Martin

It basically comes down to one thing with Young. Awesome college player, but can he do in the NFL what he did in college? I don’t think so, hence he makes me nervous. You and many others think he can, so then it makes sense you prefer him. The one thing I disagree with you on is the SEC is like the NFL kind of thing (I’m taking the liberty of rephrasing it here). The NFL is completely different where everyone is bigger, stronger and faster. The SEC is not an NFL comp.

For someone that plays the victim card, you sure jump at any chance to poke and prod at people.

There is no doubt Young was asked to do more. The question is what Stroud can do vs. what he was asked to do. I think Stroud projects better to the NFL, but that’s just my opinion. Young makes me nervous but I will obviously support him 100% if he’s the choice. SEC wasn’t nearly as good as usual this year, in line with Alabama’s supporting cast, so I think it’s a wash. They are still all 4 and 5 star players.

I have to disagree. Stroud is considered the best passer by almost everyone in terms of accuracy, ball placement, effortless arm strength (vs. Young) etc. Most people think that is what Reich values the most, hence best fit.

There is just a small subset that bashes, most discussions have been great.

I think a lot of people that prefer Stroud openly say so, me included. There’s has been a massive amount of bashing of both players. To say it is one sided towards Young is naive at best. Very few people preferring Stroud feel Young is better. Settling is a narrative from some media places.

Sounds like I hit a nerve for some reason. I was just asking as it is a concern of mine and I wanted some input from people that watched a lot more games than I did. His ability to to do this is something brought up all the time, and the one thing he currently has that could make him a better prospect than Stroud, so I found it important to understand.

Question for the Young crowd. One of his main strengths is to extend plays / improvise when plays break down. The few games I’ve seen he’s broken a lot of arm tackles when extending plays, do we really think he can continue to do that in the NFL? I’m concerned that it is something he only could get away with in College (and please don’t give me the “well he played in the SEC”). But many of you have watched a lot more games. Will this really be able to carry over to the NFL? I appreciate your input.

I don’t remember him saying he didn’t have the desire to be great. But it was a long time ago, I’m sure you are correct.

I only remember him saying football doesn’t define who he is as a person. A completely different thing.

You mean this guy, I’m shocked

Some really great breakdowns and details on there. Thanks for sharing. The Athletic is such a good read, well worth paying for.

Makes sense, he doesn’t strike me as a rah rah type of guy. And that is totally fine by me, there are so many ways to lead.

Interviews are done to get to know people, who are they as a person, can they lead and inspire others, how do the carry themselves, can they explain what they’ve done in the past and why etc. it is a very very important part of the evaluation.

That was really interesting. Didn’t realize Young drops that far back, that’s a tough one for any OT. Now the question is if he drops that far back to make it easier to see over the line?

If this is CJ when he had “a trash game” vs. Michigan I’m still in (did not watch the game, I’m purely looking at stats):

I found the wording really interesting “…Stroud leaves more to be desired from those evaluating him from afar...”. What does people say that have seen him close up with his teammates?

It is lying season, but I’m the snippets I’ve seen he sure come across as an slightly arrogant bro

Most physically gifted, no doubt. Most talented, why would that be? Stroud is the most natural thrower. Young is processing like a vet. It feels like everyone says most talented when they mean most physically gifted.

My concern is Young gravitating towards running around looking for the big play too much, you win in the nfl by taking what’s there and the occasional big play. I appreciate your perspective.

I’ve only seen a few games, but my feeling is that Young likes to run around and therefore leaves the pocket too early on many occasions, while Stroud hangs in there. What have you seen?

If you read beyond the headline it says durability is a concern, not height, so size is still a concern.

Here are some additional comments from John: It is a real thing, like it or not. Will it make or break (pun intended) the decision? Not sure, but it is a factor to include.

That’s fair. I think he is that guy and that’s why he’s my preferred QB.