by Larry
I just read my umteenth article on biggest QB busts of the draft, this one adding the latest, JeMarcus Russell and I started to think about why so many QB’s struggle in the pro game. Asked a different way, why so many mistakes are made drafting QB’s. Without a crack team to aid in the research, I formulated a few theories of my own. Here’s my thoughts.
On a typical college schedule of 12 to 14 games (including bowl games) only 8 to 10 games are against real competition. Most every major college team opens in September against various division 2, orphanages and historical doormats. Wins come easy, stats get inflated and everyone looks like a world beater and there’s 4 of these on the schedule, maybe more.
About 20-25 CB’s get drafted each year. Some times more, sometimes less. So the liklihood that a draftable college QB is actually throwing against a draftable CB is pretty remote…and against a pair of draftable CB’s on the same team…rarer still. Essentially the margin for error in college compared to pro is huge. HUGE! Herein lies the first problem…unless you can gage the level of competition how can you possibly gage the level of competency?
Next up…the speed of the game. Show me a QB whose completing passes under 3.5 seconds and you’ve got my interest. Under durress can he complete the throw. Too many college passers use too much time to locate the open receiver. That windows closed in the NFL.
Work ethic…biggest reason for a bust IMO! First in/last out is real baby!
Bad team, changed system! The very good QB’s go to the worst NFL teams. I’m surprised that more drafted players don’t refuse to go to the teams that drafted them like Elway and Eli. Anyone think that Alex Smith might’ve had alot more success with GB. How about David Carr with Pittsburgh. Even Trent Dilfer won a SB with Baltimore…a good team with a consistent system makes a huge difference IMO. I don’t think you could guarantee a similar result but I’m guessing you wouldn’t see “bust” next to the name.
The guy needs to learn the game…very few QB’s can be successful right out of college. Aikman…nope. Manning year 1…guess again. Show a little patience…the signing bonus is already paid, you may as well!
Lastly, bring back NFL Europe…worked for Kurt Warner…might help Brady Quinn, Alex Smith, D. Carr, J. Clausen.. etc.