Why not Ryan Mallett?

[Krangodnzr]

I've heard plenty of arguments against drafting Ryan Mallett on this board. But I keep going back and watching film of Mallett and I can't convince myself that he wouldn't be a great pick if the team upgrades the offensive line.

Arguments for Ryan Mallett:

1) The Cardinals are a passing team through and through.

Always have been and always will be IMO. And in the modern NFL this isn't a negative; to win in this league you have to be a very competent passing team. John Skelton showed some skills, but

2) Ryan Mallett has some special skills

Ryan Mallett has all the big league skills you look for in an NFL QB: Arm strength, accuracy, field vision, leadership. Just watch any highlight reel of Mallett and you'll see him hit wide receivers down the field in stride and you see him put the ball where only receiver can catch the ball. Also watch him on play action. IMO he executes play action fakes better than any Cardinal QB in recent memory. He also throws the ball accurately on the move, which is unexpected for such a tall QB.

Whisenhunt will love his attitude. He's a fiery leader who loves playing football and has a team first attitude. I think this may be his most underrated quality; watch how his teammates react to him and you'll see the believe in him. He is the anti-Leinart.

3) Whisenhunt is a better coach with good QB play

At times last season, Whisenhunt's playcalling was questionable. But that was rarely the case in his first three seasons at the helm. A good QB loosens up Whisenhunt's grip on the playbook. Ryan Mallett IMO has a better arm than any QB the Cardinals have had, and his accuracy would only be bested by Warner.

4) Good QBs take you far in the playoffs.

It's almost a rule now: You have to have elite QB play to make it far in the playoffs. What's more likely to happen: John Skelton becomes and elite QB or Ryan Mallett?

These are just a few of the points I'd like to make against those arguing against taking Mallett. I'm not necessarily advocating drafting him, I just think he might be someone to consider and a player the Cardinals might be targeting.

I still believe that we should trade for Orton and get a top defender. My main concern with drafting Mallett is that I think we'd need to protect him better than other QBs we've had.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OurYaWeYlQw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKxI0g0p9-w&NR=1

 

[ARodg]

I like Mallet a lot, I think he has a lot of POTENTIAL. The key with Mallet will be proper development.

His form isn't the best. He's not Tebow bad, but his motion, especially his feet are not the best. That's not going to get better in the NFL without some serious work. He was extremely well protected in college so I'd be hesitant to say it might not be worse than it seems.

The system is not a pro system. There will always be the accusation of "System Quarterback" hanging over a lot of these kid's heads.

The accuracy on the short and medium throws isn't always there. He's inconsistent.

The unholy triumverate of: Struggles to make reads, questionable accuracy, and bad throwing motion, is never a good sign for a high ranked QB.

Combine with his size and arm strength he has the potential to be a burn out (Jamarcus Russel) or a very good QB (Roethlinsberger)

 

[Evil Ash]

Lets see

Bad attitude, trainwreck footwork, only a 1 read offense (and he isn't always good reading that), chokes during big games, relies too heavily on his arm, will be turnover prone at the next level.

Besides all that, he's the ideal QB

 

[Chopper0080]

My stopping point on Mallet is his complete lack of mobility. It seems more and more that the quickest way to fail in the NFL is having bad feet. Every successful QB in today's NFL has good mobility, and can maneuver in the pocket. Even the most immobile of successful QB's today, Peyton Manning, has good enough feet to shuffle, set and throw very quickly. Mallet moves like he has cement shoes on, and I don't think that he can succeed against the blitzes he will see in the NFL.

 

[Unsterblich856]

There really isn't much that separates Ryan Mallett from Derek Anderson. Why not Mallett? He's the type of QB that almost never works out.

 

[DoTheDew]

My main concern with Mallet is that he is not good at avoiding the pass rush. With the amount of pressure our passing scheme and poor blocking allows, he'll be on his back more then he'll be making good plays. If Ohio State can knock him down as much as they did, think of what will happen to him against an NFL defense behind our line.

 

[Zeno]

If those rumors of marijuana and cocaine use are true I wouldn't touch him in any round.

 

[Krangodnzr]

There really isn't much that separates Ryan Mallett from Derek Anderson. Why not Mallett? He's the type of QB that almost never works out.

Except Mallett is accurate.

The only thing that makes him anything like Anderson is that he is tall.

Watch the highlight reel or any of his games for that matter; he makes throws you never saw Anderson make at any level.

 

[Krangodnzr]

My main concern with Mallet is that he is not good at avoiding the pass rush. With the amount of pressure our passing scheme and poor blocking allows, he'll be on his back more then he'll be making good plays. If Ohio State can knock him down as much as they did, think of what will happen to him against an NFL defense behind our line.

I don't know, when I've watched him play I was surprised at how well he moved in the pocket and avoided the rush.

Kurt Warner got hit a lot his time here, and yet our offense was very successful. I think that's an underrated problem with this team, our offensive line is abysmal.

 

[kerouac9]

What you say about Mallett's leadership is pretty much the opposite of everything that I've heard from the press about Mallett.

If you want to trade down seven to ten spots and hope that Mallett's still there, then I'm all for it. But taking Mallett at 5 is the definition of reaching for a player because you need one.

 

[Southpaw]

It's not as if the Cards haven't blown 1st round picks in the past. Strongly believe in BPA this high in the draft, but whatever,.... roll the dice on a QB ( ABCN ).

 

[az jam]

What you say about Mallett's leadership is pretty much the opposite of everything that I've heard from the press about Mallett.

If you want to trade down seven to ten spots and hope that Mallett's still there, then I'm all for it. But taking Mallett at 5 is the definition of reaching for a player because you need one.

Agree. I like Gabbert and Newton over Mallett but don't think any of them is worth the 5th pick in the draft.

 

[desertdawg]

Newton and Gabbert are better fits for the Cards. Mallet can't move, and we he does, thats when the bad stuff happens. Newton has a lot to learn, but is huge and quick. Gabbert is a smart dude, not as mobile as Newton, but he did impress me.

I had Mallet over Gabbert, then I watched them play in some crunch time scenarios (which I like better than combines, stats,wonderlicks(?), and scouts. Gabbert showed the leadership and non-chokage that will most likely show up on a NFL field. I still think Newton will have the most success out of this draft, but yall know how I feel.

 

[D-Dogg]

I don't want to draft Cam at #5 but would rather have Cam than Mallet, no questions.

 

[john h]

I've heard plenty of arguments against drafting Ryan Mallett on this board. But I keep going back and watching film of Mallett and I can't convince myself that he wouldn't be a great pick if the team upgrades the offensive line.

Arguments for Ryan Mallett:

1) The Cardinals are a passing team through and through.

Always have been and always will be IMO. And in the modern NFL this isn't a negative; to win in this league you have to be a very competent passing team. John Skelton showed some skills, but

2) Ryan Mallett has some special skills

Ryan Mallett has all the big league skills you look for in an NFL QB: Arm strength, accuracy, field vision, leadership. Just watch any highlight reel of Mallett and you'll see him hit wide receivers down the field in stride and you see him put the ball where only receiver can catch the ball. Also watch him on play action. IMO he executes play action fakes better than any Cardinal QB in recent memory. He also throws the ball accurately on the move, which is unexpected for such a tall QB.

Whisenhunt will love his attitude. He's a fiery leader who loves playing football and has a team first attitude. I think this may be his most underrated quality; watch how his teammates react to him and you'll see the believe in him. He is the anti-Leinart.

3) Whisenhunt is a better coach with good QB play

At times last season, Whisenhunt's playcalling was questionable. But that was rarely the case in his first three seasons at the helm. A good QB loosens up Whisenhunt's grip on the playbook. Ryan Mallett IMO has a better arm than any QB the Cardinals have had, and his accuracy would only be bested by Warner.

4) Good QBs take you far in the playoffs.

It's almost a rule now: You have to have elite QB play to make it far in the playoffs. What's more likely to happen: John Skelton becomes and elite QB or Ryan Mallett?

