Redskins: 2019 NFL Draft top ten quarterback big board

The gap between Easton Stick and Tyree Jackson is a fairly small one, as both are predominantly developmental prospects with traits to mold, but no sure developmental path in the NFL.

Stick, as the successor to Carson Wentz at North Dakota State, produced at a high level with the Bison, logging 8,693 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions over a four-year span. He also tacked on 2,523 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns in that same span, including 17 rushing touchdowns in his senior season.

Stick has a multi-faceted game, and he brings the skill set to threaten defenses in multiple ways. But to put himself in a position to threaten defenses at the next level, Stick has considerable development to undergo from a mental standpoint.

Washington Commanders

Stick has the desired athleticism to play quarterback, as well as adequate arm talent. He’s able to put some zip on the ball, and while his accuracy is inconsistent, he fires lasers on occasion. He shows anticipation at times, but his desire to see plays out to their full potential can be a two-sided coin, as he’ll sometimes wait too long, and pass up multiple opportunities to pull the trigger, as windows close too quickly for him to assess. His lacking arm versatility prevents him from catching up on the time lost. Stick’s on-field processing speed must get faster if he is to have an opportunity in the NFL.

For quarterbacks, it’s important to have a mindset of measured aggression; one where a quarterback is aware of his check downs, but also aware of the risk taking the check down poses, pertaining to opportunity cost. Stick tries to be aggressive, but his indecisiveness and his struggles seeing the field in real time hinder his ability to capitalize on downfield opportunities. Sometimes, Stick will hone in on an option too late, and these costly lapses in decision making lead to momentum shifts in favor of the defense.

Stick comes in one spot ahead of Tyree Jackson only because of his size, competitive fire, and his better mechanics. Size doesn’t necessarily matter for quarterbacks, but Tyree Jackson is past the danger threshold, in terms of size; it might be hard to develop him, because of natural mechanical issues stemming from his height. Stick, meanwhile, has very good athleticism for his modest size, and his mechanics do not suffer. Stick presents a slightly higher floor, and although his ceiling might not be as high, realistically, Stick might have a better chance to carve out a role in the NFL.