Colts: 3 things Jacob Eason must improve to cement backup job in 2021

1. Pocket Awareness/Footwork

Most young quarterbacks struggle with pocket awareness, so the fact Eason also falls under that category isn’t a huge indictment against him. However, that’s also what separated him from the other top gunslingers in his class and why he slipped to Round 4.

The main criticism of Eason coming out of college was his inability to read pressure and stay confident in a collapsing pocket. That, of course, can be attributed to poor footwork (which he’s worked on improving since being drafted) and a lack of mobility.

Jacob Eason must improve his pocket awareness and footwork.

That’s a recipe for failure in today’s NFL, whose premier pass rushing talents have gotten increasingly more powerful and quick over the years.

The fact Eason struggled with this playing in the Pac 12, compared to more heavyweight conferences like the SEC, Big Ten or ACC is extremely alarming, and he’ll be in for a rude awakening in preseason if he hasn’t turned somewhat of a corner in this regard.

If Eason had elite footwork and a strong foundation to build around, we wouldn’t even be concerned. The fact he doesn’t — or didn’t the last time we saw him play in a meaningful game — proves the Colts’ coaching staff must work it out of him in practice.

Colts fans will love Jacob Eason’s offseason activities

Indianapolis Colts fans will love that backup quarterback Jacob Eason has been working out with his receivers this offseason.