For the first time since 2012, the Indianapolis Colts used a draft pick at the quarterback position. A fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was used to bring in Washington product Jacob Eason.
Blessed with a rocket for an arm and the prototypical size desired at the quarterback position, Eason’s rookie campaign will be one that has him watching and learning more than doing.
Even so, Eason steps into a quarterback room filled with the experience of both success and failures, which should make for a rich learning environment.
“There’s a lot that I think he can bring to that quarterback room. I know Frank’s excited about him,” said area scout Chris McGaha. “I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for him. He’s got Frank, he can learn from Philip, and then Nick obviously is great at what he does, and Jacoby too. So, I think Jacob’s stepping into a great opportunity actually.”
Having a head coach like Frank Reich will benefit any young quarterback. But now, Eason gets to learn from a veteran and potential Hall of Famer in Philip Rivers as well as the backup quarterback in Jacoby Brissett who, despite his struggles, has plenty to offer the rookie.
Eason has plenty to work on when it comes to his game. He has a lot of upside and that upside is very intriguing, but he has to make strides on the mental side of the position when it comes to honing his instincts and consistently running through progressions.
But the Colts see the upside that Eason brings, and they are excited in what he could turn out to be.
“So, Jacob was easy just in that, he’s a big kid with a big arm. He showed on tape that he can make the throws in all three levels. And he’s just a tough competitive kid that is going to work hard and show up every day and compete,” said McGaha. “I think you turn on the tape with Jacob and you just see this big athletic quarterback that can drive the ball down the field and you get excited about it.”
Eason won’t be making much of an impact on the field during his rookie campaign but the sky is the limit for the Washington product if he can develop quickly by learning from the environment he’s about to step into.