Washington quarterback Jacob Eason was once viewed as a second or third-round pick.
Instead, Eason dropped to the fourth round and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts.
According to a recent report, there were character concerns about Eason’s work ethic.
However, Colts GM Chris Ballard does not seem to be worried.
Character Issues
According to a report from ESPN’s Chris Mortenson, Eason had issues with work ethic.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen says teams found work ethic issues and accountability issues in Eason.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 25, 2020
The Colts obviously liked Eason enough to bring him to the team.
Sometimes, character issues are blown out of proportion leading up to the draft.
The Colts pride themselves on having a certain culture in the locker room.
If the issues were really a big problem, the Colts would have taken a different quarterback.
GM Calls Character Issues “Unfair”
One way we know the Colts feel that the report is overhyped is how Colts GM Chris Ballard responded.
According to USA Today’s Kevin Hickey, Ballard described the report as “unfair” to Eason.
“Well, I mean I think it is a little unfair. There are leaks, sources – nobody wants to put their name on it,” Ballard said. “We did a lot of work on him. I promise you, Jacob (Eason) understands – I had a visit with him today when I called him – the expectations that we have here.”
Eason Must Prove Himself
Ballard further explained that even if there was no report, Eason still has to make the team.
The Colts signed Phillip Rivers in the offseason, while Jacoby Brissett, Chad Kelly, and Eason round out the rest of the quarterbacks on the roster.
Colts GM Chris Ballard: Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett are the top two QBs. Jacob Eason is competing with Chad Kelly to be third string
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) April 25, 2020
According to Ballard, Eason will have to earn his keep, likely having to beat out the former Broncos QB in Kelly.
“I think you all have seen, he’s got to make the team. (He’s) a fourth-round pick, he’s still got to make the team,” Ballard said. “So if he works and he hits his potential he will be on the squad. I don’t think it has been any different than any year I’ve been here.”
The Player
Eason finished 2019 with 3,132 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
The numbers may not be glamorous, but Eason is a pro-style quarterback that would fit into the current offensive schema.
One NFL draft analyst also sees professional abilities from Eason.
“These are the types of throws that excite you about Washington QB Jacob Eason,” via Senior NFL Draft Analyst Jordan Reid. “He has the confidence that he can fit a football through a keyhole. Reminds me a lot of Matthew Stafford.”
Final Thoughts
Good for Ballard for trying to debunk this quickly.
Leading up to the draft, not a single report leaked about Eason’s character.
Eason was ranked as a third-round selection in most mock drafts.
He slipped by just one round.
That doesn’t mean he is a bad guy.
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