Lamar Jackson is one of the more polarizing players in the NFL Draft, but even his harshest critics (and the deluded analysts who think his best fit is at wide receiver) would be surprised if he lasted until the top of the third round. Nevertheless, the Texans are doing their due diligence on the electrifying quarterback, hosting Jackson on a private workout this week, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
This is interesting: The #Texans hosted a private workout yesterday for #Louisville QB Lamar Jackson, source said. The team wants to be prepared for any and all scenarios on draft week… even the unlikely such as Jackson being available for them.
As Rapoport notes it is wise to be prepared for every eventuality given the unpredictable nature of draft weekend. Houston does need a backup quarterback, and Jackson’s skill set is far from dissimilar to that of Deshaun Watson.
Perhaps the best pure athlete at quarterback of recent memory, Jackson requires some development as a passer but has a good arm and is able to throw accurately to all three levels of the field. Should Jackson fall into the late second round or the early third (which would be surprising, as he has the talent to go in the top fifteen) he would make an extremely capable backup quarterback. In today’s NFL, backup quarterback is arguably one of the more important positions on the team, and the Texans should consider spending an early pick on a prospect.
Of course, there are other reasons to workout Jackson. If drafted elsewhere, the team will almost certainly play him at some point in the future and it is good to know his capabilities, mental makeup and personality. The dynamic quarterback is linked with the Jacksonville Jaguars regularly, and thus the workout makes even more sense.
Further, should Jackson hit free agency or the Texans need to trade for a quarterback in the future due to injury or suspension, having a close relationship with the player both makes Houston a more attractive fit and will give insight into how he fits. Jackson had no reason to turn down the opportunity to showcase his considerable abilities, and as such, this is a good move by the Texans.
And who knows…maybe we will be seeing Lamar Jackson in a Texans jersey in 2018.
