-
Table of Contents
Why Did Jake Fromm Fall in the Draft?
Jake Fromm, once a highly touted quarterback prospect from the University of Georgia, experienced a surprising fall during the 2020 NFL Draft.
. After a stellar college career, many analysts expected him to be selected much earlier than he was. Instead, he was picked in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills. This article delves into the factors that contributed to his draft slide, examining his performance, the changing landscape of quarterback evaluation, and the implications for his professional career.
The Rise and Fall of Jake Fromm
Fromm’s journey began with immense promise. He was a five-star recruit and led Georgia to the College Football Playoff in 2017. His college statistics were impressive:
- Completion Percentage: 63.3%
- Touchdowns: 78
- Interceptions: 18
- Yards: 8,224
Despite these numbers, Fromm’s draft stock began to wane as the 2020 draft approached. Several key factors contributed to this decline.
1. Performance in Key Games
While Fromm had a successful college career, his performance in critical games raised concerns among scouts and analysts. In particular:
- In the 2018 SEC Championship against Alabama, Fromm struggled, completing only 56% of his passes and throwing an interception.
- His performance in the 2020 Sugar Bowl against Baylor was lackluster, where he threw for just 250 yards and no touchdowns.
These high-stakes games highlighted his inability to elevate his play against top-tier competition, leading to doubts about his readiness for the NFL.
2. The Changing Landscape of Quarterback Evaluation
The NFL has seen a shift in the type of quarterbacks that teams are looking for. The rise of dual-threat quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs has changed the evaluation criteria. Fromm, known for his pocket passing and traditional quarterback style, faced challenges in this evolving landscape:
- His lack of mobility compared to other prospects like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert made him less appealing.
- Teams increasingly value quarterbacks who can make plays outside the pocket, a skill that Fromm did not showcase.
This shift in preference contributed to his fall as teams prioritized athleticism and versatility over traditional passing skills.
3. The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 NFL Draft process significantly. With limited opportunities for in-person evaluations, teams relied heavily on game tape and previous performances. This situation affected Fromm negatively:
- He did not have the chance to showcase his skills in a pro day or private workouts.
- Teams were unable to conduct thorough interviews, which could have helped alleviate concerns about his game.
The lack of personal interaction and evaluation opportunities led to a more conservative approach by teams, further impacting Fromm’s draft stock.
4. Competition from Other Quarterbacks
The 2020 draft class was particularly strong, featuring several quarterbacks who outperformed Fromm in various aspects:
- Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy and led LSU to a national championship.
- Justin Herbert, who showcased a powerful arm and athleticism at Oregon.
- Jalen Hurts, who demonstrated dual-threat capabilities and leadership at Oklahoma.
This competition made it difficult for Fromm to stand out, as teams opted for quarterbacks who fit the modern mold.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Jake Fromm
Jake Fromm’s fall in the 2020 NFL Draft can be attributed to a combination of factors, including his performance in critical games, the changing landscape of quarterback evaluation, the impact of COVID-19, and fierce competition from other prospects. While he may not have been the first-round talent many expected, he still has the opportunity to prove himself in the NFL. As he continues to develop with the Buffalo Bills, it will be interesting to see if he can adapt to the demands of the professional game and carve out a successful career.
For more insights on quarterback evaluations and the NFL Draft process, you can visit NFL.com Draft.
