NFL Draft: The Myth of the Sure Thing QB
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (right) and wife Candice Crawford on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Romo was undrafted. He came from a small school, didn’t have the physical tools and needed a lot of development. He has proven everyone wrong but was obviously not considered a sure thing.
This one is still very fresh on our minds. Teddy was seen as the sure fire #1 or #2 pick at the end of his college season. By the time the NFL Draft rolled around he had been picked apart for a number of issues. Hand size, physical stature, demeanor, his Pro Day, use of gloves and more. By the time all was said and done Bridgewater slipped all the way down to the last pick in the 1st round.
"WEAKNESSES Has a very lean, narrow frame with limited bulk and small hands. Does not drive the ball with velocity down the field and can be affected by cold and windy conditions (see Cincinnati). Can improve placement and touch on the deep ball. Adequate athlete. Is not an overly elusive scrambler — struggles escaping the rush and buying a second chance with his feet vs. pressure. Passing stats are padded from operating a passing game that relies heavily on short, lateral tosses. Long-term durability could become a concern without continued strength and weight gains."
These are a lot of the same concerns about Mariota. Bridgewater showed very good in his first year and could be their Franchise Guy going forward. A number of teams that needed QBs last year and/or need them this year are kicking themselves for passing on him. Even so, Bridgewater was not seen as a sure thing coming out last year.
Next: Matthew Stafford