2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
ROUND ONE, PICK THIRTY
JARED BARRETT
QUARTERBACK
TENNESSEE
6'4" | 219 | 21
The Scoop
The Chargers intended to draft a quarterback this year but did not expect to do it in the first round. When Barrett, thought of by many as a top 10 pick and the quarterback in the draft with the highest upside, fell to them at 30 it was a no-brainer for GM Tom Telesco.
“We had him at the top of our board for a long time.” Telesco explained. “We had tried to move into the top 15 to try and have a shot at him but the prices were too high so we stayed put and still got him.”
The team is hoping for an Aaron Rodgers situation with Barrett sitting behind Philip Rivers for a year or two before taking the reigns.
“Very excited.” Barrett said when interviewed after the draft. “This is a really great situation where I can come in and learn from one of the best and smartest quarterbacks in the league now and not get rushed into a tough situation.”
“Those teams picking at the top are there for a reason.” He answered when asked about being picked so low. “This is great, really excited.”
The Numbers
Barrett was a starter for two seasons at Tennessee.
He threw for 3,563 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 64% of his passes as a redshirt freshman in 2017 while rushing for 756 yards and eight scores.
As a redshirt sophomore he improved all those numbers, completing 71% of his passes for 4,103 yards, 41 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Barrett ran for 1,001 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Measurables
Barrett measured 6'4” and 216 pounds at the combine.
He ran a 4.63 second 40 yard dash, he also recorded a 29.7” vertical, a 9'9” broad jump.
Barrett ran the three cone in 7.06 seconds and did the shuttle in 4.25 seconds while putting up 22 reps in the bench press, all three tops for quarterbacks.
The Verdict
Many would argue that the Chargers had more immediate needs at other positions but with Rivers turning 37 and the perceived weakness of next years QB crop this is a great pick. You can't win in the NFL without a good quarterback and the Chargers likely avoided a dark period post Rivers.