Matt Waldman’s RSP Boiler Room examines LSU QB Joe Burrow’s excellent pocket management, footwork that reveals mental preparation and anticipation of on-field solutions, and arm velocity that is still under construction.

Like many, I’m a big fan of what I’ve seen from Joe Burrow on Saturdays. However, let’s not go into Aaron Rodgers-Russell Wilson territory with the National Championship quarterback.

If you cannot resist comparisons, Matt Ryan, Rich Gannon, and Jim McMahon offer a more accurate spectrum of players to compare Burrow’s game. Burrow is a mentally and physically tough passer with underrated mobility, excellent feel and movement of the pocket, and arm strength that, while good enough to play in the NFL, has limitations with velocity.

As we’ve seen, velocity limitations aren’t a killer for quarterback prospects if that have the compensatory factors to their game that wise coaches can exploit in a viable offensive system. Lamar Jackson and DeShaun Watson do a great job throwing for distance but have limitations with velocity. Matt Ryan and Drew Brees also have notable ceilings with their arm velocity.

Burrow’s velocity may improve enough that he can become competent with specific throws where he struggles below. If not, he still has ways of stretching the field if he can perform at the top of his game in and outside of the pocket.

Three examples of #LSUTigers QB Joe Burrow's Pocket Management that will serve him well in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/2C8jMJ41Sf

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 15, 2020

The feet are a window into a quarterback's playing personality and behavior.

On this play, #LSU's Joe Burrow feet underscore his prep and anticipation of the next step at each phase.

Like Peyton Manning, these aren't nervous feet, but feet that anticipate the answer. pic.twitter.com/q2Y5gxHDSx

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 15, 2020

The best QBs against the rush aren't always the athletes capable of dramatic changes of direction that cover massive space but players with controlled and subtle movements who work incrementally as needed, knowing the pocket is their friend. #LSUTigers QB Joe Burrow gets it. pic.twitter.com/TQJpJAyxS0

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 15, 2020

Part of #LSUTigers Joe Burrow's Pocket Magic is the ability to bait defenders to approach within a 1-2 steps and then make his real move.

This leads the defender to accelerate towards contact, but then left with more distance once the QB makes his move.

QBs: 2 hands on ball. pic.twitter.com/j2SI07jsVV

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 15, 2020

Another area that separates top pocket managers like #LSUTigers Joe Burrow is handling multiple points of pressure–both in succession and at the same time.

This TD to Chase vs Ole Miss is a great example. pic.twitter.com/Tz5MKeuktA

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 15, 2020

You can see 3-4 vid posts prior to this for some excellent positives of #LSUTigers Joe Burrow's game.

Arm strength is both about distance and velocity. Distance is fine. Velocity is a work in progress. Here are some examples. pic.twitter.com/82LJHR4Lti

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 15, 2020

Now, it’s possible that the engagement and likes of these tweets are linked to the hour and order that  I posted them. However, I find the public doesn’t like its buzz harshed about a player they’re high on so soon after a fantastic moment.

If you’re a critical viewer and a student of the game, Burrow’s velocity deserves closer study and will be a teaching moment for those striving for complete evaluations–not only for discussing strengths and weaknesses but understanding how a good offensive fit can maximize or minimize Burrow’s skill sets.

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