The Chargers are in Indianapolis for the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in hopes to find some talented prospects to help build their roster for the upcoming season. While there are plenty of options that are capable of being instant starters for Los Angeles, they will also be seeking developmental players, including a quarterback.
Among the ones in a weaker quarterback class that were most like scouted by Los Angeles was former Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson. Jackson, a 6-foot-7 and 249 pound passer, was clearly one of the biggest in the group, and may have been in the last few years at the event.
Despite his large size, Jackson posted the second-best 40-yard dash time at his position Saturday by clocking in at 4.59 seconds officially. Only one more player, Penn State’s Trace McSorley topped his time with a 4.57-second mark. He also had the top vertical jump among quarterbacks at 34 1/2 inches and tied with Duke’s Daniel Jones for the longest broad jump at 10-0.
Known for his big arm, Jackson’s strength might’ve been too much on the gauntlet drill, as former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. told Jackson he was putting too much heat on his throws. But other than that, he was sound in almost all of his on-field throws.
When basing his pure talent level from his film while he was at Buffalo, there’s plenty of rawness to his game. There’s no denying his gifted, right arm. Jackson can make all NFL throws, displaying phenomenal velocity. However, he was rarely accurate, as threw for nearly 56 percent in his career.
It’s evident that he’s got a rare quarterback frame and athleticism, but negated it with poor decision making and footwork. Jackson showed that he can win with his legs. He can move the pocket, scramble, and pick up yards with a powerful running style, which is something coach Anthony Lynn covets with his previous quarterbacks.
But along with the kinks mentioned, the biggest areas of improvement for Jackson will be his mechanics and decision-making ability, as his lower half was unorthodox and instead of going through his reads, he would rely on his arm strength to try to get him by.
Should the Chargers elect to draft Jackson, it’ll likely be in the middle rounds after his performance today. It may be a bit too rich for when they should draft a quarterback, but if they do feel like he’s their guy, it shows they will be getting a player with high athleticism, untapped potential and a lot of things that Philip Rivers will have to help him with in order for Jackson to succeed.
