3 passers the Steelers should take on day three of the NFL Draft
By Brendan Howe
Jamie Newman
If not for COVID-19, Jamie Newman might have been able to improve his draft outlook and further validate his prior feats against SEC competition. Instead, the only manner in which the graduate transfer was spotted in Georgia colors was during practice.
As it pertains to scouting, Newman’s redshirt junior campaign, at Wake Forest, is likely what pro evaluators have judged him by. In 2019, the last time he was able to navigate a full schedule, Newman put up reputable numbers.
Along with 26 touchdowns, he compiled 2,868 yards through the air. His 145.3 passer rating was among the best in the ACC. Over a span that spilled into that season, Newman set a school record by passing for a touchdown in 12 straight contests. His 3,442 combined yards and 32 touchdowns responsible for that year are bested only by John Wolford’s 2017 totals.
He also showed volume mobility. With a 144-yard effort against Duke that November, Newman scurried for more yards in a contest than any Wake Forest signal-caller since 1971. In all, he finished the season
An All-ACC honorable mention, Newman may not be as well-rounded as some of the quarterback prospects taken in the first three rounds, but his talent bodes well as he transitions to the league.