Mailbag: McPherson is far more of a risk than Clarett
Mailbag: McPherson is far more of a risk than Clarett
April 14, 2005
Dan Pompei
Sporting News
I don't understand why you don't think Adrian McPherson would be a good late-round pick for the Cowboys or any team. You say his playing ability has not justified the hype he has received, but this guy was a Mr. Football of his state in high school and Mr. Basketball. He showed some things when he did get the chance to play at FSU.
Plus, last year in the Arena League he had 65 touchdowns to five interceptions. It might not be the NFL, but that to me is pretty good in any league. He also had a good showing at the Combine and in his private workout. Yeah, he has some baggage, but so does Maurice Clarett, who you say has considerable potential under his prospect analysis.
So why take a chance on Clarett, who didn't even play anywhere last two years and had some legal issues himself? Plus, his Combine workout was a bust after walking off the field after his slow time in the 40. And why do you not take a chance on McPherson in the late rounds?
I am not saying McPherson is or isn't going to be a star, but with a weak QB class compared to other years, he could be worth the risk in the late rounds.
-- Frank Rudolf,
Monticello, Iowa
Frank:
If I were doing the drafting, I wouldn't touch McPherson because of the character concerns. It isn't fair to compare McPherson's baggage with Clarett's baggage. There is baggage, and then there is baggage.
Let's review: McPherson was charged with gambling on his own team's games. He was charged with stealing a blank check and cashing it. He was kicked off his college team. Clarett might not be Mother Theresa, but he is not a criminal. Furthermore, McPherson is far from a sure thing at quarterback, as some have made him out to be. He barely played at Florida State, having failed to beat out Chris Rix, a quarterback who might not get drafted.
I don't want to hear about what McPherson did in the Arena League. In the 19-team league, 15 quarterbacks who made the minimum number of attempts completed a higher percentage of their passes. Seven threw for more yards per game. And three had a better passer rating. No one is talking about Mark Grieg, Tony Graziani or Clint Dolezel about being the next Michael Vick, are they? They outperformed McPherson in nearly every category.
At this point, McPherson is more of an athlete than a quarterback and didn't test anywhere near as spectacularly at the Combine as some thought he might. At best, he is a developmental prospect with some interesting tools. But in my estimation, developmental prospects aren't worth your time unless you can trust them.
Dan: