The BYU football program hasn't had a shortage of top-tier quarterbacks over the past 50 years, and Jaren Hall appears set to join Jim McMahon, Steve Young and Zach Wilson in the Cougars' long lineage of impressive signal-callers. The 2023 NFL draft prospect looks to build on his hot start to the season with another standout performance on Thursday night against Utah State (8 p.m. ET on ESPN).
Hall has completed 71.5% of his passes through four games this season, throwing for 1,164 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception. He broke out last season despite multiple injuries -- including cracked ribs and a foot injury -- and threw 20 TD passes, and he's now on scout's radar for next April's draft.
The 2023 quarterback class has been hyped plenty this fall, but Hall is rarely mentioned alongside the top names. Could Hall emerge as a potential NFL starter? The next three weeks will be crucial for his pro evaluation, starting with this matchup against the Aggies. Then BYU meets Notre Dame and Arkansas in what promises to be exciting showdowns. If Hall plays well during this stretch and unlocks the next stage of his development, he could be one of the biggest quarterback risers in the 2023 draft class.
Let's take a look at where Hall excels and still needs work, along with how he stacks up against other draft-eligible QBs and which NFL passer he compares to best.
Where does Hall stand out?
Processing ability: One of the strongest points of Hall's game is his ability to decipher and attack defenses. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior already runs many pro-level passing concepts. The Cougars' offense incorporates a lot of wide-open formations that enable him to spread defenses out and demonstrate his ability to read out the step-by-step process of concepts.
Hall is savvy in exhausting progressions. He can identify and exploit holes in zone coverage, but he also isn't shy in trusting in his teammates and taking advantage of one-on-one opportunities when they exist. His arm strength has improved, too, helping him drive the ball into those windows.
Poise in the pocket: Hall's feet routinely marry his eyes as he performs multistep progressions that end often with positive results. Within the confines of the pocket, he has completed 74.5% of his passes and thrown eight touchdowns to only one interception. His 91.7 QBR in the pocket ranks seventh in the nation.
The calmness of Hall's lower half stands out. You hardly ever see him panic and make questionable decisions. Hall lives to see another down and doesn't put the ball in harm's way. He has only six interceptions in 23 career games (14 starts), and his 1.4% interception/attempt rate over the past two seasons is 13th in the FBS.
Hall's accuracy numbers are up this season, and it's clear that he's more decisive. Having plenty of experience in the BYU scheme has led to more comfort in multiple areas, and I've been impressed with the cleanness of his mechanics this season.
Mobility: Hall can make plays within the rhythm of the offense, but he also often ad-libs outside of structure and creates when things break down. Scouts want to see more of it, too. On 38 pass attempts from outside the pocket this season, Hall has thrown for 10 first downs and completed 63.2% of his passes. He has also run for eight more first downs on 31 carries on the season.
Hall is really good at only bailing from the pocket when necessary, though. When he sees early pressure or he doesn't see any available options open, he can extend plays. But he doesn't often go off-schedule when it isn't called for.
What is concerning about Hall's game?
Eye discipline: While Hall is an efficient processor, he does have moments where he locks into targets and brings coverage to intended targets. Learning how to manipulate defenders with his eyes and move them away from the areas where he wants to throw is something he needs to work on. But it's also a trait that he can eventually learn with more development and coaching.
Quick-game readiness: This is a glaring weakness for Hall. He is sometimes late with attacking pre-snap reads, and a lot of it revolves around his struggles to grip the football. He's most comfortable when he can grip the laces and tries to find them even on quick perimeter throws. It results in him struggling to get the ball out quickly with accuracy.
BYU's offense has many instances where it wants to throw fast perimeter screens to attack outside leverage, and Hall is a tick late on them. His 2.76 seconds before throwing is 79th in the FBS.
Age: OK, this one isn't something he can change, but it's still a concern that will be discussed by NFL teams. Hall will turn 25 years old next March. Consider that Kyler Murray -- who was drafted in 2019 and already is in his fourth season in the NFL -- will be the same age when the 2023 draft rolls around.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, only eight quarterbacks have been drafted at 25 or older, and just three of them were taken before the sixth round (Brandon Weeden, John Beck and Chris Weinke). That trio went 8-44 as starters in the NFL, and Beck -- another BYU product -- was winless in seven starts.
Outside of Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, this is an older QB class, and there will be mixed opinions about Hall's age -- even if it means experience.
Who is his best NFL comp?
An NFL area scout with whom I spoke last week gave Hall some high praise with an intriguing comp. "It's not just the [No. 3] jersey number, but he has a little bit of young Russell Wilson to him in my opinion."
Hall has a couple inches on the 5-foot-11 Denver Broncos' starter, but he has a similar filled-out undersized frame. They also both have plenty of mobility but only use it when necessary. But their biggest resemblance is how they move in the pocket. Hall and Wilson have a unique feel for navigating the pocket and creating throwing windows.
Wilson was a third-round pick in 2012, and evaluators see Hall possibly surging to a similar range if he stays the course.
BYU quarterback Jaren Hall threw for four scores.
How does Hall stack up in this year's class?
Right now, Hall is still in the Day 3 range. I want to see him produce consistently against quality opponents; Baylor was a statement performance for him, but can he do it again against Notre Dame (Oct. 8) and Arkansas (Oct. 15)? These coming weeks will matter a great deal.
If Hall is able to continue on his current trajectory, the Day 2 conversations could begin. Scouts have noted that Hall has made strides since the middle of last season. There's a strong chance he could soon be knocking on the door of the top five quarterbacks in this class.