I have listened and read what has been posted, and I think fans are coming around to my point of view. I liked Cassell when others wanted his head. I really like Mallett even as some fans were dismissive, or thought him a draft pick opportunity, only.
Many Patriot fans have been dismissive of Ryan Mallett, even now. They see the GOAT Brady play, and then compare an inexperienced Ryan Mallett run a Brady-tailored Offense, and than say he can’t cut it. Certainly, he doesn’t have Brady’s accuracy in the short passing game. Newsflash, no one else does either.
The thing that dropped him from a prime First Round selection were not physical, athletic questions. No one could creditably complain about his rare athletic talents at QB. The questions about Mallett have rested on mostly anonymous, uncorroborated assertions about his lack of maturity and mental acuity.
I assert that 90% of QB play is done between the ears. But I trust BB’s judgement, even more.
After Belichick conducted a multi-hour 1-on-1 discussion and quiz, he not only proclaimed him a true student of the game and that Ryan possessed a high football IQ, he proved its veracity, when he drafted him. The son-of-a-coach, Mallett can breakdown film and is good at interpreting and understanding what he sees, according to to Belichick.
Ryan Mallett is dedicated, and proven coachable, and there is effort being directed at improving his perceived weaknesses. His footwork and gross accuracy has improved. The sailing passes have largely disappeared. He is trying to develop a “touch” for the short dump off pass, an abilty that is still a work-in-progress, but nevertheless, it IS a work-in-progress. He is getting better. As for maturity, Father Time has already given him three years, while he sits and learns.
The final proof I needed, was his relatively un-noted selection as one of the Ten pre-season dedicated athletes that Belichick annually selects. That proves his dedication and mental willingness to work to get better. I fully believe that the sky is the limit for Mallett, and what is more, I believe that BB knows it.
I am confident, that Mallett's draft selection may eventually rank with other BB coups like the 6th round selection for unheralded and dropping Tom Brady, and the 21st pick for mysteriously dropping Vince Wilfork. And other great picks like, the 6th pick for Richard Seymour, and the 11th pick for Jerod Mayo.
Ryan Mallett sits as a backup to Brady uncomplaining, wisely non divisive, as a true Pro should; but I believe he could likely start for half of the NFL teams right now.