Jaguars add QB Gardner Minshew in 6th round
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected quarterback Gardner Minshew out of Washington State in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 178th overall.
Minshew spent one season at Washington State after transferring from East Carolina, and he enjoyed a breakout year in Mike Leach's pass-heavy offense. He'll receive an opportunity in Jacksonville to compete for the backup job behind Nick Foles.
Minshew completed 70.7 percent of his pass attempts in 2018, throwing for 4,779 yards with 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His passing yardage ranked second in the FBS, trailing only Dwayne Haskins from Ohio State.
Questions about his size and arm strength prevented Minshew from coming off the board earlier in the draft.
Prospect profile
School: Washington State
Height: 6-1
Weight: 225 lbs
Strengths
- Efficiently works through progressions
- Makes good decisions and takes care of the ball
- Moves well within the pocket and maintains eye level
- Demonstrates accuracy and good timing to short and intermediate levels
- Can deliver passes on the run or pull it down and make plays with his legs
Weaknesses
- Lacks necessary arm strength to make big-time throws in the NFL
- Accuracy fades at deeper levels of the field
- Will be limited to short, quick-hit passing games
- Undersized for the position
Bottom line
Minshew likely won't ever be a long-term starter, as limited arm strength puts a cap on his upside. But he'll still bring plenty of value as a backup. With an ability to work through progressions and throw with accuracy and anticipation in the short and intermediate areas of the field, he could be effective in a quick-hit passing game.