Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Update: Jacob Eason, QB IND

Kane Fossell Posted On June 26, 2020

The NFL Draft is behind us, rookie drafts are taking place, and as dynasty owners, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In the Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Update series, we break down all the incoming fantasy-relevant rookies, looking at their profile and where they fit.

Name: Jacob Eason

Position: Quarterback

Pro Team: Indianapolis Colts

College Team: Washington Huskies

Draft Status: Fourth Round, 122 overall

Video Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4QOi9MQ4ps

Combine Review

Height: 6’6”
Weight: 227 lbs
Arm Length: 32 7/8”
Hands: 9.5”
40-yard dash: 4.89 seconds
Vertical jump: 27.5”
Three cone: 7.5

Strengths

It is clear how tremendous Eason’s arm talent is. He is able to make throws all over the field. It is exceptional how he can throw outside the numbers while still having terrific arm strength on the ball. His deep passes are on point as well and he rarely underthrows his receivers. When Eason has a clean pocket, he has tremendous accuracy, but the opposite is true if he has to move in the pocket due to pressure. Don’t forget – he was a five-star recruit and the number two quarterback in 2016.

Weaknesses

Eason did not have much playing time in college. After Eason suffered an injury while at Georgia, Jake Fromm took over, resulting in Eason transferring to Washington. With only one full season playing in college, it is clear that he is still very unpolished.

When the pocket breaks down, he is in trouble. Eason is not mobile and has accuracy issues if challenged in the pocket. He also has an issue with decision-making. He relies too much on his arm strength while ignoring safeties and linebackers.

Opportunities

If Eason gets the chance to start, he is surrounded by good talent at both the running back and wide receiver positions. At running back, the Colts have Marlon Mack, rookie Jonathan Taylor, and Nyheim Hines, who will all find success behind a terrific offensive line. At wide receiver, there is TY Hilton, who has put up five 1,000-yard seasons, incoming rookie Michael Pittman Jr., and second-year speedster Parris Campbell, who was injured last year and only played in seven games.

Threats

The immediate threats to him are the other quarterbacks on the roster as it is clear that Eason will not be playing this year. The other threat is the 2021 NFL Draft and free agency. The team will have to add another quarterback as Eason will be the only one under contract. It remains to be seen what the Colts will do after this season, but Eason is in a prime spot for a cheap rookie quarterback option.

Short-Term Expectations

Eason does not have a clear path to playing time this year with the Colts as Philip Rivers just signed a one-year deal and Jacoby Brissett has one year left on his contract. It is going to be very interesting to see what the Colts do this next off-season. The opportunity is there in 2021 for Eason to be the quarterback, but it is hard to see the Colts putting their trust in a fourth-round pick.

Long-Term Expectations

Overall, Eason needs playing time to improve his decision-making. In 2021, he could start to see some playing time, but he will need to avoid the Colts drafting or picking up another quarterback after the 2020 season. I have a hard time envisioning a time in which Eason becomes a high-level starter at quarterback. If Eason becomes the starter, he will be a low-end QB2.

NFL Comparison

Joe Flacco is a good comparison. He and Eason both have similar body frames and playing styles. Each player has terrific arm strength, but the decision-making has been suspect. Eason looks to succeed the most on a team that has a strong offensive line and running game. He fits well into the Colts offense, but he will need a good bit of luck as well.

Projected Range for Rookie Drafts

In one-quarterback leagues, he is being drafted at the 5.01, which means that he is not really worth drafting. If you are a believer, pick him up off of the waivers when he is inevitably dropped for a skilled position player who breaks out.

In superflex leagues, he is being drafted the 3.08, which is well worth the risk given how much starting quarterbacks are worth. If he ever becomes the starter, Eason will increase in value and be worth at least a future first-round pick. There aren’t many players who I would prefer around him in a superflex league. If I am having to choose between Eason, Devin Duvernay, and Joshua Kelley, I would take the quarterback far and away just due to the increase in value that Eason can return.