Is age a concern with drafting a 19 year old Amobe Okoye - Would you take him?

[PATRIOT64]

Giving a guy Millions of dollars in a rookie contract for a guy that cannot even get into a casino or even go for a drink in some places seems like a big risk for any team drafting him,Okoye is indeed a huge man and plays monster-like and has lots of upside but I still wonder if age is a risk here and maturity into the NFL world.

Just because hes young does not mean he is going to do stupid things like Chris Henry or Pacman but I really don't know if I would take a first round pick on a guy that is just 19 years old,superstar status in college or not.

In Nigeria where Amobe was born and raised you had to mature fast as there was little time to be a kid in that country and maybe that has helped into transforming into becoming a top player at his position at such a young age.

But the fact stil remains,He is just 19 gettting millions upon millions of dollars and is expected to do exactly what he did for the Louisville Cardinals,but even more is expected now-hes getting paid for playing football now.

Will he develop into a superstar that goes to the pros so young as in,say a Kobe Bryants case for example? or will he become too fat a cat and immature for what he about to dive into.

Time will tell I guess,Thats why the draft is a crap shoot-still a risk just like those other guys getting drafted who are all 21-22 ect:

If we traded up and he was on the board would you take him?-regardless of position need at that point?

 

[The 12th Man]

Giving a guy Millions of dollars in a rookie contract for a guy that cannot even get into a casino or even go for a drink in some places seems like a big risk for any team drafting him,Okoye is indeed a huge man and plays monster-like and has lots of upside but I still wonder if age is a risk here and maturity into the NFL world.

Just because hes young does not mean he is going to do stupid things like Chris Henry or Pacman but I really don't know if I would take a first round pick on a guy that is just 19 years old,superstar status in college or not.

In Nigeria where Amobe was born and raised you had to mature fast as there was little time to be a kid in that country and maybe that has helped into transforming into becoming a top player at his position at such a young age.

But the fact stil remains,He is just 19 gettting millions upon millions of dollars and is expected to do exactly what he did for the Louisville Cardinals,but even more is expected now-hes getting paid for playing football now.

Will he develop into a superstar that goes to the pros so young as in,say a Kobe Bryants case for example? or will he become too fat a cat and immature for what he about to dive into.

Time will tell I guess,Thats why the draft is a crap shoot-still a risk just like those other guys getting drafted who are all 21-22 ect:

If we traded up and he was on the board would you take him?-regardless of position need at that point?

I think the his age is actually a plus for him. NFL teams probably like having younger players because they have more potential to further develop, etc. A guy like Okoye looks like he could become a star someday. With that said though, I don't know if I want the Pats to draft him because we have different needs right now than D-line. Maybe if he fell to 28? I don't know, though to tell, but the kid sure has potential.

 

[solman]

Giving a guy Millions of dollars in a rookie contract for a guy that cannot even get into a casino or even go for a drink in some places seems like a big risk for any team drafting him,Okoye is indeed a huge man and plays monster-like and has lots of upside but I still wonder if age is a risk here and maturity into the NFL world.

Okoye is infinitely more mature than some of his fellow draftees. I'm sure he has benefited from the increasing emphasis on character.

 

[dryheat44]

Youth isn't always a negative. Parcells always said the deciding factor in drafting Bledsoe over Mirer was that Drew was two years younger, so that he would be a much more complete quarterback when he got to be the age Mirer already was.

 

[ironwasp]

I'd take him in a heartbeat if he were there for us. This guy could do all his growing up (football wise) under BB, and he seems to have the potential to be outstanding.

 

[stinkypete]

The only concern to me is that, at 19, he hasn't reaced full physical maturity. The team that drafts Okoye may need to wait an extra year or two to see him develop to his full potential. This means that some team will get a year or two less value on his rookie deal.

I think his head is in the right place, though, and mental/emotional maturity will not hinder his development.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

"Is age a concern with drafting a 19 year old Amobe Okoye - Would you take him?"

Yes.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I'd take him in a heartbeat if he were there for us. This guy could do all his growing up (football wise) under BB, and he seems to have the potential to be outstanding.

That's why I sleep so good at night knowing that whomever the Pat's draft,that player will be molded and coached by the BB coaching school. Every player we draft I always have hope that he will be a contributor to this team in some form or fashion. It's a good feeling.

 

[primetime]

Okoye is incredible. He's probably the best character guy in the draft and an absolutely beast, and he's only 19. He's still got some growing to do, and for a guy that had a very good college career, that's pretty incredible.

Think Sidney Crosby.

 

[chunkypony]

This kid is so smart, he graduated high school early and has graduated college at 19. He is already very accomplished. I honestly would take this kid in a heart beat. The fact that he has already been through college at a young age is a even greater credit to his character. I saw an interview with this guy and i was supremely impressed. Too bad he won't fall to 24...

 

[VJCPatriot]

Giving a guy Millions of dollars in a rookie contract for a guy that cannot even get into a casino or even go for a drink in some places seems like a big risk for any team drafting him,Okoye is indeed a huge man and plays monster-like and has lots of upside but I still wonder if age is a risk here and maturity into the NFL world.

Since when did getting drunk have anything to do with playing well on the football field?

I hear you saying that he's young but let's see who else got millions early and did well, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, etc. etc.

Maturity is a concern but face it most football players act like kids anyways. Look at TO and Moss and those guys are over 30 now.

I haven't heard of any character issues connected to Okoye so I think the potential upside more than offsets the risks. I don't think there's anyway he makes it to pick #24 so this is a moot point.

 

[hobbsownscoles]

Kids an absolute beast and he's smart as hell too, no question you take him if available

 

[sebman2112]

I should point out that he'll actually be 20 before he ever hits an NFL field.

His youth could be a plus, because he's already very good at his current age, and could grow into something amazing in a few years. Also, he'll only be 25 when he comes up for another contract.

 

[PATRIOT64]

Since when did getting drunk have anything to do with playing well on the football field?

I hear you saying that he's young but let's see who else got millions early and did well, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, etc. etc.

Maturity is a concern but face it most football players act like kids anyways. Look at TO and Moss and those guys are over 30 now.

I haven't heard of any character issues connected to Okoye so I think the potential upside more than offsets the risks. I don't think there's anyway he makes it to pick #24 so this is a moot point.

Where did I say drinking is an issue with his playing?
Are you drunk writing this?

 

[patchick]

Giving a guy Millions of dollars in a rookie contract for a guy that cannot even get into a casino or even go for a drink in some places seems like a big risk for any team drafting him...

Seems to me that guys who DO get into casinos and go out for drinks are the usual risks!

Seriously, Okoye is unknown territory for the NFL. But on balance, I think his youth is a definite positive.