Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman is the best young passer in the NFL

3rd yr. QB Josh Freeman appears to be physically similar to Donovan McNabb, but is a better pure-passer.

      With the likes of Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, and Matt Ryan lighting up the league the past few seasons, there’s one guy that sometimes gets forgotten in the discussion of the NFL’s best young Quarterbacks: Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman.  Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing close to 250lbs, this guy looks like he could play defensive end.  He possesses many of the same attributes as Donovan McNabb and Daunte Culpepper (pre-knee injury), but Freeman appears to have more upside than both.

      During his rookie campaign of 2009, Freeman threw 18 interceptions and only 10 touchdowns while completing under 55% of his passes; granted, he had a very poor supporting cast and he ended the year at just 21 years of age.  The big guy followed that up with a stellar sophomore season in which he threw 25 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions while his completion percentage jumped all the way to 61.4%.  Freeman’s rise in production had a lot to do with his own maturation but he also developed a rapport with the teams youthful receiving corps, especially the super-talented rookie wideout Mike Williams (the Syracuse not USC version).  Williams posted 65 catches for 964 yards, and a team-leading 11 touchdown receptions.  The Bucs also feature playmaker’s in fellow second-year receiver Arrelious Benn and the enigmatic Kellen Winslow Jr. at tight-end.  Winslow, despite battling injuries throughout his career, is one of the most dangerous tight-ends in football; he led the team with 66 catches to go along with 730 yards and five scores.  

     With an excess of receiving options, Josh Freeman benefits greatly from Legarrette Blount rumbling out the backfield behind him.  As a rookie, Blount posted a 1,000-yard season on just over 200 carries; managing to keep defenses honest.  If the Bucs can find a quick back to compliment Blount they should have one of the most well-rounded offenses in the NFC, as long as Freeman continues his development.

     Coming out of Kansas State as a Junior in 2009, everyone in the league knew that Freeman possessed a rocket-arm and quick feet but some questioned whether he could put it all together against premier competition on the next level.  Freeman has answered those questions in only two seasons under center, showing extraordinary leadership in guiding the “Baby Bucs” to a 10-6 record in 2010.  However, despite posting double-digit wins Tampa Bay was left out of the postseason because of a very competitive NFC.  This should only motivate Freeman to come back and dominate in year three.  Plus, the Buccaneers were able to add more playmaker’s to the defensive side of the ball through the draft; if Ends Da’Quan Bowers (2nd round) and Adrian Clayborn (1st) are able to stay healthy they should team with last seasons top picks, Tackles Gerald McCoy (1st) and Brian Price (2nd), to form potentially one of the top lines in football.  Lookout for the Bucs whenever the lockout is licked.