Pros:
- Freak Athlete
- Good size for the position
- Versatile mismatch against DB's and LBers
- Potential as a blocker when he puts in effort
- Huge upside
- Potentially great value late in the draft
Cons:
- Production never matched hype (only 34 career receptions)
- Questionable effort on the field when not getting the ball
- Selfish
- Doesn't follow guidance or coaching (always did his own thing instead of following coaches instruction)
- Didn't respond well to structure, rebelled against it
- Quit on team
- Comes from a very tough upbringing (substance abuse)
- Major drug and alcohol concerns, known party boy
- Cocaine arrest after leaving Oregon
- Alleged drunken assault in 2012
- Struggled with Chip Kelly's departure, abandonment issues (how will he fair with the cutthroat business aspect of the NFL?)
- Very emotional, immature, irresponsible, has a temper and lacks self control
- Doesn't handle criticism well
- Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist, probably wont go down well in New England
Colt Lyerla: A Troubled Talent | Detroit Lions Draft
Colt Lyerla accused of 2012 assault on Eugene street
I've made it pretty clear in the draft forum that I just don't think he is worth the headache, especially after the Hernandez situation. I'm all for taking a chance on guys with character concerns but it seems Lyerla's issues would directly clash with the Patriots. The issues following instruction, rebelling against structure, selfishness, inability to handle criticism and the fact that he quit on his team is far more significant to me than the drug, alcohol and violence issues.
I think he rushed this process and is trying to get to the NFL too early. I am sympathetic towards his situation because he certainly comes from a troubled background and has personal issues. I think he would have been much better served taking a year off to get his life in order first, then I would have some interest in his as a reclamation project. I think he has rushed it and hasn't given himself a chance to fix these issues. Going straight into the pressure of trying to make the NFL I don't think will be beneficial for him. I would let someone else take a risk on him.