Joe Burrow, fresh off perhaps the most legendary single season by a quarterback in college football history, is now being compared to Peyton Manning.
Bob McGinn of The Athletic recently shared notes from scouts and NFL executives, and one scout told him that Burrow reminds him of a more athletic Peyton Manning.
“The interesting thing about him, when you look at his face, he reminds me of Peyton Manning,” another scout said. “You look into his eyes and see the determination. He’s a much better athlete than Manning. He can run, too. I estimated 4.7 (seconds in the 40). Peyton was more of a statue. The arm strength is about the same … and being resourceful and making excellent decisions. The composure, the confidence, the mental toughness. He’s special.”
It’s a pretty heady comparison, to be sure. But let’s not forget that others who are well respected in football circles have compared Burrow to none other than the NFL’s GOAT, Tom Brady.
Slated to be the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft (Cincinnati Bengals have the pick), Burrow certainly has a lot of hype to live up to. But based on the way he handled all the pressure on his shoulders last season at LSU, we won’t bet against this kid.