Washington QB Jacob Eason declares for 2020 NFL draft

Washington quarterback Jacob Eason is leaving school early to enter the 2020 NFL draft

The 2020 NFL draft quarterback class just got more interesting,

Washington quarterback Jacob Eason has declared for the 2020 NFL draft.

He announced his decision via Twitter.

Eason is a big armed quarterback who threw for a career best 23 touchdowns for the Huskies in 2019.  Eason finished the year with more than 3,000 passing yards and established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

“Playing this season for the University of Washington has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Eason said in his declaration statement. “My experience as a student-athlete has been special and I am eternally thankful.”

His decision comes as no surprise, as the former Georgia Bulldog would likely not benefit from returning to Washington for another year.

Eason is a decent athlete who’s put some really good football on tape at times. It’ll be interesting to monitor his draft stock over the next couple of months.

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Former Georgia football QB declares for the NFL Draft

Former Georgia football quarterback Jacob Eason declares for the NFL Draft

Former Georgia football quarterback Jacob Eason has declared for the NFL Draft after four seasons of college football.

Eason shined in his freshman season at Georgia, leading the Dawgs to a come-from behind victory at Missouri before getting injured against Appalachian State in the 2017 opener.

You know the story from there, as Fromm went on to replace the injured five-star, who would later transfer due to Fromm’s success as the starter with the Dawgs.

Then, Eason sat out a season at Washington due to eligibility requirements, before leading the Huskies to a Las Vegas Bowl win over Boise State.

Now, the Washington-native will enter the NFL Draft, with what was once a promising collegiate future turning into a career of what could have been. We expect Eason to find success in the NFL, but will always be grateful for his time in Athens.

Getting to know 6 quarterbacks the Chargers could draft

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez gives an overview on six quarterbacks that the Los Angeles Chargers could select in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ season is essentially over and all attention has been shifted to the upcoming offseason. It’s expected that the Bolts will be making some acquisitions to certain positions and among them is the quarterback position.

Whether or not quarterback Philip Rivers is back in 2020, Los Angeles will likely be in the market for one in the early rounds of the upcoming draft, if they elect to not do so via free agency or through a trade that is.

With the team being a lock for a top-10 selection they should have a few options to choose from. With that, we decided to introduce some of the quarterbacks that could very well be the pick when the Chargers are on the clock.

* Note: LSU’s Joe Burrow is excluded from this list because it’s almost certain that he will be a lock for a top-3 pick and the Cincinnati Bengals are the early favorite.

Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Overview: Tagovailoa entered this season as a lock to go in the top-5, but a serious hip injury has given some reason to be concerned for his future. Tua has not decided whether or not he will declare or go back to his school for his senior season. Outside of the durability concerns, Tua has a great feel for the game, thriving with his instincts, processing skills and vision where he’s one of the best in this class when under pressure. He’s accurate, especially on the deep ball where he delivers them with nice touch. If he declares, the medicals will be the most important part to his evaluation.


Justin Herbert, Oregon

Overview: Herbert is a well-known quarterback in this class because he was touted as a first rounder last year, but he decided to return for his senior season. Herbert, the 6-foot-5 and 237 pounder has all the physical traits that you would want in a quarterback. Herbert’s arm talent is special. Not only can he deliver a beautiful deep ball, but he has shown to be sound when throwing outside the pocket, where he will move around, set his feet and deliver a fastball. Though you don’t see it as much, Herbert shows the ability to beat defenses with his legs, too. Consistency and accuracy is the knock on him. While Herbert can make big plays at any given moment, some of the easy ones in the short passing game are missed.

2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 15

Check out Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

Only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and in the college football world, bowl season will be kicking off this week.

The battle for the top picks in next year’s draft is coming to a dramatic close, while this year’s top prospects and sleeper hopefuls have one last chance to put out some quality game film for NFL decision-makers.

As we hit the homestretch of another football season, here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.

2. New York Giants

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.

3. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

4. Washington Redskins

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

This pick has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins reach his lofty potential. While a premier pass-catcher like Jerry Jeudy would be tempting, Haskins already has a stellar rapport with former college teammate Terry McLaurin. The bigger need, and the better pick, is a franchise left tackle like Thomas.

5. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

6. Arizona Cardinals

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but I would be shocked if the Cardinals passed on the chance to give Kyler Murray an elite pass-catcher like Jeudy, should he fall into their lap. His combination of explosiveness and polish will make him an instant sensation at the next level, and a steal outside the top five.

7. New York Jets

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.

9. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.

10. Denver Broncos

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

This defense needs a three-down playmaker at the second level, and this pick would be the perfect fit. Simmons is a rare athlete and a versatile defender who can matchup with the best player on any offense, making him the kind of guy opposing offenses have to scheme for on a weekly basis.

2020 NFL draft: 4 potential quarterback prospects for Panthers

Here are a few 2020 QB prospects to watch.

The Panthers will be playing their third-string quarterback this week when rookie Will Grier gets his first start against the Colts. It’s a reminder of just how important depth at QB is. We don’t know if Cam Newton will be back next year or not. Either way, Carolina should consider adding another quarterback in the draft.

Here are a few 2020 QB prospects to watch.

Justin Herbert, Oregon (6-foot-6, 238 pounds)

Justin Herbert
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The leader of the Pac-12 champions has been a polarizing figure this season and there’s a wide range of opinions on Herbert among draft analysts. Since guys like Joe Burrow will be out of reach, he may be the best option available when the Panthers are on the clock with their first pick. The Rose Bowl and the Senior Bowl (if he goes) could be very telling and a huge opportunity for Herbert to prove he belongs in the first round.

2020 NFL mock draft: Panthers pick Washington QB in second round

In the second round of Luke Easterling’s latest 2020 mock draft, he has the Panthers picking Washington quarterback Jacob Eason with the No. 43 overall pick.

With the Carolina Panthers officially eliminated from playoff contention this last week, it’s time to start focusing on the offseason and what comes next. Once again, one of the major decisions will be what to do at quarterback. Cam Newton remains the best option on the roster and he still has one year left on his contract. However, he’s coming off a foot surgery and there’s no guarantee he’ll be around next season.

Also, whoever the next head coach is might want to start over with a younger QB who fits their vision better than Newton might. If that’s the case, the draft will probably be the best place to find him.

In the second round of Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling’s latest 2020 mock draft, he has the Panthers picking Washington quarterback Jacob Eason with the No. 43 overall pick.

Eason (6-foot-6, 227 pounds) started his college career at Georgia, but he lost the starting QB job to Jake Fromm in 2017. Eason transferred to Washington. He’s completed 63.8% of his passes for the Huskies this year, averaging 7.8 yards per pass attempt and posting a 144.8 passer rating. He has thrown 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Numbers can only tell us so much, though. Let’s take a look at the tape.

Eason vs. Oregon

Eason vs. California

Eason vs. Utah

Eason vs. Arizona

Eason vs. BYU

Like Newton, Eason could stand to put more touch on his passes and use his lower body more in his throwing motion. He has the arm talent to drive the ball to any part of the field, though. Critics will point to his lack of consistency and experience (28 games).

We still hope to see Newton in a Carolina uniform next year. If that doesn’t happen, taking Eason or another QB prospect on Day 2 is a good idea.

Kyle Allen is a strong backup option. He’s not a starting level quarterback at this point, though. This year’s third-round pick Will Grier could be the next Joe Montana or the next Geno Smith for all we know. It’s impossible to tell what his potential is since he hasn’t seen any live game action yet. However, Grier looked like he wasn’t pro ready during the preseason, so that’s another point in favor of drafting a quarterback in 2020.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections heading into Week 15

Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’ve only got three weeks of NFL regular season action left in 2019, and with conference title games in the books, bowl season lies ahead in the college football ranks.

