My Big Board

[KBlizz]

i'm glad i didn't have to pay money to become a "Huddle Insider" to view this big board... great post though!

[CAVSS]

Yeah, but Hurney did take a risk last year. And Clausen sucked.

Maybe your not among this group that only wants Newton but there have been a lot of comments that if you look at them all together they think that the only good way Hurney can take a risk on a QB is by drafting Newton. That just isn't true.

He could stick with Clausen and end up a genius. Most of us would think that is very unlikely but how many teams passed on Brady? The Bucs traded away a HOF QB in Steve Young? Same thing with the Chargers and Brees.

I just don't think the only way for the Panthers to address the QB situation is to draft one with the #1 overall pick. Maybe its in the 3rd, maybe it's a free agent, maybe it's a trade. But just because Hurney drafts Peterson, Miller or Dereus doesn't mean he's playing it safe. It could be but it's not the only reason.

He took a future back up QB that could possibly one day grow into a starter in the second round. He had a first round grade and was the consensus BPA. Not exactly "taking a chance"

There is a reason that most #1 picks are QB's...... There is no better way to explain it. The guys who get paid to make these decisions obviously agree.

QB is the most important position on the field. Addressing that position solely with guys that no one else wanted is what got us the worst offence in recent history. It is illogical... period.

[KJDaniel31]

How is he more accurate than what people think? We've all seen the passes he missed on, we see his below avg completion percentage and his results in college.

Now, I do think his accuracy can be fixed rather easily as he transitions further away from baseball, but as of right now his accuracy doesn't begin to compare to Cam's.

Most people cannot divorce their opinion of a player's abilities from his stats. They see Locker throw a few bad passes (as every QB does) and quote his bad % and say he is inaccurate. Very few of these people ever played the position (I am certain many here never even played the game) and really don't understand what all goes into completing a pass. I'm fairly ignorant of your background, so feel free to educate me.

First, I can't name a star player in the history of college football to play for a Big 6 team and have worse teammates. There hasn't been a Washington offensive player drafted since Locker came to UW, and there isn't a player ranked in the top 15 at his position for at least the next 2 years at present. I see a ton of terrible routes, bad reads and poor separation from his receivers which makes Locker look terrible and his stats look even worse. For these reasons and more, I believe Locker is a much accurate passer than people know. Now, you may watch the same play and disagree, which is why its fun to discuss these things. Just know that my opinion comes from actually watching games and not reading Mel Kiper.

[KJDaniel31]

KJ, to rerail your thread...who are you looking at for the 3rd Round? And don't say Richard.

I think it is very likely that a solid WR is there in the 3rd, and many expect a run on WRs in the late 2nd/early 3rd, including us. I'm big on Titus Young but would also support Baldwin or Greg Little, both of which are boom or bust guys. In the 3rd, its a great time to take a risk on a playmaker.

Also OL is a good value in the 3rd, which several (Cannon, Carpenter, perhaps Watkins) will be around.

Much will depend on our 1st pick though, but I like the value in those positions there.

[KJDaniel31]

My Problems Here

1. If he is a 3rd or 4th round project, then how was The Golden Calf of Bristol drafted in the first. Newton is way ahead of The Golden Calf of Bristol all ready and The Golden Calf of Bristol may get a chance to start in the NFL next year.

Because The Golden Calf of Bristol's character and work ethic were off the charts. I've never heard of a harder worker, which is the only reason why he is having any success. The Golden Calf of Bristol is a decent talent, but no where near the TALENT of other top QBs.

2. His accuracy is a point that only uninformed individuals make. He had a 66.1 completion percentage and a 10.1 yards per pass attempt average. This indicates that his accuracy did not come from check downs but from a ten to fifteen yard radius. For more info on his accuracy check out the link, http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/38251/cam-newton-shows-accuracy-at-pro-day.

I put very little stock in the pro days, and just about zero for QBs. I complete just about every pass in warm ups for flag football games, and no one is confusing me with even a DIII prospect. In games, Newton , IMO, does not show good accuracy on NFL type throws.

3. Experience in a Pro-Offense (Many college QB's don't have that experience because the college game is becoming much simpler) and coverage understanding are his most notable flaws. However, these can be corrected. My philosophy is Cam Newton can learn to read and progress defense's like Locker, Mallet, Gabbert; but those three QB's can not learn Cam Newton's athleticism.

Fair enough...I have my doubts that they will.

4. The Golden Calf of Bristol is not in a spread offense in Denver, Sam Bradford is not in a spread offense in St. Louis, Big Ben is not running a spread offense in Pittsburgh, and Drew Brees is not running a spread offense in New Orleans. However, all four are quarterback's of the future. I can also guarantee you that less than half of the people on this site new that all four of those guys ran a spread offense in college. The only difference is that like The Golden Calf of Bristol, Newton used his agility and speed; something that Bradford, Brees, and Roethlisberger did not have, which is why it was not showcased in their particular spread offenses.

Those spread offenses are vastly different, and only The Golden Calf of Bristol's resembles what Newton ran at Auburn. I dont see a tenth of the work ethic or leadership in Newton as I do in The Golden Calf of Bristol, which is why one is succeeding despite the odds (so far) and why the other is unlikely to.

