I don’t know why people are unable to assess teams and talent on a year to year basis. Anyone with eyes and who pays attention knows that Ohio State over the last few years has had incredible receivers compared to their past years. Alabama historically has had really great receivers as well, but last year their best receiver was a transfer from Ohio State who couldn’t get playing time at Ohio State because the other receivers were that much better. The only other good receiver for Alabama was John Metchie who we drafted in the 2nd round. Ohio State had two receivers go in the first round last year in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson and both are playing well as rookies in the NFL with Chris Olave leading all rookies in receiving yards. Ohio State also had Marvin Harrison Jr, Jaxon Smith Njigba, and Emeke Egbika, all of which are likely to be 1st round receivers. Alabama currently has no receivers that would go in the first round, and possibly none before the 4th round. Alabama fans are impressed with Bryce Young even though Mac Jones had better numbers and Tua won a championship, because all of those Bama qbs had much better receivers and offensive line to work with than Bryce Young. I think everything should be taken into account when assessing any prospect. It’s not a negative that CJ Stroud has incredible receivers, but because he does, I look at ball placement, touch, overall accuracy, and decision making, ability to navigate pocket. He looks really good in all those areas, but I’d love to see him play against some tougher competition because his offense has received very little challenge from defenses so far, and you don’t want to end up with a Johnny Manziel where the receivers are so good, the qb isn’t really operating with any sort of pressure.
I’d also like to remind you that if I’m using this same line of thinking, CJ Stroud is going to be a bust because all Ohio State qbs are busts. It’s a nonsense way of thinking and we have to do better. I can assure you no GM in the league thinks that way.
I didnt get a chance to see any of the games on yesterday but after seeing UT beat OU 49-0, I had to go see the highlights. Ewers did well, strong arm, but like I said previously he's still not going through his progressions. How did CJ, Levis, Ward, all do?
CJ looked good, but talent levels are unfair to evaluate. Levis didn’t play because of a foot injury. Ward was overmatched but didn’t play bad
MSU is terrible this year on both sides of the ball. Fun Fact: CJ Stroud has started 2 games against the Spartans and thrown 61 passes. He has 12 TD and 8 incompletions (1 INT and 3 sacks). In 2020 he came in for garbage time against them, didn't throw a pass but rushed 1 time for a 48 yd TD.
I agree with you we will be in position to pick up one of the top three quarterbacks which actually all three of them look pretty good and there’s no reason not to at this point one or heck all three has the talent to be significantly above average NFL starter
I actually did see some progressions in this game. Not sure exactly how advanced he is, but on one of the touchdowns he was looking at a receiver to the right before moving to his left and firing into the endzone.
I actually came away pleasantly surprised by Ward. Definitely some potential there but no way would I risk a first round pick on him currently. Yesterday was a good chance to look at other qbs in general. I’m still not sold on DJ from Clemson. He has physical gifts, but seems to be a slow mental processor. Caleb Williams has a very strong arm and can run well, but I would like to see him play within the pocket better and go through reads more. Hendon Hooker is old. Quinn Ewers and CJ Stroud had the best days, but they both played against atrocious defenses. Even still, they showed very nice ball placement and some pocket awareness and mobility. Neither Bryce Young or Will Levis played due to injury and Alabama nearly lost and Kentucky got destroyed, so clearly they both are elevating their teams.
If the draft were tomorrow, I think I'm leaning in this order; 1) Young- to me even though he's small, he has everything 2) CJ - Love his arm and accuracy, average mobility but I just think its something missing. 3) Levis - need to see more
I’m not blown away by any of these “top tier” qbs. I’d still be in bpa mode with a calculated swing at a 2nd or 3rd round QB with traits.
I’d argue using a 1st on a QB that has a low projected hit rate is the lottery ticket at a high cost. to be fair - the current coaching regime plays into my concern.
Diminishing any of these guys is just subjective analysis to prop up a preference. It’s getting a little weird. OSU has a tougher SOS and I think I read their WR separation wasnt some huge advantage. CJ is putting that pill into spots that are NFL ready and he throws a ball that is catchable AND with momentum to give his WRs YAC. It’s hard to stay mum when narratives grow.
I’m not a big fan of banking in something that has never been successful before. As far as I know there’s never been a great nfl an with Young’s size. I’m concerned about some of the “things” being brought up about CJ. Those things seem to be less about him and more about his situation - great receivers, dominant team, lack of a successful OSU qb… but he’d probably be my pick if anything. I’d be fine passing on a an again maybe too. Not sure. only sure thing is Mills is trash.
People forget Joe Montana was small too. He's listed at 6'2 but he was every bit of 6'0 with a small frame. That's why he lasted until the 3rd or 4th round.