That means top prospects and sleeper hopefuls are putting the finishing touches on their film before heading into draft preparation, while the NFL’s bottom-feeders are preparing for the offseason while their more successful counterparts keep making playoff pushes.

With Week 14 action in the books, here’s my latest stab at projecting the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft, using the latest updated order.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.

2. New York Giants

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.

3. Washington Redskins

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is a strong possibility here, but whatever Washington does with this pick, it has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins. There are attractive options both in the trenches and at the skill positions, but Jeudy’s polish and pro-ready skill set will allow him to make the most immediate impact.

4. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

5. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

6. Arizona Cardinals

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

If Kyler Murray is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to grow with him. This scenario plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as they get their pick of a deep tackle class. Thomas is polished and battle-tested, making him the best option here.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.

8. Atlanta Falcons

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

This defense is desperate to improve their completely absent pass rush, both on the edge and inside. This pick has to be used to that end, and the value points to grabbing a versatile rusher like Epenesa, who has the size and skill set to line up anywhere on the defensive line and get after the quarterback.

9. New York Jets

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.

2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections

With NFL playoff runs and college football conference title games on the horizon, here’s an updated three-round mock for the 2020 NFL draft

The holiday season is upon us, which means crunch time across both levels of the football landscape.

Only four weeks remain the NFL regular season, which means the top portion of the league is jockeying for playoff position, while the league’s bottom-feeders are competing for draft position over the final month.

In the college football world, Rivalry Week is behind us and conference title games are next on the docket as top prospects and sleepers alike try to put the finishing touches on their on-field resumes to show NFL decision-makers this offseason.

Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. CINCINNATI BENGALS

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

For the longest time now, it’s seemed Tua Tagovailoa was written into this spot with permanent marker. But Burrow’s performance so far this season has launched him into the No. 1 overall conversation, while a hip injury has ended Tagovailoa’s season. Burrow looks like the real deal in every way.

2. NEW YORK GIANTS

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

This team has needs on offense if they want Daniel Jones to develop quickly, but there’s no way the Giants should pass on the best overall prospect in this class. Landing a rare talent like Young would be a huge steal, even at No. 2 overall.

3. WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

This is a tough call between giving Dwayne Haskins a replacement for Trent Williams at left tackle, or this year’s most polished and electrifying pass-catcher. Jeudy is one of the most pro-ready prospects in this draft, giving him the slight edge here.

4. MIAMI DOLPHINS

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After his season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s class. He’s since had successful surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery. That being the case, I’m leaving him in this spot for now. If his recovery has any setbacks that cause him to miss key workouts leading up to the draft, his stock could still take a hit.

5. ATLANTA FALCONS

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

In today’s NFL, you can never have too many quality corners. The Falcons may have more pressing needs elsewhere, but with this pick, they land one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. Okudah is keeping up the trend of sending blue-chip defensive backs from Columbus to the pros.

6. DETROIT LIONS

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Matt Patricia’s defense needs more help across the board in the trenches, making this pick a choice between the best value at defensive tackle or on the edge. In this scenario, Brown’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.

7. ARIZONA CARDINALS

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

The Cards need to protect their investment in 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, and that means getting him a franchise left tackle. Thomas is a polished, powerful blocker who could be a plug-and-play starter in one of the NFL’s most vastly improved offenses.

8. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.

9. NEW YORK JETS

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

The primary objective for the Jets here? Protect your investment in franchise quarterback Sam Darnold. They luck out in this scenario, landing one of this year’s top offensive tackles just inside the top 10. Wirfs is a pro-ready blocker who would be an immediate upgrade on either side.

10. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

Philip Rivers is at the end of a Hall of Fame career, and it’s time for the Bolts to find his long-term replacement. Herbert could have been a high draft pick last year, but he returned to school to polish his game. He’s done just that, and should be plenty worthy of a top-10 pick.

2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 4-round projections

Luke Easterling updates his early projections for the 2020 NFL draft, expanding his forecast to cover the first four rounds

November is winding down, which means both the college football and NFL seasons are ramping up.

