So true because they miss out the interview stage they don't get to learn what teams learn about the character of a player. and the human element is such a big one when it comes to NFL players. They also seem to be unable to pick the right people to compare players with They want to try and compare Mariota with Wilson and Griffin Based on 40 times neither of those guys were option QB's in colleges a bit of a stupid comparison to make.
I think there is a lot to be gained at the draft but not from timed drills other than the 3 cone and 2yard shuttle. The jumps can also show a lot of explosiveness, but are just an indicator.
Sadly I have been housebound after surgery since 2 days after the Super Bowl so I now have now watched every combine workout as TV shows were running out.
I agree that the interviews matter, but I think it goes even beyond that and to where they get drafted, who the coach is, do they have a plan for him, does he even fit their system?
We place most of the emphasis on the player only, but we often overlook the situation they're walking into. Alex Smith was pretty much written off as a bust, but 3 different head coaches and 7 different offensive coordinators in 7 years is bound to leave a kid confused. Once there was some stability and he matured, he turned into a fine QB (although not as good as Rodgers).
Would Brady become the GOAT if the Jets had drafted him? I think they would have ****ed him up, like everything they do. Jules landed in the best spot for him, I think, and I think he could have washed out elsewhere. In addition to learning how to be a receiver, he made his bones early on as a punt returner and emergency DB, and the former QB had done none of those things in college and had to learn them on the fly. Our coaching staff was patient and coached him up. Does that happen if he gets drafted by Buffalo?
There are just so many variables as to whether a kid makes it or not, and the level they improve. JJ Watt was definitely a 1st rounder on everyone's board, but I didn't see anyone pushing him into the top 5. Nobody knew he would turn into what he did, even though we knew he had the chance to be good. And I remember some thinking he went a bit higher than he should have at #11. I don't think anyone believes that anymore.
Which is all just a long way of saying that as we watch all the draft gurus on TV and on this board, it's important to remember nobody knows what a kid will become, not even that kid himself.
