But when it comes to a quarterback’s ability to make something out of nothing when the original play design breaks down — also known as second-reaction improvisational ability — let’s just say it’s a skill that has never been more valuable in the NFL, even at the expense of other, more classically projectable traits like size or the ability to take snaps under center.
“That trend [toward finding that] has already started,” said Greg Cosell, an executive producer for ESPN’s “NFL Matchup.”