The 2019 college football regular season has come to a close, and it was certainly one for the record books.
From the dominance of transfer quarterbacks to the unpredictable nature that was the playoff race, this season brought entertaining action from start to finish. As bowl season starts to kick off, so have discussions surrounding the Heisman Trophy.
With four talented finalists to choose from, this year’s group features players who all have high ceilings at the professional level. Let’s take a look at the projections for where all four of them will be selected in the NFL draft.
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
Seen by many as the frontrunner to win the Heisman Trophy, Burrow used the 2019 season as his launching pad into becoming a household name across the country.
He made incredible strides this season, and those strides lead to result. Leading LSU to a 13-0 record, Burrow threw for 4,715 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while completing 77.9 percent of his passes and notching a 93.7 passer rating. His passing touchdowns and completion percentage both finished first in the nation, while his passing yard totals finished in second.
Burrow is an intelligent and accurate quarterback who throws with stellar anticipation and consistently leads his receivers with his throws. His poise in the pocket is second to none in this class, and he is able to read the defense to make the best possible decision on a regular basis. He also carries a good frame at 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds. With Tua Tagovailoa’s hip injury affecting the Alabama quarterback’s stock, Burrow should be the first quarterback selected in this year’s class, which will likely make him the first overall pick.
Projection: No. 1
Justin Fields | QB | Ohio State
Fields is only a true sophomore, so he isn’t eligible for the 2020 draft. That said, though, his performance this year indicates he could be high in demand when the 2021 draft rolls around.
The 6-foot-3, 223-pound Fields threw for 40 touchdowns and rushed for 10 touchdowns while throwing just one interception, a feat accomplished by no quarterback in college football history. He finished the season with 3,424 yards on the year, combining his totals through the air and on the ground. With a 67.5 completion percentage and a 92.4 passer rating, he put together a stellar stat line and led the Buckeyes to a 13-0 record heading into the playoffs.
Fields possesses impressive arm strength, flashes of stellar touch on the deep ball and great athletic ability, which should certain entice teams who choose to pass on a quarterback this year. Though he can’t enter the draft this year, he should be high in demand in next year’s class, barring an unforeseen major drop-off.
Projection: 1st Round (2021)
Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
Heading into this season, Hurts was seen as a borderline draftable prospect. After his 2019 campaign, though, he projects to be one of the top quarterbacks in the 2020 class.
Hurts finished the season with 3,634 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, while completing 71.8 percent of his passes and putting up a 90.6 quarterback rating. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 1,255 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns on the ground, leading all quarterbacks in both categories by a considerable margin. He also placed in the top 10 nationally in passing yards, completion percentage, passing touchdowns and passer rating. Oklahoma finished the season 12-1 with him under center and secured a spot in the playoffs.
When compared to his fellow Heisman finalists, Hurts will likely be the lowest draft pick overall. His mechanics could use some work, and his ability to read the field will need some developing, as well. However, there’s no denying his improvement in terms of overall throwing accuracy and pocket presence, and he offers the best upside as a dual-threat quarterback in the 2020 class. Hurts could end up sneaking into the first round, but he should be selected relatively early regardless.
Projection: 2nd Round
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
Want an indication of how dominant Young has been this year? He finished the regular season with an FBS-leading 16.5 sacks – 2.5 ahead of the second-place finisher – and did so while missing two games.
Young has been a one-man wrecking crew this season, dominating offensive tackles across the Big Ten and tallying at least half of a sack in all but one game he played in 2019. He also ended up with 21 tackles for a loss, which finished fourth in the nation, and 7 forced fumbles, which placed him in a tie for first.
The consensus top defender in the 2020 class and arguably the best overall prospect, Young is a tenacious pass-rusher who features a sky-high ceiling at an extremely important position. He has stellar athletic ability, firing off the snap with impressive acceleration and showing off top-notch flexibility when turning the corner. He has an extensive array of pass-rushing techniques and plays with a high motor on every snap. Plus, at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he possesses a chiseled frame with great length.
Though his not playing quarterback might prevent him from being the top overall pick, Young should not fall outside of the first two selections of this year’s class. He is a physical freak of nature with impressive polish off the edge and the potential to become an All-Pro talent.
