top dawg

It's not really--nor has it ever been--about coping a way out of something, it's always been about letting it all play out before you draw a solid conclusion.

Bucky Brooks just comes out and says it in his title: "Mac Jones not worth a first round pick," and he pointedly, if not colorfully, tells us why with his Iron Man comparison. He generally believes that Tony Starks suit made him a superhero and Jones' supporting cast made him a superhero in the eyes of many analysts. And Brooks is not falling for this Jedi mind trick. "While I'm not issuing a complete dismissal of Jones' talents as a pinpoint passer with nice timing, touch and anticipation, he significantly benefited from playing behind an NFL-caliber offensive line with first-round talents at wide receiver and running back. The Crimson Tide offense was the armored suit that elevated Jones' game, and scouts need to keep his production in perspective when gauging his talent." Brooks then tells us that Brooks will need that super team in order to showcase his limited ability, because he won't be using his limitations to truly elevate others around him like true franchise QBs do in the modern NFL. "The 6-foot-3, 217-pounder doesn't display A-grade arm talent or athleticism between the lines. Jones lacks the speed, quickness and running ability to extend plays or create big gains outside of structure. Moreover, he is confined to the pocket as a statuesque signal-caller built to throw traditional dropback passes behind a fortress." And Jones might go above Fields or Lance, but Brooks is obviously having none of it. "Comparing Jones' skills to those of Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and Trey Lance, there is a drastic difference between the Alabama standout and those other projected first-rounders. Jones is nowhere near the athlete of Fields or Lance, and he lacks the magical arm talent to compete with the quartet in a game of H-O-R-S-E." In his article, Brooks has made a Starks--err, stark comparison between Jones and the other four in not only physical talent, but the talent around them, even using "drastic difference" and "significantly benefitted" to make his argument. There really isn't any question as to where he stands, and it will be interesting to see the kid's career path. After everything I've seen and read, I'm thinking that Big Mac's ceiling is a weak-armed Joe Flacco, but I could be wrong. I just know that I don't prefer him, and Brooks' analysis probably makes me lean more of not wanting him at all. https://www.nfl.com/news/mac-jones-not-worth-a-first-round-pick-rashod-bateman-the-next-justin-jefferson Rashod Bateman looks to be a better receiver than Jones is a QB though.

I'd say so! ¯\_ʘ‿ʘ_/¯

https://www.nfl.com/news/49ers-asking-price-for-jimmy-garoppolo-is-first-round-pick

I agree with you to a point, but I've heard too many analysts say that if Darnold was in this year's draft, he would likely be the second or third option on the board. That being said, I still think most will perceive his upside higher than Mond's. As for Minshew, his efficiency was pretty good last year, notwithstanding the circumstances, so even with him, you're beginning at a relative headstart.

I could be wrong, but I just can't see us taking a QB in round 2 or 3. Why? Because I don't believe that Kyle Trask, Kellen Mond or Davis Mills will be viewed in the same company as Sam Darnold or Gardner Minshew! I've read a few things, and it would appear that a third round pick is about the highest that GMs would be willing to pay for Darnold, and even that's in doubt. And, certainly, Minshew is not going to get any more value than Darnold, and probably less if he is made available. And, to be honest, the Jags should jump on a third (and probably a fourth{Darnold territory}) if they can get it! All that being said, I just don't see it making sense to give up more for college guys with so many question marks than than you would give up for young, experienced, past starters in the league with perceived untapped upside. I don't see it happening...via a smart braintrust leading a rising franchise anyway. Day 3 may be ripe for all the leftovers, but don't expect us to go reaching on day 2 if we can't land one of the guys that we're actually excited about on day one.

Nah! That's not exactly true! We know who he is, but we may not exactly know who he can become. After seeing even Jared Goff and more notably Ryan Tannehill take such a leap after looking bad to pedestrian--and we just may see the same from Wentz and even Darnold--I can't judge Mond so harshly before he ever steps foot on the field as a pro. Teaching, development and setting kids up for success still makes a difference, even in the modern NFL.

Well, that's not how it works. Day three guys, unless they're exceptional (à la Russell Wilson), need to sit and develop!

Yes, we are, and that's a solid investment!

