Jake Haener, the talented quarterback from Fresno State, has Saints fans buzzing after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. His journey to the NFL is even more intriguing considering he hails from the same university as Derek Carr, the quarterback whom the Saints recently signed to a lucrative four-year, $150 million contract during the offseason.
To acquire Haener, the Saints made a move up the draft board, trading up to pick number 127. Haener caught the attention of several scouts leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, with many acknowledging his potential to be a second-round pick. Haener possesses an impressive set of skills, demonstrating accuracy, arm strength, and poise in the pocket. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has impressed evaluators, making him an enticing prospect for teams in need of a quarterback. Moreover, Haener's completion rate of 72 percent in the 2022 season showcases his exceptional accuracy and efficiency as a passer, further bolstering his case as a high-value pick. However, despite his promising skill set and impressive statistics, some concerns were raised about Haener's size. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he falls slightly below the prototypical height for an NFL quarterback. Haener will have the opportunity to learn and develop under the guidance of not just one, but two accomplished quarterbacks—Derek Carr and Jameis Winston.
Haener's size and accuracy have drawn comparisons to former Saints quarterback Drew Brees. While it is certainly high praise to be mentioned alongside a future Hall of Famer, it's important to note that Haener is his own player with his own unique skill set.
In the 2022 college season, Haener showcased his abilities by throwing for an impressive 2,896 passing yards, along with 20 touchdowns and a mere three interceptions. These statistics highlight his decision-making skills and ability to protect the football, traits highly valued in the NFL.
Haener possesses the necessary tools and potential to become a solid starting quarterback in the NFL. His accuracy, and football IQ provide a solid foundation for success at the next level. However, it's important to temper expectations and not place undue pressure on him by labeling him as the next Drew Brees.
Comparisons to a once-in-a-lifetime quarterback like Drew Brees are incredibly lofty and rare to live up to. Brees's career and accomplishments are unparalleled, and it would be unfair to expect any young quarterback to replicate that level of success. It's essential to allow Haener to develop at his own pace and carve out his own path in the NFL.
With the guidance of experienced quarterbacks like Carr and Winston, Haener will have the opportunity to learn from their experiences and tap into their knowledge. Their mentorship will undoubtedly aid Haener's growth and help him maximize his potential as he adjusts to the professional level. As Haener embarks on his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, it will be fascinating to witness his progress and see how he develops. He has the foundation and talent to succeed, and with the right support and coaching, he could make significant contributions to his team in the future. While the comparisons to Drew Brees are flattering, it is more reasonable to expect Haener to forge his own path and leave his mark on the league.
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