By Douglas V. Gibbs
Let's take a break for a moment from politics. I am a huge Arkansas Razorbacks fan, so I have been paying close attention to where Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett was going to end up. I secretly thought the Oakland Raiders would pick him up, in case Jason Campbell stumbles. Besides, the Raiders have had success with another Hog, Darren McFadden, so why not gamble on another Arkansas talent?
Ryan Mallett propelled the Arkansas Razorbacks into serious contention in the Southeast Conference. After his junior year, he decided to enter the NFL Draft. Mallett is no doubt the best quarterback in the 2011 NFL Draft, but his immaturity and rumored drug use made a lot of teams shy away from him. Considering the growth he needs, the last thing Mallett needed was to be put on a team that would throw him to the wolves immediately. What a young quarterback like Mallett needed was a winning team, with a top notch veteran to learn under. Few teams had that to offer, and besides, why would a team with a successful veteran wish to spend a top round pick on another quarterback?
To Mallett's dismay, he was not picked up in the First Round, nor even the Second Round. Little did he know, that was the best position to be in. In the Third Round Mallett had become a bargain, and the New England Patriots, knowing that Tom Brady probably only has about three more good years in him, decided to take the bargain, and plan for the future.
Mallett went to the Patriots as the No. 74 overall pick. A low showing for a quarterback that at one time was expected to be a strong first-round candidate. But Mallett still being around by the Third Round turned out to be fortunate after all.
Fact is, Mallett is a talented thrower. He has a quick release, and can pretty much throw the ball anywhere on the field with good accuracy. In New England, his immaturity is a minor deal. Belichick puts up with no bull, and Brady will provide plenty of reasons to play straight as well. Plus, with all of the discipline that will be expected of him, Mallett will also have the luxury of sitting back and learning. The team will expect him to be ready to play, but that will only happen in the case of an injury. As for Mallett's attitude and alleged drug history? Belichick had success last year dealing with tight end Aaron Hernandez, who reportedly failed multiple drug tests at Florida.
Belichick's response after taking Mallett was simply that he was a great bargain, and a deal like that is one that you don't pass up.
“We just felt like he was a good player,” Belichick said. “He’s had a lot of production. He’s won everywhere he’s been: high school, college. He did a good job at Michigan. They came in and changed offenses and that was definitely beyond his control. … He’s an impressive guy to talk to.”
Some wonder why the pick was not used to pick up a much needed offensive lineman, or defensive player, but considering Brady's recent assortment of injuries and surgeries, perhaps picking up Mallett was not a stretch after all.
Belichick saw this as a solid gamble.
Besides, if Tom Brady goes down, and Mallett produces, this could be seen as a move of pure brilliance.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Mallett’s slide ended by unlikely team - Yahoo Sports
No comments:
Post a Comment