Jake Coker

Mitch

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I know there is a thread going right now---but I wanted to highlight three extraordinary things about Jake Coker: (1) 14-0 as starter; (2) he is still under the radar even in post-draft shows; (3) his play in the playoffs.

To me, I cannot believe Jake Coker has been so under the radar---especially in light of the way he performed in the NCAA playoffs and Championship Game. He was highly efficient, poised and productive versus excellent defenses. He went 14-0 for crying out loud---and Bama lost the one game he didn't start.

Just last night I am watching ESPN's Draft Grades Special and when they got to the UDFA segment, they only listed two notable UDFA QBs: Vernon Adams and Mike Bercovici.

Watching this Wisconsin tape---again versus a very good defense---and let's not forget this was the first game of the season---his setups were textbook, he was very poised and highly efficient. Plus, even though the announcers keep saying Coker 'is not a runner," he showed good feet, save one of the sacks where he didn't feel the pressure soon enough and tried too late to escape. Big, strong and tough---just the way BA likes his QBs.

Then fast forward to Bama's three playoff games:

1. SEC Championship vs. Florida

If any of you watched Florida's defense this year---they were the best defense in the country.

Bama wins this game 29-15 and Coker goes 18/26, 69.2%, 204 yards, 2-0 TD- INT.

2. The Cotton Bowl (National Semi-Final) versus Michigan St.

Bama wins 38-0.

Coker goes 25/30, 83.2%, 286 yards, 2-0 TD-INT

3. The National Championship Game versus #1 Clemson

Bama wins 45-40

Coker goes 16/25, 64%, 335 yards, 2-0 TD-INT.

Summary: Versus 3 of the best defenses in the country, needing to win all three games to win the National Championship, Jake Coker passes for a combined:

59/81, 72.8%, 825 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs, averaging 37.3 ppg.

Wow. Just simply, wow!:newcards:
 

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I watched him every game last year & most of what he did was 5-8 yard checkdowns with an occasional deep throw to where WR is double teamed or he's just plain wide open. 14-0 also means nothing me when he had a VERY dominant defense to ride on.

Only thing he has going for him is his ball strength, he's pretty flawed everywhere else.
 
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Mitch

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I watched him every game last year & most of what he did was 5-8 yard checkdowns with an occasional deep throw to where WR is double teamed or he's just plain wide open. 14-0 also means nothing me when he had a VERY dominant defense to ride on.

Only thing he has going for him is his ball strength, he's pretty flawed everywhere else.

This is a highlights tape---but---Coker does some special things and shows, imo, an NFL QB skill set:

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Goldfield

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I know there is a thread going right now---but I wanted to highlight three extraordinary things about Jake Coker: (1) 14-0 as starter; (2) he is still under the radar even in post-draft shows; (3) his play in the playoffs.

To me, I cannot believe Jake Coker has been so under the radar---especially in light of the way he performed in the NCAA playoffs and Championship Game. He was highly efficient, poised and productive versus excellent defenses. He went 14-0 for crying out loud---and Bama lost the one game he didn't start.

Just last night I am watching ESPN's Draft Grades Special and when they got to the UDFA segment, they only listed two notable UDFA QBs: Vernon Adams and Mike Bercovici.

Watching this Wisconsin tape---again versus a very good defense---and let's not forget this was the first game of the season---his setups were textbook, he was very poised and highly efficient. Plus, even though the announcers keep saying Coker 'is not a runner," he showed good feet, save one of the sacks where he didn't feel the pressure soon enough and tried too late to escape. Big, strong and tough---just the way BA likes his QBs.

Then fast forward to Bama's three playoff games:

1. SEC Championship vs. Florida

If any of you watched Florida's defense this year---they were the best defense in the country.

Bama wins this game 29-15 and Coker goes 18/26, 69.2%, 204 yards, 2-0 TD- INT.

2. The Cotton Bowl (National Semi-Final) versus Michigan St.

Bama wins 38-0.

Coker goes 25/30, 83.2%, 286 yards, 2-0 TD-INT

3. The National Championship Game versus #1 Clemson

Bama wins 45-40

Coker goes 16/25, 64%, 335 yards, 2-0 TD-INT.

Summary: Versus 3 of the best defenses in the country, needing to win all three games to win the National Championship, Jake Coker passes for a combined:

59/81, 72.8%, 825 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs, averaging 37.3 ppg.

