The No. 2 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft is already No. 1 on the charts:
The most accurate QBs this preseason pic.twitter.com/edRVIXD9D9
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 1, 2017
Mitch Trubisky wrapped up the preseason as the NFL’s most accurate quarterback, posting an 82.0 adjusted completion percentage – which accounts for things such as dropped passes and spikes for clock stoppage. Trubisky’s non-adjusted completion percentage (67.9%) was the ninth best among quarterbacks who attempted at least 40 passes this preseason, and sixth among those with at least 50 attempts.
Coming out of college, Trubisky’s accuracy was viewed as a strength. His ability to place the ball accurately, avoid interceptions, and allow receivers to make moves after the catch was noted throughout the pre-draft process. Throwing with that kind of precision has also appeared at training camp and in preseason, making it one of the best progressions Trubisky has made since arriving in Chicago.
As for the company Trubisky keeps on the adjusted completion percentage leaderboard, it’s interesting to say the least.
Armed with a strong arm and a variety of big-play pass-catching options, Jameis Winston – the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 – seems destined to be a star quarterback for years to come. Jimmy Garoppolo, a one-time fixture on the rumor mill as a potential trade target for the quarterback-starved Bears in the offseason, also makes the list. His future, of course, is tied to whatever Tom Brady does next. Surely, some team might value him as a starter, but might be willing to wait it out until after he hits free agency.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much to be said about New York Giants backup Geno Smith or Philadelphia Eagles reserve signal caller Matt McGloin. Both have earned starting time in the NFL, but neither has made a positive impact on their team. Smith was a star at West Virginia and chosen in the second round by the New York Jets in 2013 – where he went 12-18 as a starter – before moving to New York’s NFC team this offseason. McGloin’s teams are 1-6 when given a chance to start, but has made just one such appearance since the 2014 season kicked off.
In the end, Trubisky showing off some early accuracy allows us to dream on a bright future with a quarterback who isn’t completing passes to members of the other team. Nice work, but this is just the start.