If either Lance or Fields are there while Cinci is on the clock, I think that we absolutely do love Fields or Lance enough to trade up. I'm getting the sense from @saX man and @Verge and Alaina Getzenberg that we like both QBs more than we're letting on, and I believe we're going to jump at the first opportunity to get a franchise QB within reason. Moving up a few spots should be a relatively small price to pay.

The Patriots, Broncos, or even the Bears. I'd be looking for more than a third though.

That spidey sense gets to tingling on the money down, and Burns goes to work! Can't wait to see him progress even more this year.

Honestly, I say "To hell with a third!" If they draft Wilson, they're gonna have to cut him or have a helluva distraction! I don't think WFT is going to give a third. I don't think anyone will.

I wouldn't rank him ahead of any for play in 2021. I really hope he sits in 2021.

I know, right? A 4th rounder is only when it really starts to hurt a little bit.

I know that Lance has some accuracy issues, but I don't know that I'd go as far as saying that he's "not a very accurate passer." I think some of you are overthinking this. He completed 67+% of his passes without an INT! I don't believe it's as easy as saying "He had wide open windows!" Sure he did sometimes, but all of his passes weren't targeting the broad side of a barn.

It's a tough decision, for sure. There's a lot to like about Mond, as he makes some excellent throws, then will turn around and throw a stinker. Mond's trajectory is going to come down to how he is developed and whether or not he responds to coaching and teaching well enough to change some bad tendencies (which I hope aren't just natural and set in stone), the main one IMO being his locking onto his first read like there's no other option. That's a huge issue, but if he can fix it--transform--which may be asking too much--then he could be a helluva steal! If he can't, he's a backup, pure and simple! That being the question, I'd probably have a hard time taking him in the second at the expense of another more consistently solid talent at another position (like Rondale Moore for example)! As always though, I'll trust Rhule and company to get it right. Mond will likely need to sit an entire season before even thinking about letting him play.

Y'all do know you're at odds with some Huddlers' (not to mention any names) favorite QB prognosticator...? https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/college/texas-am/Article/Kellen-Mond-Texas-AM-football-NFL-Draft-ranking-Chris-Simms-161902517/Amp/ How do you reconcile what Chris Simms and his seemingly crystal crystal ball is saying with what you're saying? And yes, there is a hint of sarcasm, but I'm genuinely interested in the answer?

I only found the one clip on YouTube. Other than that, only articles.

I love the thought of any of the guys besides Jones, as I see him as athletically limited and not much of an upgrade to Teddy, if he's an upgrade at all. Maybe in mentality (which could be huge or not). The others have question marks, and I'm going to have to trust that if one or two of them is available at 8 (or even 4 or 5), that Rhule and company will do what's best. I can see the talent and theory behind taking any of them, but I still feel that Lance has the highest upside, and as such would be the QB that is the closest to the one that I love. But there are things I love about Wilson and Fields too!

I doubt he has Lance last. If he does, it's because of Lance's real or perceived need for development (which is his biggest knock). I have read that Lance can fit any system. I've also read that he would be great for Brady's system because he can push the ball down field with relative ease.

Per Tim Weaver and our friends at Panthers Wire, the Panthers have met with Oregon CB Deommodore Lenoir, Boise St CB & KR Avery Williams, and my favorite, Charleston WR Mike Strachan, an under-the-radar, big-bodied, receiver with some upside who has been mentioned here in the draft forum. https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2021/03/31/panthers-2021-nfl-draft-virtual-meetings-avery-williams-deommodore-lenoir-mike-strachan/

4 years, 69.2 mil. 37 guaranteed! Yeah--just a guess--17-20 mil will be the market for the top receivers this offseason and next. I wonder where Skeletor will fall in their budget. Anyway, we might get into a fix ourselves depending upon how the s ason goes. Two guys will be looking to get paid some more money, and rightfully so. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31172357/seattle-seahawks-giving-wr-tyler-lockett-692m-extension-source-says

My point really is that the term "game manager" is somewhat nebulous and will vary depending upon who you are talking to. In my mind a "gunslinger" is one who has the goods, knows he has the goods, and is not afraid to pull the trigger when the opportunity arises, and does it with success more times than not.

Most, if not all, QBs worth a damn are game managers, and every QB takes risks.