High Praise: ESPN analyst Jonathan Vilma compares Joe Burrow to 3 legendary NFL QBs

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has had a nearly perfect senior year.

Shattering LSU school records and winning the Heisman Trophy and SEC Championship in dominant fashion has been incredible, but Burrow has made it clear the ultimate goal all season is to win a national title.

Whether or not LSU gets it done against Clemson Monday night, Burrow will almost certainly be a top three pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Most experts believe his skills will translate seamlessly to the NFL, but ESPN analyst Jonathan Vilma went as far as to compare Burrow to some of the best to ever do it during a Sunday appearance on SportsCenter.

“I get so worried about guys like him,” said Vilma, “I remember practicing against Drew Brees, playing against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. When they’re that smart and that prepared, the anticipation is what bothers me because they anticipate and throw their guys open.

“So it doesn’t matter what coverage you have. If they’re anticipating and they’re accurate as he is, you can’t defend the perfect pass.”

After a nearly decade-long NFL career as a Jets and Saints linebacker, Vilma has seen the best of the latest era of NFL quarterbacks. The three names he listed in comparison to Burrow are also the top three leaders in touchdown passes in NFL history.

Burrow has thrown for an eye-popping 55 touchdowns this season with just six interceptions, to go with over 5,000 passing yards.

Burrow is having one of the most prolific seasons by a quarterback in college football history, and if he continues at this rate at the next level, could very well be mentioned with some of the greats when his career is said and done.

Lucas Panzica

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Lucas is a digital reporter for 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, and a high school play-by-play broadcaster. Lucas has been covering SEC football for Saturday Down South since 2018.