These are just a few of the points I'd like to make against those arguing against taking Mallett. I'm not necessarily advocating drafting him, I just think he might be someone to consider and a player the Cardinals might be targeting.

I still believe that we should trade for Orton and get a top defender. My main concern with drafting Mallett is that I think we'd need to protect him better than other QBs we've had.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OurYaWeYlQw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKxI0g0p9-w&NR=1

I have watched every game Mallet has played since coming to Arkansas. I am a certified homer. That being said I think he will be a starting QB in the pros in two years. Some say he may have personal problems. That is nonsense. The fans in Arkansas love the guy. He will be a coaches dream. Very good at reading the defenses and checking off. No stronger arm in college or the pros. He can make any throw required and set a lot of records at Arkansas and some in the SEC. I doubt we will draft him but you never know.

 

[ARodg]

I have watched every game Mallet has played since coming to Arkansas. I am a certified homer. That being said I think he will be a starting QB in the pros in two years. Some say he may have personal problems. That is nonsense. The fans in Arkansas love the guy. He will be a coaches dream. Very good at reading the defenses and checking off. No stronger arm in college or the pros. He can make any throw required and set a lot of records at Arkansas and some in the SEC. I doubt we will draft him but you never know.

Admittedly, I haven't watched a ton of Mallet, but I've seen very little of him making reads. The system he's in limits the amound of reading the defense he has to do.

 

[ARodg]

Good read on Mallet

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Is-Ryan-Mallett-worth-a-firstround-pick.html

 

[Diamondback Jay]

I'm going to go on record and say this.. Others are much higher on Mallett than I am. Granted, he has the physical tools to kill for. He's got a big time arm, has been fairly accurate this season (he has a 67 percent completion rate this year, which is damn impressive considering the level of competition he's played against) and has averaged over 10 yards a completion. He's capable of making all the throws in the world and has good size, and is physically tough.

Now for the knocks.

First, he has major off field concerns. Wes Bunting of National Football Post recently spoke with an NFL scout, who was quoted as saying "I got stuff on Mallett that no one even knows about, and I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole." The most KNOWN of the off-field issues is that he has been known to be found at the clubs when he should have been in the film room. Supposedly, there's more that are "not public knowledge."

Second, he's dumb as a box of rocks. In fact, I just recieved a letter from the Box of Rocks' legal council telling me to refrain from comparing them to someone as stupid as Mallett. When it's said and done, he may make Vince Young's Wonderlic score look high by the time he takes the test. Decision making has ALWAYS been in question with him.

On field? His footwork sucks, he's got the mobility of an offensive tackle on a 40 and over flag football team; and his release is dreadfully slow.

Then, you throw in the Bobby Petrino factor, and the fact that Petrino has a piss poor history of developing quarterbacks for the next level. The names Dave Raggone, Brian Brohm, Chris Redman and Stefan LeFors will elicit more groans than praise when talking to NFL fans. Perhaps it's the play calling, perhaps it's the coach, however with Mallett one automatically winds up with questions as to whether Mallett isn't just another system QB of Petrino's who will flop on the next level.

For comparison's sense?

Best Case Scenario: Jay Cutler/ Kerry Collins
Worst Case Scenario: A more immature Derek Anderson

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Also, while on the topic, I'd take Jake Locker, Cam Newton, Pat Devlin or Ricky Stansi or Andy Dalton far before I'd consider taking Mallett. Hell, I'd be half tempted to take the kid from Nevada before Mallett.

 

[john h]

Admittedly, I haven't watched a ton of Mallet, but I've seen very little of him making reads. The system he's in limits the amound of reading the defense he has to do.