Wow. Just simply, wow!:newcards:
Some big number in big games. I like the no INTs the most and accuracy. I like his potential. Hope he makes the team.
 

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I like him as well! Played well in the biggest game of his life right there in our stadium. I Can't believe he wasn't drafted. Let's see what Arians and Tom Moore can do with him.
 

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I know there is a thread going right now---but I wanted to highlight three extraordinary things about Jake Coker: (1) 14-0 as starter; (2) he is still under the radar even in post-draft shows; (3) his play in the playoffs.



That's called being an attention ***** around these parts.
 
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Mitch

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One thing i meant to mention that I think is significant too...Jake Coker was elected captain by the Bama players and coaches.

I think case can be made that beyond Goff, Wentz and Lynch...Jake Coker has as much upside as any other QB in this draft.
 

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Byron Leftwich coaching with Cardinals

Former NFL quarterback Byron Leftwich is the latest ex-player Bruce Arians has brought in as a coaching intern. Leftwich, who played for the Jaguars, Falcons, Buccaneers and Steelers during his nine seasons — including working with Arians in Pittsburgh — was helping quarterbacks coach Freddie Kitchens with Jake Coker and Stephen Rivers Friday during rookie minicamp. He also has been out working with the regular roster during the week.

“I love the game,” Leftwich said. “This is just the next transition from player to coach and (Arians) allowed me to come down and be a part of it. I’ll take advantage of it, and we’ll see.”

Leftwich will be with the team throughout the offseason and through training camp.

“After that, we’ll see,” Arians said. “Hopefully I can keep him all year. I think he’s got a great, bright future in coaching.”

Leftwich said Arians didn’t really reach out to him to coach since the two talk frequently anyway.

“There’s no reaching out — we’re always in touch,” Leftwich said with a chuckle. “Opportunity came about.”
Maybe BA does see something in these young guys. Bringing in an ex-NFL QB to help is interesting.
 

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The layman's argument against Coker:

The NFL is pretty efficient in identifying QBs - especially ones from high profile programs. Throw in the fact that Coker has size and a good enough arm -- it makes you wonder why he goes undrafted. Clearly, NFL scouts from 32 teams think something material is missing. By comparison-- Matt Cassell got drafted for goodness sake.

Why Coker has a chance: the NFL is efficient, but not perfect. Also-- Coker in an identical situation probably gets drafted last year due to fewer QBs. No tape until his senior year-- and a guy who spent the first 8 games of his sole season in the caretaker role. And just to dream the big dream -- a little like Tom Brady in that he takes a winding road to starting one year for a major program and fell in the draft.
 
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Mitch

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The layman's argument against Coker:

The NFL is pretty efficient in identifying QBs - especially ones from high profile programs. Throw in the fact that Coker has size and a good enough arm -- it makes you wonder why he goes undrafted. Clearly, NFL scouts from 32 teams think something material is missing. By comparison-- Matt Cassell got drafted for goodness sake.

Why Coker has a chance: the NFL is efficient, but not perfect. Also-- Coker in an identical situation probably gets drafted last year due to fewer QBs. No tape until his senior year-- and a guy who spent the first 8 games of his sole season in the caretaker role. And just to dream the big dream -- a little like Tom Brady in that he takes a winding road to starting one year for a major program and fell in the draft.

Good points, karma.

It didn't help him that he wasn't invited to the Combine and that he couldn't work out at Bama's Pro Day because of a toe injury. As a result, it may have been a boon for the Cardinals and Coker that MB&BA&SK saw him play impressively at U of P in the NCAA Championship Game.
 

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Good points, karma.

It didn't help him that he wasn't invited to the Combine and that he couldn't work out at Bama's Pro Day because of a toe injury. As a result, it may have been a boon for the Cardinals and Coker that MB&BA&SK saw him play impressively at U of P in the NCAA Championship Game.



He may have been a victim of the Bama stigma as well....we saw several of their top players fall on draft day after very lofty expectations..... the NFL is finally starting to see what many of us out here know...Bama's coaching staff is excellent and they maximize their talent...... one might expect a QB with all of the measurables, while surrounded by top talent..to put up all world type numbers.
However...one could argue that over the years Bama's quarterbacks have been "just enough".. and perhaps the QB coaching tree there is not as solid as the coaching on both lines.
A.J. McCarron was drafted..... A.J. McCarron has not set the NFL on fire..... Coker sat behind A.J. McCarron..... thus... Coker will not set the NFL on fire.... it is a semi logical train of thought
however it does not and cannot factor in "IT"...and the fire lit in a guys belly when he sees a life long dream slipping away.
If Coker has "IT"...and that fire.... we may have found a winner
If not....oh well,...he was free.....
 

