NFL Draft: The Myth of the Sure Thing QB
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) signals to teammates prior to the snap during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
We go way back for this one but Carson Palmer was considered a sure thing coming out of USC. He had the size, arm strength and experience that told everyone he would be “The Guy” soon. One way to know a QB was considered a sure thing is that everyone thought he should go #1, there really wasn’t any competition.
Even with that the Bengals took the smart (hard to say about them but true) long term view of Palmer and had him sit for a year behind John Kitna. He was considered a sure fire great QB and yet the Bengals were willing to sit him to let him develop. Some don’t want Mariota because he might have to sit for a year. Sitting did wonders for Palmer and likely would for Mariota as well.
Next: The Other Four