The Indianapolis Colts selected quarterback Jacob Eason in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the idea in mind that he could use a year to sit and learn more about what it takes to be successful in the NFL.
The Washington product has intriguing physical talents and arguably the best arm talent in his draft class. However, the mental side of the game is where the work needs to be for Eason.
Colts quarterbacks coach Marcus Brady told Colts.com that the process of learning and understanding the nuances of the position is where Eason’s focus is right now.
“Well definitely he has the physical tools — a starting point. Obviously the big arm, the size. So, yes, definitely he has that,” said Brady. “The No. 1 thing going from college to the pros is just how much information he’s able to just take in, because our playbook is much bigger than what he had in Washington in college.”
Eason has the benefit of working behind starter Philip Rivers, backup Jacoby Brissett and under head coach Frank Reich. All three are considered intelligent minds when it comes to the learning process at the position.
But how quickly can Eason take what he’s learning and apply it on the field? That’s the big question the Colts have for the rookie quarterback.
“And so he’s learning all of that, so not only learning it, now he’s gotta process it,” said Brady. “And we can’t see that yet until he gets on the field, so it’s that, ‘Can he take what he’s learning in the classroom, recognize it when he steps out the huddle, and then process it and make the change in the matter of time before the play clock hits?’ How quickly is that process and speed, and then how quickly is it processing post-snap when he’s in the pocket taking his drop?”
But Brady believes in what he has seen thus far in the short time that Eason has been wearing the horseshoe.
“So there’s a lot of just time that it’s gonna take him, but he’s doing a great job with what he’s been asked to do now; he’s learning and asking questions and picking it up,” said Brady.
The Colts are hoping they won’t have to rely on Eason during his rookie season, which means he will have plenty of time to work on his processing skills.