2020 NFL Draft position rankings: Top 10 quarterbacks – Burrow, Tua sure-fire studs

8. Anthony Gordon, Washington State

Washington State’s Anthony Gordon had to wait for his turn in Mike Leach’s offense with the Cougars as Gardner Minshew had the reigns in 2018. Minshew left for the NFL and it was Gordon’s chance in 2019.

Boy did Gordon not disappoint. He had a monster season, throwing for 5,579 yards and 48 touchdowns with the Cougs, while also completing 71 percent of his passes. The production is great, but it only lands him at number eight on the board.

Gordon has some major positives as a passer. He thrives with accuracy in the middle of the field in between zones and shows great touch on passes down the field. Gordon shows an ability to look off deep safeties to keep them in place, can find the check down quickly and has a quick trigger when the first read is open. Gordon’s mechanics in his top half are solid, showing a quick release and compact motion. There are some examples of good anticipation on tape as well, as he makes good spot throws.

There are some growing he has to do in certain areas. Gordon struggles a bit while under duress and has happy feet. He also lacks the awareness from rushers on the blindside. The mechanics are also a problem on the lower half. He makes some throws flat-footed, and he becomes a statue at times in the pocket, keeping his feet still, which affects his accuracy when he sees an open receiver. Gordon also sometimes plays hero ball, as we see with his 16 interceptions.

While he has upside in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Gordon will need some time to develop his mechanics and will need to sit for a year or more.

• Grade: Fourth Round
• Gordon pro comparison: Michigan Tom Brady