This week in the mailbag, Eric answered a question about JTB's NFL potential by comparing his ceiling to Russell Wilson:
To me, J.T. Barrett's ceiling at the NFL level is Russell Wilson. His floor is someone you mentioned like Crouch or Martinez but I personally think he will end up somewhere in the middle. Barrett is a much more determined worker and leader than Crouch or Martinez, so you put that together with his great athletic ability and the fact he can actually throw a decent ball (don't you dare try to convince me Crouch and Martinez can) and I think someone will take a chance on him in the league.
I think a more accurate "ceiling" comparison for JTB is none other than another Urban Meyer QB, Alex Smith. Compared with JTB:
- Both are solid runners (JTB is better at this, but Alex runs well)
- Both are "game-manager" types that rarely turn the ball over in bad situations
- Both like to check down to the highest efficiency pass and aren't major risk takers
- Both aren't great throwing deep, and each considered to have average arm strength
- Both are trusted by their head coaches as kind of "field generals"
What do you think? When JTB goes pro (I think he'll get a shot), what do you think his ceiling is as a QB? What pro-QB (past or present) do you think he best compares with?
