KB21
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- Joined
- Dec 26, 2001
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When Nick Saban and his offensive staff sit down before the draft and discuss the quarterback situation, these are the two questions that I believe will come up.
First, Can AJ be a good starting quarterback in the NFL? I think the answer to this question is yes. AJ has the physical skills to be a good starting quarterback in the NFL and simply lacks experienced and a structured offense at this point.
Second, Can AJ be a great starting quarterback in the NFL? This is where I don't think anyone can answer with a definitive yes, and this may turn out to be the biggest issue over whether the Dolphins decide to draft Aaron Rodgers or if they decide to go another route with either Braylon Edwards or Cadillac Williams.
No one really knows whether or not Aaron Rodgers can be a great quarterback in the NFL. The key is though, he hasn't given anyone a reason to believe that he can't be a great quarterback in the NFL. I think, despite his limited experience, AJ has shown some things that make you believe that his upside is at the good level, not the great level.
Nick Saban made it clear at his presser that he wants a quarterback that can make plays. This is a stark contrast from the Wannstedt and Johnson years, where they wanted a quarterback that wouldn't turn the ball over. While Nick wants to limit turnovers, the emphasis will be put back on the ability to make plays at this position. The question is, will Nick settle for a good quarterback, or will he take the chance on getting a great quarterback.
The drawback is that Miami will have used a 1st and 2nd round pick on quarterbacks if they choose to draft Rodgers, but Nick wasn't the decision maker in that situation. He can't base his decisions now on what Rick Spielman did last year. He's got to look at the body of work he has in the present and make decisions based on that.
The decisions made at this position is ultimately why Dave Wannstedt failed as the Dolphins head coach, and it is very likely why Jimmy Johnson lost the desire to continue coaching in 1999. Ironically, the toughest decision Nick Saban has to deal with is the quarterback situation, and it might just be this decision that everyone looks back on in five years to say "that's the reason Nick has had great success", or "that is the reason Nick Saban hasn't done as well as expected."
If I were making this decision, I'd choose to go with the quarterback at the #2 pick. I want a great quarterback. I don't want a situation where I have to rely on the talent around my quarterback for him to be successful. If the opportunity to get a great quarterback presents itself, that is an opportunity I wouldn't pass on.
I like A.J. Feeley. Had Miami won against Baltimore and dropped to the 7th pick, I would make the decision to stick with AJ Feeley and improve the talent around him. At this point though, it looks like a very good possibility that Miami will have the opportunity to get themselves a potentially great young quarterback, and as I have said, I simply couldn't pass on that opportunity.
I figured this subject would be more intellgently discussed in this forum rather than the main board.
First, Can AJ be a good starting quarterback in the NFL? I think the answer to this question is yes. AJ has the physical skills to be a good starting quarterback in the NFL and simply lacks experienced and a structured offense at this point.
Second, Can AJ be a great starting quarterback in the NFL? This is where I don't think anyone can answer with a definitive yes, and this may turn out to be the biggest issue over whether the Dolphins decide to draft Aaron Rodgers or if they decide to go another route with either Braylon Edwards or Cadillac Williams.
No one really knows whether or not Aaron Rodgers can be a great quarterback in the NFL. The key is though, he hasn't given anyone a reason to believe that he can't be a great quarterback in the NFL. I think, despite his limited experience, AJ has shown some things that make you believe that his upside is at the good level, not the great level.
Nick Saban made it clear at his presser that he wants a quarterback that can make plays. This is a stark contrast from the Wannstedt and Johnson years, where they wanted a quarterback that wouldn't turn the ball over. While Nick wants to limit turnovers, the emphasis will be put back on the ability to make plays at this position. The question is, will Nick settle for a good quarterback, or will he take the chance on getting a great quarterback.
The drawback is that Miami will have used a 1st and 2nd round pick on quarterbacks if they choose to draft Rodgers, but Nick wasn't the decision maker in that situation. He can't base his decisions now on what Rick Spielman did last year. He's got to look at the body of work he has in the present and make decisions based on that.
The decisions made at this position is ultimately why Dave Wannstedt failed as the Dolphins head coach, and it is very likely why Jimmy Johnson lost the desire to continue coaching in 1999. Ironically, the toughest decision Nick Saban has to deal with is the quarterback situation, and it might just be this decision that everyone looks back on in five years to say "that's the reason Nick has had great success", or "that is the reason Nick Saban hasn't done as well as expected."
If I were making this decision, I'd choose to go with the quarterback at the #2 pick. I want a great quarterback. I don't want a situation where I have to rely on the talent around my quarterback for him to be successful. If the opportunity to get a great quarterback presents itself, that is an opportunity I wouldn't pass on.
I like A.J. Feeley. Had Miami won against Baltimore and dropped to the 7th pick, I would make the decision to stick with AJ Feeley and improve the talent around him. At this point though, it looks like a very good possibility that Miami will have the opportunity to get themselves a potentially great young quarterback, and as I have said, I simply couldn't pass on that opportunity.
I figured this subject would be more intellgently discussed in this forum rather than the main board.