 2019 season. Something else to watch is his ability to drop some throws in the bucket because he relies on the cannon more than touch throws.

Early Grade: Late First Round

3. Jordan Love, Utah State

Jordan Love might be the most interesting quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft class, because of his tools and potential.

Love is a natural thrower of the football. He has a very quick release and can get the ball out quick and in tight windows if needed. Love has the arm strength to throw to every level and a rope that can get down the field in a hurry. While he has the fastball, he might be the best in the class with the change-up (touch throw). He can drop the ball in the bucket between defenders and between zones.

Love’s game is still darn good when he leaves the pocket. He can make some unreal throws off-platform with odd footwork and moving either way on the run. His Michigan State game from 2018 is one example where he made some throws that make your jaw drop.

While the tools are certainly there, there are some big concerns with Jordan Love. There are times where he is unaware of the rush while in the pocket and takes sacks where he could escape and make plays. The most noteworthy concern is his ability to process after the snap. There are plays where he knows where he’s going with the ball before the snap and makes the throw without making the read. This has led to some bad interceptions and makes him a guy you have to develop in an offense.

Early Grade: Round 2

4. Joe Burrow, LSU

There is no one who has improved their stock more in this class this year than LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.

Burrow is a mechanically sound quarterback. He has everything in rhythm, from delivery to footwork. His accuracy in the 11-19 yard area and 20-plus yards down the field might be the best in the class. He almost always gives his receivers a chance in these areas.

Burrow is great at the little things like selling the play-action, but he also has a good arm and drives the football down the field and into tight windows. Burrow can also drop the ball into the bucket, possessing great touch down the field as well. He has great patience in the pocket reading the defense and finds the open man, which is something that is much improved from 2018.

When it comes to concerns, teams who look at Burrow will see someone who plays excellent in structure, but isn’t really mobile and doesn’t make a lot of plays outside the pocket. He gets to be a statue in the pocket at times and does lack some awareness in the pocket. Burrow will get to face better defenses down the stretch, and we will see if he can improve maneuvering the pocket and recognizing pressure.

Early Grade: Round 2