begin with five plays that demonstrate DeVito has key attributes or traits that are required to be an effective quarterback in today’s NFL. In my weekly young quarterback grades piece, I vividly remember this first, seemingly nondescript play and it jumped out to me. Against the Raiders in Week 9, DeVito connected on this deeper out-breaking route with a receiver, and notice the velocity on the football. Rocket. Being able to generate that type of power on a throw makes everything much easier for a quarterback. He doesn’t have to anticipate as much, defenders can’t close on the football as quickly.
Arm strength absolutely matters, especially with the relatively high rate of zone defenses play today. Beyond ripping it — the ability to read the entire field is vital for obvious reasons. If a defense only has to defend one side of the field, it makes that unit’s job twice as easy. Now, like the first play, this one against the Cowboys wasn’t highlight-reel worthy. But, critically, it demonstrated the mental capacity DeVito has to start looking left, then, in rhythm, flip to his right and make a well-timed and accurate throw on the other side of the field.
Touch and throw-layering skills are also imperative in the NFL. Not every toss is going to be a bucket throw down the field or a deep out that requires the MPHs to be cranked. On this touchdown against the Commanders in Week 11, DeVito stood calmly in the pocket and lofted a gorgeous ball to Saquon Barkley, up and over the trailing defender that arrived before the deep safety could intercept the pass or jar it loose.
