Zero or one? You choose the most impressive number.
If a defender is tried for wins and losses, there is no 17-0 record for Trey Lance in the state of North Dakota. If the victories belong to the team, an interception launched in 318 career passes speaks to individual talent.
When NFL scouts and executives evaluate college quarterbacks, two of the most important questions asked are: Is he a winner? Does he take care of the ball? Lance was perfect and almost perfect in checking those boxes, and now he will show his other skills on Friday on North Dakota professional day – in front of a contingent that will include general manager of jets, Joe Douglas.
“Only 17 games as a starter is difficult to get around and the level of competition was not great,” ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller told the Post. “But I thought he did everyone on the pitch better when he was out there. I love it in his game. “
Lance is one of five defenders who can be chosen from the first 15 choices of the NFL’s 2021 Draft. He has been linked to the Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, 49ers and Patriots and can be a viable option for the Jets, especially if they trade from No. 2.
Outside of presumptive choice # 1, Trevor Lawrence, Lance could be the most environmentally friendly, the most athletic and have the highest long-term ceiling in the group. In other words, it requires more projective observation, patience and quality training.
“I could see Bill Belichick having a lot of fun with a guy like Trey Lance,” said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “The only thing that would stop me is that I don’t know if he will be ready to do that right away. But when you talk to the people of the state of North Dakota, this kid is incredibly smart, which we know the Patriots have always valued. “
Lance resigned in 2018, won a national FCS championship in 2019 and played a game in the fall before the state of North Dakota changed its football season to spring. He entered the NFL Draft instead of returning to school and possibly becoming the No. 1 overall choice in 2022.
The lack of experience suggests that your next team may have to install a “Lance Pack” for specialized use as a beginner. Lance is compared to Lamar Jackson by Miller and Steve McNair by Jeremiah.
“He’s not as fast as Lamar,” said Miller, “but if you think about how he could be used from the start – pass a deep ball, use him as a runner and on underground routes where he can extend his pocket and keep things open more, I think he can stand out that way. “
All eyes will be on the 40-yard throw time, which should be recorded in the elite 4.5-second range. Where Jackson runs fast, Lance has power, like McNair.
“He would be hit by a linebacker on the 4-yard line and find his way to the final zone – and you see the same thing with Trey Lance,” said Jeremiah. “The two guys came from a lower level of competition, both were dominant at that level. You look at the arms of strength capable of leading football across the field. You look at guys that your teammates really come together [them]. I just think that there are many similarities between the two. “