Admittedly he is no Eli Manning but he has a lot of his mannerisms. When they come to the line of scrimmage he is constantly on the move up an down the line telling the players what to do and who is coming from where. Very good compared to last year at going through his progression until he finds the open man. He will stand in there and take the hit in order to get the ball off to the right receiver. He can fit balls into tight spots in the center of the filed even when guys are well covered due to his arm. He has learned how to put the right loft on the ball on the deep throws. Needs some footwork coaching. With his 6'8" height he has a quick over the top release. He is not a running QB but can throw on the run either to the left or right. I think 2 years as a backup and he is ready to go in the NFL. I think he goes in the first 10-15 drafted at this point. This could go up or down after the draft. I watched a lot of J. Cutler when he was at Vanderbilt and to me at this stage Mallet looks much better and more coach-able. Definitely has leadership qualities and was named offensive player of the week several times in the SEC. His improvement from last year to this year was enormous and with it came confidence. I have seen him rated has the best QB in the draft to a second round pick. This means nothing as it will be the teams who do all the real research and watch all the films that will decide just how NFL ready he is.

 

[ARodg]

I'm going to go on record and say this.. Others are much higher on Mallett than I am. Granted, he has the physical tools to kill for. He's got a big time arm, has been fairly accurate this season (he has a 67 percent completion rate this year, which is damn impressive considering the level of competition he's played against) and has averaged over 10 yards a completion. He's capable of making all the throws in the world and has good size, and is physically tough.

Now for the knocks.

First, he has major off field concerns. Wes Bunting of National Football Post recently spoke with an NFL scout, who was quoted as saying "I got stuff on Mallett that no one even knows about, and I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole." The most KNOWN of the off-field issues is that he has been known to be found at the clubs when he should have been in the film room. Supposedly, there's more that are "not public knowledge."

Second, he's dumb as a box of rocks. In fact, I just recieved a letter from the Box of Rocks' legal council telling me to refrain from comparing them to someone as stupid as Mallett. When it's said and done, he may make Vince Young's Wonderlic score look high by the time he takes the test. Decision making has ALWAYS been in question with him.

On field? His footwork sucks, he's got the mobility of an offensive tackle on a 40 and over flag football team; and his release is dreadfully slow.

Then, you throw in the Bobby Petrino factor, and the fact that Petrino has a piss poor history of developing quarterbacks for the next level. The names Dave Raggone, Brian Brohm, Chris Redman and Stefan LeFors will elicit more groans than praise when talking to NFL fans. Perhaps it's the play calling, perhaps it's the coach, however with Mallett one automatically winds up with questions as to whether Mallett isn't just another system QB of Petrino's who will flop on the next level.

For comparison's sense?

Best Case Scenario: Jay Cutler/ Kerry Collins
Worst Case Scenario: A more immature Derek Anderson

I just heard another (unfounded) rumor about Mallet that has me running scared. Says the guy occasionaly did cocaine while at Arkansas.

I have little problem with guys doing marijuana, but cocaine's an entirely different animal.

 

[ARodg]

Admittedly he is no Eli Manning but he has a lot of his mannerisms. When they come to the line of scrimmage he is constantly on the move up an down the line telling the players what to do and who is coming from where. Very good compared to last year at going through his progression until he finds the open man. He will stand in there and take the hit in order to get the ball off to the right receiver. He can fit balls into tight spots in the center of the filed even when guys are well covered due to his arm. He has learned how to put the right loft on the ball on the deep throws. Needs some footwork coaching. With his 6'8" height he has a quick over the top release. He is not a running QB but can throw on the run either to the left or right. I think 2 years as a backup and he is ready to go in the NFL. I think he goes in the first 10-15 drafted at this point. This could go up or down after the draft. I watched a lot of J. Cutler when he was at Vanderbilt and to me at this stage Mallet looks much better and more coach-able. Definitely has leadership qualities and was named offensive player of the week several times in the SEC. His improvement from last year to this year was enormous and with it came confidence. I have seen him rated has the best QB in the draft to a second round pick. This means nothing as it will be the teams who do all the real research and watch all the films that will decide just how NFL ready he is.

You see him as being willing to take a hit.
I see it as being incapable of avoiding the rush due to sloppy footwork.

You see him able to fit the ball into tight spaces.
I see it as bad reads/decisions and inconsistent accuracy despite the high completion percentage.

We just see him differently I guess.

I agree he has the tools to be a good QB given the proper time to develop (Aaron Rodgers) but I don't see people as being willing to wait for that development to occur, causing him to be pushed into the starting role too early. That screams crash and burn to me.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Well I think you are all wrong and frankly haven't watched much of Mallett.