Few games remain for top college prospects to show pro decision-makers what they can do on the field, while the homestretch of the NFL season will set the top of the draft order for April’s big weekend.

As many prep for holiday celebrations this week, let’s take another stab at projecting the early going of the 2020 draft, expanding to cover the first four rounds using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

For the longest time now, it’s seemed Tua Tagovailoa was written into this spot with permanent marker. But Burrow’s performance so far this season has launched him into the No. 1 overall conversation, while a hip injury has ended Tagovailoa’s season. Burrow looks like the real deal in every way.

2. New York Giants | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

This team has needs on offense if they want Daniel Jones to develop quickly, but there’s no way the Giants should pass on the best overall prospect in this class. Landing a rare talent like Young would be a huge steal, even at No. 2 overall.

3. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After his season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s class. He’s since had successful surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery. That being the case, I’m leaving him in this spot for now. If his recovery has any setbacks that cause him to miss key workouts leading up to the draft, his stock could still take a hit.

4. Washington Redskins | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

This is a tough call between giving Dwayne Haskins a replacement for Trent Williams at left tackle, or this year’s most polished and electrifying pass-catcher. Jeudy is one of the most pro-ready prospects in this draft, giving him the slight edge here.

5. Denver Broncos | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

This scenario is a huge win for the Broncos, who desperately need an upgrade at left tackle, regardless of who ends up throwing passes for them in 2020 and beyond. Thomas is the best prospect in a deep offensive tackle class.

6. Atlanta Falcons | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

In today’s NFL, you can never have too many quality corners. The Falcons may have more pressing needs elsewhere, but with this pick, they land one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. Okudah is keeping up the trend of sending blue-chip defensive backs from Columbus to the pros.

7. Detroit Lions | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Matt Patricia’s defense needs more help across the board in the trenches, making this pick a choice between the best value at defensive tackle or on the edge. In this scenario, Brown’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.

8. Arizona Cardinals | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

The Cards need to protect their investment in 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, and that means getting him a franchise left tackle. Wirfs is a polished, powerful blocker who could be a plug-and-play starter in one of the NFL’s most vastly improved offenses.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.

10. New York Jets | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

With the top offensive tackles off the board, the Jets should turn their attention to the defense in this scenario, looking for the best value at either the corner spot or on the edge. Epenesa gets the call here, giving New York a versatile, dominant presence to pair with Quinnen Williams.

2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 11

See how Tua Tagovailoa’s season-ending injury impacts Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’re halfway through November, which means while the NFL playoff picture is starting to come into clearer focus, so is the top of the board for next year’s NFL draft.

While the league’s worst teams are jockeying for position at the top of the first round, the nation’s top college prospects are trying to take advantage of key opportunities in big games down the stretch.

Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order after Week 11 games:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

For the longest time now, it’s seemed Tua Tagovailoa was written into this spot with permanent marker. But Burrow’s performance so far this season has launched him into the No. 1 overall conversation, while a hip injury has ended Tagovailoa’s season. Burrow looks like the real deal in every way.

2. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Another franchise in disarray, Washington needs to add as much talent as possible, regardless of position. They already have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, so they need impact players elsewhere on both sides of the ball. Young is a monster of a pass rusher with all size, athleticism and technique to be a dominant player at the next level.

3. New York Giants | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is a bigger need and a more premium position, but GM Dave Gettleman has proven he’s willing to go for the dynamic playmaker over the pick that seems to make more sense. Jeudy is an explosive pass-catcher and the most polished route-runner in college football.

4. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After his season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s class. He’s since had successful surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery. That being the case, I’m leaving him in this spot for now. If his recovery has any setbacks that cause him to miss key workouts leading up to the draft, his stock could still take a hit.

5. New York Jets | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

If Sam Darnold is ever going to develop into the franchise quarterback the Jets drafted him to be, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Thomas is the best of a deep class, and would be an immediate upgrade for New York.