All of the reports have said this has told everyone that Stephen is willing to work hard to learn, is able to do so quickly, and is successful in translating the knowledge to the field. He has also proven to be a team player in that Stephen was willing to work hard in a run-oriented offense, and perfected his trade blocking for his teammates without complaining.

Couple that with Stephen’s natural physical abilities, then I think it’s safe to say that someone is going to get a really good player who will make an impact sooner than later.

I too have gotten the thumbs down when making the Mamula Factor reference with these players jumping up boards without the game tape proving it out (People misunderstand and think we’re saying these players aren’t good) Even Mayock seems to be caught up in it this draft. Unusual for him since he is such a tape guy.

Hill, Poe, Gilmore & J Robinson have all made huge jumps up boards based on combine/pro day numbers and not on game tape. Happens every year and it is risky; although all have the talent to succeed.

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Exactly and great points. You also said it better than I did. The reason I am always suspicious of players that put up great combine numbers is traced back to Mike Mamula. Before the combine he was viewed as a tweener type who could help a team generate a pass rush on obvious passing downs. He was also viewed as being to light in the seat to be a 3 down DE. He went to the combine and blew everyone away with measurables and became the 7th overall pick.

When Jim Haslett was coaching the Saints,he was just as guilty as the Eagles falling in love with Mamulas numbers. His draft strategy was based more on 40 times than what the player did on the field in college. His catchphrase was “we’ll coach them up”. That usually doesn’t happen though. If a player hasn’t established himself as a star on the field in college,coaching in the NFL isn’t going to help much.

Hill, Poe, Gilmore & J Robinson have all made huge jumps up boards based on combine/pro day numbers and not on game tape. Happens every year and it is risky; although all have the talent to succeed

Well, ACTUALLY, I follow college football the most so YES I did hear of him! I have been keeping an eye on WRs coming out of GT since Joe Hamilton was throwing to Dez White! Just BECAUSE they’ve had WRs that always seem to have top end speed! (like Dez without the hands) Again, I’m not trying to be an ass, I just guess we agree to disagree! No big deal!

I’m leery of the guy. While the height and speed are certainly there, I just get the feeling that he may be this years Gholston or Curry….a combine warrior.

I’ll be glad to be wrong. It just seems like no one had him on the radar until the combine.

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I said the same thing on another thread about Hill and got creamed too lol. I really don”t care about thumbs up or thumbs down,but you are exactly right. Hill is very raw and a big risk in the first round.

I might be wrong too,but I think if he goes on to be a star in this league, the team that drafts him will have to be patient. Jimmy Johnson once said Wr was the 2nd hardest position to master behind only QB. Wr’s like Moss and Rice who dominate early in their careers are the exception and not the general rule. Wr’s have to read defenses too. If they miss an all out blitz and don’t shorten their route,they can get the Qb killed.

I’m also leery of any player that shoots up the chart due to eye popping combine numbers. Imo again, if he does succeed, it will take a few seasons before his potential is released.

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1. Nobody cares what you think
2. WR’s who don’t play in a pro style offense and haven’t hit their cliche’d “ceiling” are more often than not busts and you can take your blocking and “tenacity” and cram it where the sun doesn’t shine – give me a guy that can get over the top of a defense outside the numbers and THAT is a difference making player – not some nebulous blather from a wannabe Kiper talking about a dude’s “celing” and “tenacity”. Dipturd.

I’d have to disagree. Saying Floyd is a raw talent at WR is kinda shorting him! He is as polished as a WR should be coming out of college! Not trying to disagree and be an ass! Hill is definitely a raw athlete but BOTH will be good, possibly great, players though!

I’m leery of the guy. While the height and speed are certainly there, I just get the feeling that he may be this years Gholston or Curry….a combine warrior.

I’ll be glad to be wrong. It just seems like no one had him on the radar until the combine.

Despite the lack of need at the position, don’t be surprized that if he falls to #23, the Lions may just grab him and solidify their WR’s as the NFL’s best for the next decade.

That being said, I highly doubt he makes it past somebody like the Jets

I understand the expectations placed on prospects but sometimes it makes me sick. A player’s success or lack of success in the NFL hinges on so many factors that are outside of his control. Successful teams look at a player’s skill set, determine if he fits into their system, draft him and then develop him. Unsuccessful teams draft a random player and simply hope that he is a pro bowler from day one without any need for coaching, development, etc.