Fencer

BB has a reputation for bringing players along slowly and making eventual stars of them. When I look for examples of that, however, the list I come up with is basically:

• Tom Brady
• Matt Cassel
• Asante Samuel
• David Givens (not a big star, but clearly a great value)
• Stephen Neal (ditto)

Who else, if anybody, am I missing? Seymour, Warren, Wilfork, Mayo, Light, Mankins, Koppen, and others all played significant roles their first seasons. Others -- especially lots of OL and LBs -- did well on STs or as reserves, but hardly became stars.

Is this story perhaps a bit exaggerated?

ropese

How about James Sanders?

ropese

Well, I guess with Sanders and a few others its making them into solid starters, not neccessarily stars.

BradyFTW!

You could maybe toss Brandon Meriweather in there, though that's kinda borderline. He showed flashes early, but didn't become a big-time contributor until late in his second season.

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efin98

He was constantly on the borderline cut area last preseason and his game films last year are a case of what not to do for a defensive back...he isn't a success, he's a borderline failure at this point.

efin98

Brady doesn't belong on there due to the specifics of his situation...he's in a situation all of his own.

DarrylS

How about:

Ellis Hobbs a former 3rd round pick
Mike Vrable a st player for Pittsburgh

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"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.

Fencer

IIRC, Vrabel was playing a lot right away, and effectively. In particular, his pressure on Warner led to a key INT in the Super Bowl.

Fencer

Actually, the whole QB position is a case of its own when it comes to player development. Can you think of another position where a #1 overall pick isn't just assumed to be a likely Opening Day starter?

DarrylS

But he saw the talent and gave him the opportunity to excel..

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"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.