Why not Ryan Mallett?

[Krangodnzr]

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.

I would say this draft was much better than last year's draft.

Other than Bradford, last year's QBs were abysmal. Tebow has shown some flashes, but he has a long way to go. Clausen is terrible; he showed absolutely nothing to change the thought that he can't be a good QB. He's hot garbage.

Colt McCoy? Doo doo. He had his moments, but he'll likely never be more than a caretaker QB.

Mallett Grades out better than all of them other than Bradford. So does Newton and Gabbert. This partially due to the nature of the current NFL: there is a shortage of good QB play, and good QB play is the difference between good teams and bad teams for the most part.

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

This thread might make you feel otherwise, but I'm not convinced that taking a QB is the right decision. IMO it hinges on the Cardinals adding a fairly young veteran QB (Orton or Smith). If we add a Bulger or McNabb, I might be more inclined to roll the dice since neither will be on the team for long.

So thread is more aimed at creating a debate on a prospect that many on this board completely dismiss. IMO Mallett is a solid prospect for this team, even though I'd rather take Quinn or trade down and pick up Houston. Of course this may all change with workouts and the Senior Bowl/Shrine game.

 

[kerouac9]

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.

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.[/QUOTE]

I'm excited that his head coach and one wide receiver (you know, one of those guys who he has to get the ball to) are willing to step up to a national reporter and say something nice.

Not impressed with some message board guy pretending to be an NFL Scout. Kevin Weidl? The 2008 Indiana (PA) QB? Since when is he an NFL scout?

I don't like ANY of the QBs in this draft at #5. I'd prefer to trade down because I don't really believe in any of the guys at positions of need. My preferred guy is Cam Newton, because if he is Vince Young with his head on straight, he's going to be a monster.

 

[desertdawg]

Every QB in this draft is awful.

Yes, that's why they almost had to cancel the college season last year, that's why no QB records were broken, that's why you crack me up.

 

[ARodg]

Yes, that's why they almost had to cancel the college season last year, that's why no QB records were broken, that's why you crack me up.

You know what I mean. If Gabbert is the #1 rated QB on a lot of draft boards, it's a weak class. Luck needed to come out this year to save this class at least QB wise. DLine wise this draft is stacked like nothing I've ever seen before.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Other than being African American and able to run, there's zero comparison between Mike Vick, Vince Young and Cam Newton.

 

[TopGun]

FoxSports.com's Adam Caplan believes Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is "almost certain" to drop out of the first round of this year's draft.
"Wouldn't shock me to see Mallett fall to the third," added Caplan, alluding to the Razorback's "baggage." Quarterbacks with Mallett's arm strength and pedigree rarely free-fall at draft time, but he's already drawing comparisons to Jimmy Clausen and Ryan Leaf for his attitude and personality. Scouts have also called into question his decision-making and ability to read coverages.
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
Feb 8, 9:46:00 PM

 

[Hypothesis]

FoxSports.com's Adam Caplan believes Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is "almost certain" to drop out of the first round of this year's draft.
"Wouldn't shock me to see Mallett fall to the third," added Caplan, alluding to the Razorback's "baggage." Quarterbacks with Mallett's arm strength and pedigree rarely free-fall at draft time, but he's already drawing comparisons to Jimmy Clausen and Ryan Leaf for his attitude and personality. Scouts have also called into question his decision-making and ability to read coverages.
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
Feb 8, 9:46:00 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Christian Ponder go before Mallett in all honesty.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Christian Ponder go before Mallett in all honesty.

I agree and maybe in front of Locker too. I could see Ponder getting drafted at #38.

 

[chickenhead]

There's part of me that thinks this could end up being a very interesting draft where good QB prospects are available in the 2nd and 3rd.

 

[lobo]

If the coaching staff and front office intend to keep there jobs for another year or so they certainly will not go into next season with another amateur hour qb with so called potential....never happen. Yeah, they might go for someone to compete for 3rd string with Hall way down the line but with all the problems don't look for a qb until (if) day 3 of the draft or the following monday.

 

[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 certainly think Mallet is worth a go. Depending on where you look he might be avail in the upper part of round 2. That would be a gamble if you really wanted him. After the workouts by the teams we will have a clearer picture of where he might go.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

I have no problem with spending our highest draft pick on the most important position on the field. My preference is either Newton or Mallett.

 

[Matt L]

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.

Cocaine's a hell of a drug.