Cam Newton can run, but he doesn't have 1/4 of Mallett's passing ability. And Newton likely won't be running like he does in college in the pros. Not to say that I don't like Newton, but he doesn't excel at the primary task asked of him. In fact he's a subpar passer.

Gabbert looks great; but the guy doesn't throw anything down field. He is the quintessential spread, dink and dunk QB. He doesn't have Mallett's size, nor does he have his arm strength. He also didn't play the same competition that Mallett did. The SEC West is vastly superior to the Big 12. IMO the Big 12 is a step away from being a joke. Other than Texas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 is about on par with the MWC or WAC.

I watch Mallett and I don't see nearly as many concerns as what a lot of you are saying. He throws very well on the run. He throws absolute lasers downfield, under duress into tight windows that only his receiver can catch. None of the other top QB's in this draft can hold his jock as a pure passer. I think most of you are wrong on Mallett, and I'm not afraid to be the only one other than John H who likes him.

Write this down for future posterity: Ryan Mallett will be the best QB in the draft. Cam Newton will be Young 2.0 or a poor man's Michael Vick Atlanta version. Blaine Gabbert will be a perrenial tease, not quite enough to win the big one, and will struggle to learn a real offense.

 

[ARodg]

Well I think you are all wrong and frankly haven't watched much of Mallett.

Cam Newton can run, but he doesn't have 1/4 of Mallett's passing ability. And Newton likely won't be running like he does in college in the pros. Not to say that I don't like Newton, but he doesn't excel at the primary task asked of him. In fact he's a subpar passer.

Gabbert looks great; but the guy doesn't throw anything down field. He is the quintessential spread, dink and dunk QB. He doesn't have Mallett's size, nor does he have his arm strength. He also didn't play the same competition that Mallett did. The SEC West is vastly superior to the Big 12. IMO the Big 12 is a step away from being a joke. Other than Texas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 is about on par with the MWC or WAC.

I watch Mallett and I don't see nearly as many concerns as what a lot of you are saying. He throws very well on the run. He throws absolute lasers downfield, under duress into tight windows that only his receiver can catch. None of the other top QB's in this draft can hold his jock as a pure passer. I think most of you are wrong on Mallett, and I'm not afraid to be the only one other than John H who likes him.

Write this down for future posterity: Ryan Mallett will be the best QB in the draft. Cam Newton will be Young 2.0 or a poor man's Michael Vick Atlanta version. Blaine Gabbert will be a perrenial tease, not quite enough to win the big one, and will struggle to learn a real offense.

There's a huge difference between being the best QB in this historically awful QB draft, and being worth the #5 pick. Every QB in this draft is awful. Gabbert will probably be taken in the first round because someone will get desperate and draft position over BPA.

You will never convince me that the Cards should take a QB at #5.

 

[Krangodnzr]

What you say about Mallett's leadership is pretty much the opposite of everything that I've heard from the press about Mallett.

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefoo...rprise-for-Arkansas-football-teammates-091710

Not according to his teammates. All bullcrap based on his unhappy times as a brash young kid on a sinking ship (Michigan)

Here's a breakdown from a former pro scout on Mallett:

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=63&f=1554&t=7092481

If you want to trade down seven to ten spots and hope that Mallett's still there, then I'm all for it. But taking Mallett at 5 is the definition of reaching for a player because you need one.[/QUOTE]

Based on who's assessment? Mel Kiper? Some other draftnik?

Even then, most analysts have Mallett going around the top ten. If you like a player, take them. Don't be a ***** and care what anyone thinks. Besides, if Mallett becomes a good player, he'll have much more of an impact than Peterson, Quinn, Bowers, etc.

I admire the Jaguars last year when they drafted Tyson Alualu. If you believe in your draftboard, and you have a guy highly rated, who gives a rat's ass what anyone things. I remember when I was very sure that a slow wide receiver we drafted in the 2nd round was going to be our best offensive player and I was ridiculed for it. The last QB I liked as much as Mallett that the Cardinals could draft was Philip Rivers, and many on the board didn't like him much.