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Cardale Jones: The Best NFL QB Prospect Since Andrew Luck

By Nick Dudukovich

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Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) passes the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

As Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones conquers the college football world, it’s become obvious that the Cleveland Glenville High School product is not only the best quarterback prospect available in the 2016 NFL Draft, but the top quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck.

Fans of the Cleveland Browns have already undertaken a campaign–“fail for Cardale”–and after seeing Cardale Jones’ athleticism on display during the Ohio State Buckeyes’ Week 1 win against Virginia Tech, it’s no surprise as to why the Dawg Pound wants to ensure their franchise goes into April with the No. 1 overall pick.

It’s not exactly breaking news that the Browns need a quarterback, but they wouldn’t just be taking a gamble on Jones, they’d be getting the best college quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck.

Jones has only started  four games for the Buckeyes, but by winning the national title, knocking off Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon, and then helping Urban Meyer get revenge on the Hokies, Jones has shown the type of ability (athleticism, arm strength, speed) that has Browns salivating.

Just look at the drafts since Luck went No. 1 overall in 2012.

2013: E.J. Manuel (16)

2014: Blake Bortles (3); Johnny Manziel (21); Teddy Bridgewater (32)

2015: Jameis Winston (1); Marcus Mariotta (2)

Even this past spring when the Winston-Mariotta debate was taking center stage. Each player had positives and negatives. Neither of the college superstars was viewed as can’t miss prospect, such as Luck.

This isn’t the case with Jones. He’s going to continue to pile up numbers while making Vine users out of the most challenge social-media Buckeye fans.

Heading into this April, Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg and Michigan State’s Connor Cook are projected to join Jones as first-round selections.

Depending on what type of season Cook puts together, the Ohio native could give Jones a run for his money as the top quarterback off the board. It is odd Cook wasn’t named a team captain, but he has drawn comparisons to Tom Brady–the most famous sixth-round pick in NFL history. Jones isn’t a captain for OSU, but that news isn’t as eyebrow raising as Cook being excluded.

Hackenberg, who was regarded by many media members to be the most NFL ready entering Week 1, floundered against Temple in the Nittany Lions’ season opener. He has promise, but it’d be hard to bet the farm on his NFL future.

When comparing Jones to the rest of this year’s class, ask yourself this question. Which quarterback could come in and start from day one? Right now, Jones is the easy answer.

This play was reminiscent of something Roethlisberer could do. You think you got him, but BAM! Jones goes off the back foot and powers the ball to a place where only his receiver had a chance to make a play. Sure, not ideal in the NFL, but that athleticism!

Jones also drew praise from a former Browns signal caller for his work in the pocket, throwing the skinny post.

For stats sake, here’s some numbers to toss around your head when it comes to putting Jones’ draft stock on the same level as Luck’s.

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Luck was far a far more efficient passer during his days at Stanford, as the former No. 1 overall pick completed over 70 percent of his passes in his final two seasons with the Cardinals.

Jones’ completion rate currently stands at 59 percent, but it’s worth noting he’s faced elite level  competition in his four starts. And yes, that includes the Hokies, who have projected first-rounder Kendall Fuller playing corner.

Luck’s career numbers draw from a larger sample size, but it was intriguing to see Jones’ yard per attempt (9.9) is a over a yard higher than Luck’s career average (8.9). Cardale can throw the long ball. Bucks fans know it. The Dawg Pound does too.

In four starts, Jones is 55-of-93 for 928 yards and seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s added 188 yards on 59 rushes (3.2 yards pre carries) for another two scores.

Perhaps the best judge as to why Jones is best thing since Luck are our own eyes. Watch him play. Who doesn’t think he’ll be a winner in the NFL.

No one wants to see the Brownst tank…but they can’t leave the 2016 NFL Draft without the rights to Jones .If the Browns set themselves up to draft Jones, the team would be creating the best storyline in sports since LeBron James returned to the Cavaliers. Jones, the native son of Cleveland, would be coming home to play savior and deliver Cleveland its first Super Bowl.

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