NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State by Jody Jamieson 7/2/2009
Last year it was Joe Flacco, the monster armed project from Delaware, who garned a lot of interest despite being a very raw product. This year it’s Josh Freeman, the monster armed project from Kansas State, who may just do a Flacco and sneak into Round 1 despite being considered more of a 2nd or 3rd round prospect a few months ago, much like Flacco was too around December or January last year. Many people are drawing up comparisons between the two, but other than having huge arms and being really tall the comparison is a little off.
Both played against completely different competition with Flacco coming from 1-AA. Freeman has a lot of speed whereas Flacco looks a little Peter Crouch-esque when he leaves the pocket. Flacco is also fairly consistent while Freeman blows hot and cold. Freeman looks good throwing on the run while Flacco looks a little lost outside the pocket. I could go on and on and on about why they’re different, but then it kinda takes away from talking about what we like and question marks.
What is pretty certain is that if Freeman falls into a good situation much like Flacco did in terms of a team with a good defense that doesn’t ask too much of you he can be a success. If he gets a sensible offensive coordinator like Cam Cameron has been for Flacco then Freeman could start in Week 1 and be fairly effective. However, as much as starting Flacco in Week 1 was a good thing for both Baltimore and Flacco, I really hope Freeman sits for a while when he makes it too the pros. In some situations, I think learning on the job is a good thing, but most of the time young QB’s need to learn the system before they’re thrown to the lions. I still believe there would have been more pressure than there should have been on Flacco if he’d landed pretty much anywhere else and it would probably have been detrimental to his development. Freeman is too raw to be starting Week one, whether he gets handed a good running game and a swarming defense or not. I’m one of the few who isn’t completely sold on Flacco as any more than an average to slightly above average NFL quarterback, and I’m not convinced that Freeman will be any better. But both have the physical tools to become solid starters in on Sundays and real assets for their teams going forward.
What we like about Freeman
He’s got a cannon for an arm and knows how to use it. Puts good touch on his throws and can squeeze it into tight holes without being too risky. His footwork looks pretty good and he’s fairly sharp in the pocket. Tall and stocky, which is good for a quarterback. Passes well on the move and is quick enough to be a proper duel threat from outside the pocket. Improves his TD:INT record every year (6:15 as a freshman, 18:11 as a sophomore and 20:8 as a junior). He only recently turned 21 so certainly has time on his side.
Question Marks about Freeman
His accuracy is sketchy and really needs to be more of a consistent passer. Could really have benefited from staying in school for his senior year. While his TD:INT ratio improved in 2008, he was actually more consistent in his sophomore year in terms on completion percentage and had more spells of wildness. Isn’t a particularly good leader in the huddle. Needs to make quicker reads in the NFL or may struggle.
Highlight of his college career
Freeman had a fairly tough Freshman year as a starter, but did have one fabulous game against the Colorado Buffaloes which showed he could be a very good prospect. He completed 22 of 26 passes for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 84.6% completion percentage was the highest single game mark in the country in 2006.
Other snippets
Freeman was the only true freshman quarterback to lead his team to a bowl game in 2006. The Wildcats lost 37-10 to Rutgers His father Ron was a pro linebacker in the USFL in the 80’s Will interest Tampa Bay and Minnesota in the first round. If both pass, he’ll drop to the second round where St Louis, Jacksonville and San Francisco are potential suitors.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
What is pretty certain is that if Freeman falls into a good situation much like Flacco did in terms of a team with a good defense that doesn’t ask too much of you he can be a success. If he gets a sensible offensive coordinator like Cam Cameron has been for Flacco then Freeman could start in Week 1 and be fairly effective. However, as much as starting Flacco in Week 1 was a good thing for both Baltimore and Flacco, I really hope Freeman sits for a while when he makes it too the pros. In some situations, I think learning on the job is a good thing, but most of the time young QB’s need to learn the system before they’re thrown to the lions. I still believe there would have been more pressure than there should have been on Flacco if he’d landed pretty much anywhere else and it would probably have been detrimental to his development. Freeman is too raw to be starting Week one, whether he gets handed a good running game and a swarming defense or not. I’m one of the few who isn’t completely sold on Flacco as any more than an average to slightly above average NFL quarterback, and I’m not convinced that Freeman will be any better. But both have the physical tools to become solid starters in on Sundays and real assets for their teams going forward.
