Early NFL offseason chatter

[PNW_PantherMan]

1 hour ago, MHS831 said:

I don't know why this bothers me, but I saw where Sanders is not working out at the Combine.  He does not have a first-round grade, and his season was below expectations.  I would participate.

What do you mean?  He's going to be picked in the top of the draft.  He gains nothing by participating.

[Jon Snow]

2 hours ago, MHS831 said:

I figured he wouldn't but he is coming in following a good year.  Sanders had 10 picks and the 20th QBR--I would have wanted to show scouts that is a fluke.  Ward had 7 picks but his QBR was rated second.  I am thinking from the perspective of the agent--I think Sanders is smooth when there is not rush so I would have had him participate.

I think they both need to kill it at their pro days and in interviews. Neither have a resume that screams an nfl qb. If they're not careful someone could sneak in ahead of one of them, if not both. Neither should start year one.

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

What do you mean?  He's going to be picked in the top of the draft.  He gains nothing by participating.

I know and I agree with you 100% from a perspective, but what does he have to lose?  Sanders, most not his fault, is complicated, and there are concerns about his focus and attitude. (see below for an article about that).  First, just talk talent.  Many believe this is a weak QB class and Sanders is coming off a "less than amazing" year.  Some say there is no QB with a first round grade.  I also think, in my heart of hearts, that there are a few QBs in this draft with skills that will be on display. Howard, Ewers, Dart, for example.  If they throw well and Sanders is standing on the side wearing a hoodie and wiping his forehead with a towel with a gold embroidered dollar sigh, they might opt to take the OT, for example, and grab one of these "next tier" QBs in round 2.  If you have an early first round pick, you do not get better drafting a second round talent in the top 3 of the draft.   If he were Cam Newton, I could see sitting out-oh wait, Cam participated. I just do not think a QB who is probably going to be over drafted coming off a poor season should be resting on his laurels.

I know there is a business side, but as a competitor, I say put it out there. Not participating comes off (from that perspective) that you are hiding something or worse--you think it is beneath you.  Personally, I don't think Ward should sit out either, but I understand the business side for Ward more than Sanders. Sanders is a very risky pick, in my opinion, in the top 5. 

While this time of year is about the magnifying of problems that are no big deal--Sanders comes off as if he is entitled to a degree.  

"CBS Sports' latest mock draft predicts him falling to No. 21, with Miami's Cam Ward emerging as the potential top pick.

Complicating matters are reports that some NFL teams have questions about Sanders' focus.

According to NFL Rookie Watch, teams are wary of his off-field pursuits, including his interest in music and branding, which could impact his draft stock.

"Some NFL teams are reportedly 'concerned' that Sanders isn't solely focused on football, but rather his rap career and creating a personality out of himself," the report stated.

Despite the speculation, Sanders remains confident in his abilities. After ESPN's Field Yates projected him to be selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders quickly dismissed the prediction, saying, "That's cap bruh, I ain't going sixth."

This is why I thought he should show scouts that he is serious about football.  Cam Ward does not have a famous dad coach etc. and a lot of teams may worry that he puts himself above the team--that is a legit concern, and why you might hesitate to give a QB with second round talent an early first round commitment.

[PNW_PantherMan]

I’m not defending Sanders as a prospect.  He just doesn’t need to participate in the combine to trick a team into picking him in the top 5.  He’s already done that.  The potential downside of looking bad at the combine outweighs the positives of being selected 1st instead of 3rd overall

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

I’m not defending Sanders as a prospect.  He just doesn’t need to participate in the combine to trick a team into picking him in the top 5.  He’s already done that.  The potential downside of looking bad at the combine outweighs the positives of being selected 1st instead of 3rd overall

No, and I get that. I am just saying that there are rumblings and rumors.  If I were a GM that needed a QB, I am not sure I would invest a top 5 overall pick on him.  I 'd rather have an OT and Will Howard, for example.  Not participating is common, but I would not be surprised to see him fall like Aaron Rodgers.  He is not a home run.