2021 NFL Draft: Jamie Newman perfect fit for the Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
Jamie Newman has everything a modern NFL offense needs
The modern offense in the NFL is changing. Look at some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now; Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, and Josh Allen. All of these players have several essential skills in common: massive arm talent and mobility.
Mobility has not always been a staple amongst NFL quarterbacks; just look at Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, and Tom Brady. Fortunately for fans of more exciting football, the era of the monolith quarterback in the backfield is over. Lamar Jackson has primarily changed the NFL forever in that regard, and the entire evaluation process of quarterbacks at the highest level will never be the same.
NFL teams still want strong-armed quarterbacks, but mobility and athleticism are necessities too. Having a quarterback that can scramble on big plays consistently is a massive plus, and teams that fail to adapt could become obsolete down the road.
Fortunately for his draft stock, Jamie Newman has everything that an NFL team wants in a quarterback. Listed at 6’4” 230 pounds, Newman looks the part of a traditional NFL quarterback, but his athleticism will help set himself apart.
Newman can run when necessary, as evidenced by his numerous QB power plays in college, and this skill translates extremely favorably to the NFL. Newman isn’t as big as Cam Newton or as shifty as Lamar Jackson, but he does have size on Taysom Hill and is exponentially better as a thrower. Newman draws a close comparison to Josh Allen as a runner, which is certainly above the NFL average as a great designed run threat who can safely move outside of the pocket.
The Buccaneers would have to tweak their game plan a bit to make the most of Newman’s talents, but his diverse skillset would be a welcomed improvement in Tampa.