Just my take on your comments.

Good thoughts...intereting to see what will happen

[KJDaniel31]

Been working really well so far............. oh wait we are the worst team in the league. Almost forgot about that. Small risk small reward/ stay the course/ punt is a good play. How are you not sick of it?

In rounds 2-7, YES!!! Take risks PLEASE, since you arent stuck paying those guys tons if they dont pan out. I dont think our lack of talent has anything to do with our 1st rounders....we are among the best in the league at that. You cant win with just a few stars....you need talent at every position. We do not draft well outside of the 1st round, and that is our problem, IMO.

[Ricky Spanish]

I always like it when you post things. you have your opinions but you aren't a dick about them... I respect that.

Having said this, what are you smoking and where can I get some?

[KJDaniel31]

I am interested in your opinion of Jay Locker.Did his supporting cast leave? The fact that he was rated to go number 1 last year and is barely getting noticed this year is interesting.

Actually, the opposite. He simply never had any, and took this team to a winning record with the least help in history. There hasnt been an offensive player from UW drafted since Locker began school there, and there isn't one ranked in the top 15 at his position in his class for the next 2 years as well. I cant recall another situation in a BCS conference like this, but it seriously affected his stats and production. I can't wait to see what he will do with at least average talent.

BTW have you compared how you rated you draft to actual results over the last couple of years.I would be curious where you hit and where you hit you missed.For the average fan it is not an easy thing to do.

Anyway great read.

Here are a few hits and misses since I really started studying the draft:

Big hits:

Michael Turner 2004 (one of my sleepers, turned out well)

Wes Welker 2004 (a low sleeper of mine, wish I had been higher on him)

Aaron Rodgers 2005 (My #1 rated player, I had Alex Smith in the 3rd round)

Matt Cassel 2005 (My #1 sleeper...most had no idea who he was)

Miles Austin 2006 (my #1 sleeper)

Marcus McNeil 2006 (I had him in the top 15)

Lamarr Woodley 2007 (in my top 5 and #1 defensive player)

Matt Moore 2007 (a top sleeper of mine....though many will think he has failed. I say not a bad career for a UDFA)

Ray Rice 2008 (my #2 RB)

Ryan Torain 2008 (a high sleeper, been solid despite injuries)

Justin Forsett 2008 (my #1 sleeper, kinda cheating since I coached him in HS)

Big Misses

Chris Perry 2004 ( I was real high on him...pansy)

Ben Troupe 2004 (embarrassing)

Adrian McPherson 2005 (Another high sleeper, he was terrible)

Alex Barron 2005 (real high on him...BAD)

Reggie Brown 2005 (real high on him, called him ROY)

Claude Wroten 2006 (had him in the early 2nd)

Leonard Pope 2006 (labeled him a future pro bowler)

Brady Quinn 2007 (really liked him)

Aaron Rouse 2007 (my #1 sleeper, has really been a spare)

Jamal Anderson 2007 (loved him, just above worthless now)

James Hardy 2008 (my top WR)

Colt Brennan 2008 (a top sleeper, I expected him to start within 3-4 years)

Pat White 2009 (I thought he had a good chance to make the jump, didnt even last 2 years)

Too early to call

Stephen McGee 2009 (my #1 sleeper and #2 QB, has looked good in limited time so far...I believe he is a future PBer)

Derrick Williams 2009 (hasnt done much yet)

Austin Collie 2009 (looked good, but overblown by playing with Peyton)

Herman Johnson 2009 (thought he was a dominant G....hasnt done anything)

Brandon Graham (#1 def player, #3 overall)

The Golden Calf of Bristol (future PBer)

Jimmy Clausen (loved him)

James Starks (my #1 sleeper)

Myron Rolle (like him, needs time)

Lagarrette Blount (felt he would make a team and start within 3 years....lets see if it keeps up)

Along the way I also predicted a few to be busts, like Jamarcus Russell, Alex Smith, Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, Brian Brohm, John Beck, Drew Stanton, Tarvaris Jackson, Jason Campbell....some right some wrong.

[KJDaniel31]

I always like it when you post things. you have your opinions but you aren't a dick about them... I respect that.

Having said this, what are you smoking and where can I get some?

On which pick? These were typed on different days over 2 months...you are gonna have to be more specific!

PS: which pick(s), perhaps....

[Verge]

I was paying attention Dick!!! And I didn't include you in the 90% tahr were doing that! You seem to actually know what you're talking about. I will NOT sit here and be talked to like a damn child though! That won't happen!

So, stop typing like a child.

[TruCatzFan]

So, stop typing like a child.

Being that most of my posts are via my iPhone, I'd say I'm doing just fine.

[Verge]

To OP:

I really do like your list, it is a tad flawed but hey, that's what you get when you put your own personal opinion in it!

I also love Locker and also think he will be a pro bowler, I think he has the potential to be better than Gabbert and I really don't see how any other qbs are rated above him (aside from Yo Gabba).

I appreciate all the work you put into it and enjoyed reading it, thanks again.

[Verge]

Being that most of my posts are via my iPhone, I'd say I'm doing just fine.

You know I am just fuging with you good sir.

[TruCatzFan]

You know I am just fuging with you good sir.

Absolutely! I humbly accept your jack assery!