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the check is in the mail

If you have nothing nice to say why say anything? Nobody really wants to read your insults especially not towards someone who puts so much of his time in this board like Mitch does. Unbeliveable.
 

KANIDJA

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He may have been a victim of the Bama stigma as well....we saw several of their top players fall on draft day after very lofty expectations..... the NFL is finally starting to see what many of us out here know...Bama's coaching staff is excellent and they maximize their talent...... one might expect a QB with all of the measurables, while surrounded by top talent..to put up all world type numbers.
However...one could argue that over the years Bama's quarterbacks have been "just enough".. and perhaps the QB coaching tree there is not as solid as the coaching on both lines.
A.J. McCarron was drafted..... A.J. McCarron has not set the NFL on fire..... Coker sat behind A.J. McCarron..... thus... Coker will not set the NFL on fire.... it is a semi logical train of thought
however it does not and cannot factor in "IT"...and the fire lit in a guys belly when he sees a life long dream slipping away.
If Coker has "IT"...and that fire.... we may have found a winner
If not....oh well,...he was free.....


Why so many ..... Hard to read. Did not read. Does not want to read it. Stop being all about yourself and actually post something insightful.
........................
 
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WisconsinCard

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One thing i meant to mention that I think is significant too...Jake Coker was elected captain by the Bama players and coaches.

I think case can be made that beyond Goff, Wentz and Lynch...Jake Coker has as much upside as any other QB in this draft.

I think the issue with him is he doesn't process info very well or fast enough. Nothing that some good NFL coaching and film study couldn't improve. I would love to see Kurt Warner spend some time with this kid, and show him what film study is all about. I could see him as a Mike Glennon type, in that I mean, he would need to sit and learn for 2 or 3 years. For the record I think Glennon is a back up at best. Just my two cents.

Edit: I see him now as John Skelton type, has some tools to work with, just not sure he has it upstairs.
 
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I think the issue with him is he doesn't process info very well or fast enough. Nothing that some good NFL coaching and film study couldn't improve. I would love to see Kurt Warner spend some time with this kid, and show him what film study is all about. I could see him as a Mike Glennon type, in that I mean, he would need to sit and learn for 2 or 3 years. For the record I think Glennon is a back up at best. Just my two cents.

Edit: I see him now as John Skelton type, has some tools to work with, just not sure he has it upstairs.

If this really is the problem, this is not fixable. If he can't process info fast enough in college, the speed of the game in the NFL will destroy his prospects.
 
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Mitch

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I think the issue with him is he doesn't process info very well or fast enough. Nothing that some good NFL coaching and film study couldn't improve. I would love to see Kurt Warner spend some time with this kid, and show him what film study is all about. I could see him as a Mike Glennon type, in that I mean, he would need to sit and learn for 2 or 3 years. For the record I think Glennon is a back up at best. Just my two cents.

Edit: I see him now as John Skelton type, has some tools to work with, just not sure he has it upstairs.

How then did he thrive in Bama's pro system offense? Why then was he voted a captain? How could he play so poised, error-free and super efficiently in the three make or break games versus Florida, Michigan St. and Clemson under the intense coaching of Lane Kiffen and Nick Saban?

I ask these questions in all due respect because i always value your opinions, WCard. I am eager to read your answers.
 

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For the third spot on the roster you can see Coker as a fit but not a lot of consideration for Rivers. Unfortunately the odd man out is currently on the roster.
 

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For the third spot on the roster you can see Coker as a fit but not a lot of consideration for Rivers. Unfortunately the odd man out is currently on the roster.

BA loves his system...and in the end the guy who knows his system best will be the guy who sticks in most cases. Barkley has the advantage over both Coker and Rivers.... he also has a relationship with the current starter.
I see it as most likely that Barkley starts the season as #3 while Coker starts the season on the PS
 

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How then did he thrive in Bama's pro system offense? Why then was he voted a captain? How could he play so poised, error-free and super efficiently in the three make or break games versus Florida, Michigan St. and Clemson under the intense coaching of Lane Kiffen and Nick Saban?

I ask these questions in all due respect because i always value your opinions, WCard. I am eager to read your answers.

If he is so slow that is a non starter but an Alabama roster forgives a lot of weaknesses.
 
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