Deathvalleyvoice’s Guide to the NFL Draft: Part One
By buzz
The world’s strangest job interview concludes with the beginning of the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday. You don’t have to search far to find nauseating coverage and analyst about players personalities and athletic ability. Why put yourself through all of that, leave the boring coverage to us.
I decided to do something different this year. What I though would be interesting was to send our newest writer, Drew Walker a few questions about the upcoming draft. After reviewing his answers, I thought it would only be fair to add a few notes of my own, enjoy.
In short, once you read this you should be completely prepared for 72-hours of draft coverage…maybe not.
Which player will have the largest differential between their wonderlic test score and their signing bonus?
Drew: Morris Claiborne. Though Claiborne reportedly scored a four on the Wonderlic test, his consistency and leadership in one of the best defensive backfields in college football show a huge upside to his physical ability. It was Claiborne, not Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu, who earned defensive player of the year awards in 2011. There shouldn’t be any concern over his ability to learn schemes and perform an exceptionally high level. He will still be a top pick.
Buzz: Trick question, of course it is Claiborne. Have you ever taken one of these test? There are plenty of sample 50-question test on the net so try it out if you have 12-minutes to spare (it’s a timed test). I had to take it for a job interview and it is a lot harder than you would think. I did better than a four, but due to the next sentence I will refrain from posting my score.
According to the wonderlic website, an average intelligence should score a 20 or higher and a 10 or higher means you are literate. The website stresses that these numbers are not concrete, but are trends. Speaking of trends…
When did Ryan Tannehill become a multi-million dollar franchise project?
Drew: October 15, 2012. Tannehill led the Aggies to an upset over Baylor and eventual Heisman winner Robert Griffin, III. In fact, Tannehill had a higher average per completion than RG3 and twice as many touchdown passes. The worse loss A&M suffered, points-wise, was a 41-25 defeat at the hands of Oklahoma. Even in that loss, Tannehill outperformed 2012 Heisman hopeful Landry Jones, throwing for 379 yards and leading a late comeback attempt.
Buzz: This is what I like about Drew, he is an optimist. Just look at that opening line “led the Aggies to an upset win over Baylor.” I think RC Slocum just had a heart attack. A lot of praise was given to the Baylor defense, which last time I check did not have Brittney Griner. I get what Drew is doing, he is trying to give us a positive about Tannehill, but the fact is he has the potential to be the second biggest bust since Jamarcus Russell.
Two years ago, no one though Tannehill would be a NFL franchise quarterback. Why? Because he was playing wide-receiver. Fast forward two years later and a handful of starts and this guy is this years can’t miss prospect. For some reason the league is in love with a quarterback who went 7-6 in a weak Big 12 in his only year as a starter.
I am not saying Tannehill doesn’t have talent, he does, he just isn’t worth a first round draft pick even with the new rookie salary scale. In his only year as a starter he did put up nice stats (61-percent completion, 29 TD, 15 INT), but he was in a spread offense. I hate making comparisons to other players, but doesn’t he remind you a little of Blaine Gabbert? I am not calling Gabbert a bust, but he shot up the draft board because of his potential and is light years away from being a good NFL quarterback.
I know its a lot of negativity, for every problem there needs to be a solution. Allow me to introduce you to Kurt Cousin. He isn’t flashy, not overly athletic, but he has plenty of experience (40 starts) and he has been the model of consistency. In a pro-style offense at Michigan State, Cousins average around 3,000 yards through the air in his three years with 22 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. Cousin isn’t going to sell out the stadium by drafting him, but he just looks like a NFL quarterback who is ready to play from day one.
If you were starting a franchise who would you draft to become the center-piece of the team, besides Andrew Luck or RG3?
Drew: I don’t really buy into the idea that a franchise can be built around one player. It takes a core of solid position players who can be counted on every game for a number of years. I’m also a firm believer in the adage “Defense wins championships” so for my money I’d want to focus on defensive stalwarts with proven leadership abilities a la Morris Claiborne or Luke Kuechly. I like the ability of linebackers to direct the flow of a game so I’d go with Kuechly over Claiborne.
Buzz: I know it is a vague question similar to if you were deserted on a island, what would you bring? But I like the response. I makes sense and that plan has worked throughout history, but I would go in another direction.
I only have one philosophy when it come to drafting players, draft the most talent player on the board. This is my fantasy football tactic, so it should translate. It kills me to admit this, but I would have to go with Trent Richardson. He is a rare every down back and besides the two quarterbacks is the only skill player that could sell tickets. I know the day of the 30 carries-per- game running back is dead, but he could be the anchor for my offense for the next ten years.
Would you draft RG3 as high as he is projected?
Drew: Yes. His running ability will add versatility to the offense, but, unlike other running quarterbacks, his passing ability is as good if not better than what he can do with his feet.
Buzz: (Golf Clap) I agree, lets move on.
Would you draft Jordan Jefferson?
Drew: No.
Buzz: (Standing ovation and a few tears flowed out).